The Best Daycare Centers in Garrison, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Garrison. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Garrison
New Horizon Daycare & Learning Center
Independent
New Horizon Daycare & Learning Center is a highly-regarded local facility serving the Garrison community with comprehensive early childhood education programs. The center features a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates literacy development, math readiness, and social-emotional learning. Their qualified teaching staff maintains low child-to-teacher ratios and holds degrees in early childhood education. The facility includes secure indoor learning environments and spacious outdoor play areas with age-appropriate equipment. They emphasize nutritional meal programs and maintain excellent safety protocols with secure entry systems and regular emergency drills. Parents consistently praise the center's warm, family-like atmosphere and strong communication practices.
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Kindercare Learning Centers - Brainerd
Kindercare Education
This Kindercare location in nearby Brainerd serves families throughout the Garrison area with their nationally-recognized early childhood education curriculum. The center implements a balanced learning approach that combines structured academic preparation with creative exploration. Their Early Foundations curriculum focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies while promoting social skills and character development. The facility features dedicated learning centers, secure playgrounds, and modern safety systems. Staff members are CPR and First Aid certified with ongoing professional development requirements. Parents appreciate the center's consistent communication through daily reports and parent-teacher conferences, along with flexible scheduling options for working families.
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Little Blessings Child Care & Preschool
Independent
Little Blessings Child Care & Preschool provides high-quality early childhood education to families in the Brainerd Lakes area, including Garrison residents. The center offers a faith-based educational environment while maintaining strong academic foundations. Their comprehensive curriculum includes phonics-based reading readiness, hands-on mathematics, science exploration, and creative arts. The facility features age-separated classrooms, secure outdoor play spaces, and modern learning materials. Teachers hold early childhood credentials and participate in continuous training. The center is noted for its strong parent partnerships, regular developmental assessments, and emphasis on creating a nurturing, inclusive environment. Safety protocols include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular facility maintenance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Garrison, MN
What are the typical costs for daycare in Garrison, MN, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Garrison and the surrounding Crow Wing County area, daycare costs vary based on the child's age and the type of care. For a full-time infant, you can expect to pay approximately $175-$225 per week. For toddlers and preschoolers, rates typically range from $150-$190 per week. These costs are generally lower than in larger Minnesota metro areas but are consistent with the Brainerd Lakes Region. For financial assistance, Minnesota's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is available for eligible families, administered through Crow Wing County Community Services. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts. It's recommended to contact providers directly for their specific rates and to apply for CCAP through the county to determine eligibility.
How can I find licensed in-home daycare providers versus center-based care in Garrison?
Finding licensed childcare in Garrison involves checking a few key resources. The primary tool is Minnesota's Department of Human Services (DHS) "Find Child Care" online licensing lookup. This database allows you to search by zip code (56441) and filter for Family Child Care (in-home) or Child Care Centers. For a more localized touch, the "Garrison Area" community Facebook pages are often used by providers to announce openings. You can also contact the local resource and referral agency, Child Care Aware of Minnesota, which serves the region. In Garrison, in-home providers are more common than large centers, offering smaller group settings, while center-based care might require a short commute to nearby communities like Brainerd.
Are there long waitlists for daycare in Garrison, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are a common challenge in Garrison and the broader Brainerd Lakes area, especially for infants and toddlers. Due to a limited number of providers and high demand, particularly during the summer tourist season when seasonal workers also seek care, it's not uncommon to encounter waitlists of 6 to 12 months for infant spots. It is strongly advised to begin your search during pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before you need care. Contact multiple providers to get on their lists, and be prepared to check in periodically. Some families find flexibility by considering providers in neighboring towns like Crosby, Ironton, or Brainerd, which may have different availability.
What are the state licensing requirements I should verify for a Garrison daycare provider?
All legal childcare providers in Garrison must be licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). Key requirements you should verify include: 1) **Staff-to-Child Ratios and Capacity**: For family child care, one caregiver can care for up to 10 children with no more than 3 under age 2. 2) **Background Checks**: All caregivers and household members over 13 must pass a background study. 3) **Training**: Providers must complete ongoing training in SIDS/Shaken Baby Syndrome, CPR/First Aid, and child development. 4) **Health and Safety Standards**: The home or center must pass regular inspections for safety, sanitation, and safe sleep practices. You can view a provider's full licensing record, including any past violations, on the MN DHS website. Don't hesitate to ask a provider to see their current license.
Are there any unique childcare options in Garrison that cater to seasonal schedules or part-time needs?
Given Garrison's location on Mille Lacs Lake and its seasonal tourism economy, some childcare options accommodate non-traditional schedules. While standard Monday-Friday, full-time care is most common, a few in-home providers may offer part-time or drop-in care, especially during the off-peak seasons (fall and winter). It's less common during the busy summer months. For school-age children, the Garrison Elementary School may offer school-age care (SAC) programs before and after school. For truly flexible or emergency care, your best bet may be to network within local parent groups to find a trusted babysitter. Always clarify schedule needs upfront with any provider, as their policies on part-time care vary significantly.