The Best Daycare Centers in Garfield, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Garfield. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Garfield
Tiny Treasures Childcare & Preschool
Independent
Tiny Treasures offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation. Their curriculum focuses on social-emotional development, literacy, and STEM activities. The center features certified early childhood educators with low student-teacher ratios, secure entry systems, and modern learning environments with both indoor and outdoor play spaces. They provide nutritious meals and snacks and maintain strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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New Horizon Daycare & Learning Center
Independent
New Horizon provides a structured educational environment with a focus on kindergarten readiness through their comprehensive curriculum that includes literacy development, mathematics, science exploration, and creative arts. The center employs state-licensed teachers with degrees in early childhood education and maintains excellent safety protocols including secured facilities and comprehensive background checks. Their program emphasizes character development and social skills while offering flexible scheduling options for working families in the Garfield area.
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Little Learners Child Development Center
Independent
Little Learners combines Montessori-inspired activities with traditional early childhood education methods to create a balanced learning environment. Their program focuses on individualized learning plans, hands-on exploration, and developmentally appropriate practices. The center features spacious classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and technology-integrated learning stations. Staff includes certified early childhood professionals with ongoing training in child development best practices. They offer comprehensive meal programs and maintain strong safety standards with secure facilities and emergency preparedness protocols.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Garfield, MN
What are the main types of licensed childcare available in Garfield, MN, and how do I find them?
In Garfield and the surrounding Douglas County area, you'll primarily find licensed family childcare homes and childcare centers. Family childcare is often run out of a provider's residence and typically has a smaller group of children, which can offer a more home-like setting. Childcare centers are larger facilities with multiple staff. To find licensed providers, the best resource is the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) "Find Child Care" online search tool. You can filter by location (using Garfield's zip code, 56332), type of care, and age of your child. Additionally, contacting the Douglas County Social Services office or local community hubs like the Garfield Community Center can provide word-of-mouth recommendations, which are very valuable in a smaller community.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Garfield, and are there financial assistance programs?
In Garfield and rural Minnesota, costs are generally lower than in metropolitan areas but can vary. For a licensed family childcare home, you might expect to pay between $150-$225 per week for full-time infant care. A childcare center, if one is available nearby in a larger town like Alexandria, may range from $200-$275 per week. It's crucial to ask what the weekly fee includes (meals, supplies, etc.). For financial assistance, Minnesota's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps eligible families pay for childcare. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (work, school, etc.). You apply through Douglas County Social Services. Also, some local providers may offer sibling discounts.
Are waitlists common for daycare in Garfield, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common, especially for infant care spots, due to limited provider capacity in smaller towns like Garfield. It is strongly recommended to begin your search as early as possible—ideally 6 to 12 months before you need care, or even during pregnancy. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current availability and waitlist process. Some may charge a small fee to hold a spot. Be prepared to get on multiple waitlists, not just in Garfield but also in nearby communities such as Alexandria, Millerville, or Brandon. Persistence and flexibility are key in a rural childcare market.
What are Minnesota's key licensing requirements for childcare providers that I should verify when choosing care in Garfield?
All licensed providers in Minnesota must meet state standards set by DHS. Key things you can and should verify include: 1) **Staff-to-Child Ratios and Capacity:** For example, in a family home, one caregiver can care for up to 10 children with no more than 2 under 24 months. 2) **Background Checks:** All caregivers and household members over 13 in a family home must pass background studies. 3) **Health and Safety Training:** Providers must have training in CPR, First Aid, SIDS prevention, and abusive head trauma. 4) **Annual Licensing Reviews:** You can ask to see the provider's most recent licensing review report. You can also check a provider's licensing status and any past serious violations through the Minnesota DHS website.
Are there part-time, drop-in, or summer-only childcare options available in Garfield for school-age children?
Options for non-traditional or school-age care in Garfield itself are limited but do exist. Some licensed family childcare homes may offer part-time or before/after school care for children attending Garfield Elementary. For summer care, you may need to look to programs in Alexandria, such as the YMCA or community education summer camps, which often provide bus transportation from surrounding areas. Another excellent local resource is the University of Minnesota Extension office in Douglas County, which sometimes organizes 4-H or other youth programs that can supplement care. It's best to inquire with the Garfield school district about any community-sponsored programs and to network with other parents for shared care arrangements.
Childcare Insights for Garfield
Finding a nurturing and reliable childcare environment is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a parent in Garfield, Minnesota. The search for "good daycares near me" is deeply personal, blending practical logistics with the heartfelt need to know your child is safe, happy, and thriving while you're at work. In our close-knit Douglas County community, the good news is that quality often comes with a familiar face and a strong sense of local trust.
Your search in Garfield benefits greatly from our small-town connections. Start by tapping into the most valuable resource available: other local parents. Conversations at the park, after church, or at community events can yield honest, firsthand recommendations that online reviews simply can't match. Ask about their experiences with daily communication, how a provider handled a child's difficult phase, or the flexibility offered during our Minnesota harvest seasons or snowy winter days when schedules can shift. Many excellent in-home licensed daycare providers operate here, often building wonderful, family-style environments that can be gems for early childhood development. Checking with the local Garfield school district can also provide insights, as some providers may have established relationships with preschool programs, ensuring a smoother transition when the time comes.
Given our location, practical considerations take on a local flavor. When visiting potential daycares, inquire about their policies for outdoor playtime. A good daycare in our area will prioritize fresh air, with safe, engaging outdoor spaces for summer fun and age-appropriate winter activities, understanding that embracing all our seasons is part of a healthy childhood. Ask about their emergency preparedness plan, specifically for severe weather common to Minnesota. You'll want to know their protocol for tornado warnings or the substantial snowstorms that can affect pickup times. Furthermore, consider the daily logistics. Is the location conveniently situated for your commute to Alexandria, Fergus Falls, or local farms and businesses? A shorter, more reliable route during our sometimes challenging winter drives can significantly reduce daily stress.
Finally, trust your instincts during a visit. A good daycare in Garfield will feel welcoming and secure. Observe if the children seem genuinely engaged and content. Look for evidence of structured learning and creative play tailored to different ages. Notice how the caregivers interact—are they down on the child’s level, speaking kindly, and responding to needs? Don’t hesitate to ask about their background, ongoing training, and their philosophy on discipline and comfort. The state’s licensing records are publicly available and should be reviewed to ensure compliance and a clean history. Finding the right fit brings immense peace of mind, allowing you to work or manage your day knowing your little one is in a caring, stimulating environment right here in our own community. The investment of time in this search is a profound gift to your child’s early years and your family’s well-being.