The Best Daycare Centers in Gilbert, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Gilbert. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Gilbert
Gilbert Early Childhood Family Center
Gilbert Public Schools
Operated by Gilbert Public Schools, this center provides comprehensive early childhood education with licensed teachers and developmentally appropriate curriculum. The facility focuses on school readiness through play-based learning, social-emotional development, and family involvement. They offer developmental screenings, parent education classes, and structured preschool programs in a safe, nurturing environment. The center benefits from being part of the local school district with certified early childhood educators and strong community connections.
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Kids Corner Child Care Center
Independent
Located in nearby Virginia (approximately 5 miles from Gilbert), Kids Corner serves the Iron Range community with comprehensive childcare services. The center features a structured educational curriculum that includes literacy development, STEM activities, and creative arts. They maintain low teacher-to-child ratios with qualified staff who receive ongoing training. The facility includes secure indoor learning environments and outdoor play areas with age-appropriate equipment. Parents praise the center's communication, nutritious meal program, and consistent care quality.
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Range Child Care Center
Independent
Serving the Iron Range community including Gilbert families, Range Child Care Center offers a well-established program with experienced staff and comprehensive age-appropriate curriculum. The center emphasizes developmental milestones through creative play, early literacy, and social skills development. They provide flexible scheduling options including full-time, part-time, and drop-in care. The facility features secure access, modern learning materials, and outdoor play spaces. The center is known for its experienced long-term staff and strong parent partnerships.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Gilbert, MN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Gilbert, MN, and how can I verify a provider's status?
In Gilbert, Minnesota, all childcare providers caring for non-relatives must be licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), unless they are legally exempt (like caring for only one family's children). Licensed providers must meet strict standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and ongoing training. To verify a provider's license and view any past licensing actions, you can use the "Find a Child Care Provider" search tool on the Minnesota DHS website. You can also contact the Arrowhead Child Care Resource & Referral agency, which serves the region, for assistance in checking a provider's compliance history and understanding local licensing nuances.
How long are typical waitlists for licensed daycare centers and in-home providers in Gilbert, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to limited options in a smaller community like Gilbert, waitlists for both licensed centers and in-home family childcare can be significant, often ranging from 6 to 12 months, especially for infant care. Popular providers may have even longer lists. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Contact multiple providers to get on their lists, and be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee, which is common. Consider expanding your search to nearby communities like Virginia, Eveleth, or Mountain Iron for more options. Stay in regular, polite contact with providers to express your continued interest.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare for an infant or toddler in Gilbert, and are there financial assistance programs available?
In Gilbert and the surrounding Iron Range area, full-time childcare costs are generally lower than the state average but can still be a significant expense. For an infant, you can expect to pay approximately $175-$250 per week at a licensed family childcare home, and $225-$325 per week at a childcare center. Toddler care is slightly less. Financial assistance is available through the Minnesota Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which is administered by St. Louis County. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. You can apply through the St. Louis County Health and Human Services department. Additionally, some providers may offer sibling discounts.
Are there any unique childcare options in Gilbert that cater to families with non-traditional or shift-work schedules, like those common in mining or healthcare?
Yes, given the local economy with mining (taconite industry) and healthcare shift work, some providers in the Gilbert area offer flexible or non-traditional hours. While standard hours (6:30 AM - 5:30 PM) are most common, a number of licensed family childcare homes may offer evening, overnight, or weekend care to accommodate rotating shifts. These spots are in very high demand. It's essential to be upfront about your schedule needs when contacting providers. The Arrowhead Child Care Resource & Referral can help identify providers who advertise flexible hours. Some parents in Gilbert also create informal "share-care" arrangements with coworkers who have opposite shifts.
What resources are available in Gilbert to help me evaluate the quality of a childcare program beyond basic licensing?
Beyond checking the DHS license, parents in Gilbert can use several tools to assess quality. First, look for providers with a Parent Aware rating (1 to 4 stars). This is Minnesota's voluntary quality rating system, with 4 stars being the highest. It measures practices that prepare children for kindergarten. You can search for rated providers on the Parent Aware website. Second, schedule in-person visits and ask about staff qualifications, turnover, daily routines, and their philosophy on discipline and learning. Third, talk to other local parents for personal recommendations—community connections are strong in Gilbert. Finally, the Arrowhead Child Care Resource & Referral offers free counseling and checklists to help parents ask the right questions during tours.