The Best Daycare Centers in Ghent, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Ghent. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Ghent
Ghent Preschool & Daycare
Independent
Ghent Preschool & Daycare is a community-focused childcare center serving the Ghent area with comprehensive early childhood programs. The facility emphasizes play-based learning combined with structured educational activities, focusing on social-emotional development and school readiness. Their qualified teaching staff maintains low child-to-teacher ratios, and the center features secure indoor learning environments with age-appropriate classrooms and outdoor play areas. The curriculum includes literacy development, basic math concepts, and hands-on learning experiences. What makes this center stand out is its strong community integration and personalized approach to each child's developmental needs, with regular parent communication and progress updates.
Daycare Services:
New Horizon's Preschool and Daycare
Independent
Located in nearby Marshall (approximately 15 minutes from Ghent), New Horizon's Preschool and Daycare offers a comprehensive early childhood education program serving families throughout Lyon County. The center features a research-based curriculum that balances academic preparation with social development, including STEM activities, literacy programs, and creative arts. Their highly qualified staff includes teachers with early childhood degrees and specialized training in child development. The facility maintains excellent safety protocols with secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. Parent reviews consistently praise the center's engaging learning environment, nutritious meal program, and exceptional communication between teachers and families.
Daycare Services:
Little Learners Preschool & Childcare
Independent
Serving the Tracy area (approximately 20 minutes from Ghent), Little Learners Preschool & Childcare has built a strong reputation for quality early childhood education in southwest Minnesota. The center offers a developmentally appropriate curriculum that focuses on the whole child, incorporating literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies through hands-on learning experiences. Their experienced teaching staff maintains small class sizes and individualized attention, with comprehensive assessment systems to track each child's progress. The facility features modern, clean classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and age-appropriate learning materials. The center is particularly noted for its inclusive environment, strong parent partnerships, and flexible scheduling options to meet family needs.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Ghent, MN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Ghent, MN?
In Ghent and the surrounding rural areas of Lyon County, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of provider. Licensed family childcare homes typically range from $150 to $225 per week for infants and toddlers. Larger licensed childcare centers in nearby towns like Marshall may charge slightly more, often between $200 and $300 per week. It's important to note that as a smaller community, Ghent itself has fewer formal centers, so many families utilize in-home providers. Financial assistance is available through Minnesota's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which can significantly reduce costs for eligible families based on income. Always ask providers if they are CCAP-certified.
How can I find licensed and reputable childcare providers in or near Ghent, MN?
The most reliable resource is Minnesota's Department of Human Services (DHS) "Find a Child Care Provider" online search tool. You can filter for providers in Lyon County (ZIP code 56239 for Ghent) to see licensed family childcare homes and centers, along with their licensing status and any recorded violations. For local recommendations, contact the Southwest Minnesota Opportunity Council (SMOC) Child Care Resource and Referral service, which serves our region. Additionally, checking with the Ghent Community Center or local churches can provide word-of-mouth referrals for trusted in-home providers, which are common in our small town.
Are there long waitlists for daycare in Ghent, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to Ghent's size and limited number of providers, waitlists for infant care, in particular, can be common and may require significant advance planning. It is highly recommended to begin your search during pregnancy, ideally 6 to 9 months before your needed start date. For family childcare homes, which may only have a few slots, contacting them as early as possible is crucial. For more options, be prepared to look in neighboring communities like Marshall (about a 15-minute drive), where there are more centers but may also have waitlists. Proactive and early outreach is the best strategy for securing a spot.
What are the key Minnesota state licensing requirements I should verify when choosing a daycare in Ghent?
All licensed providers in Minnesota must meet strict standards set by the DHS. Key requirements to ask about include: staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants), background checks for all employees, annual training in Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID), shaken baby syndrome, and CPR/first aid certification. Providers must also follow safe sleep practices and have a written parent handbook outlining policies. You can view a provider's full licensing report, including any correction orders, online through the DHS website. In a small town like Ghent, personal reputation is also important, so don't hesitate to ask for references from other local parents.
Are there any part-time, drop-in, or non-traditional hour childcare options available in Ghent for parents with shift work?
Traditional, standard-hour daycare (M-F, 6 AM-6 PM) is the most common model. However, options for evenings, weekends, or drop-in care are extremely limited within Ghent itself. Some licensed family childcare homes may offer flexible or part-time schedules based on availability. For reliable non-traditional hours, parents often need to look to larger centers in Marshall or investigate shared nanny arrangements with other local families. Another resource is to inquire with regional agencies like SMOC about potential Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) care networks, which can sometimes offer more flexible, though unlicensed, arrangements for shift workers in agricultural or production jobs common to the area.