The Best Daycare Centers in Harris, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Harris. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Harris
North Branch Early Childhood
North Branch Area Public Schools
North Branch Early Childhood provides high-quality preschool education through North Branch Area Public Schools, serving the broader Harris community. The program focuses on school readiness with a play-based learning approach that emphasizes social-emotional development, literacy, and math skills. Certified early childhood educators lead small classes with low student-teacher ratios. The facility features age-appropriate learning centers, outdoor play areas, and comprehensive safety protocols. Parents praise the program's structured curriculum, experienced staff, and strong communication. The center partners with families to ensure smooth transitions to kindergarten.
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Cambridge-Isanti Early Childhood Family Center
Cambridge-Isanti Public Schools
Serving the Harris area through Cambridge-Isanti Public Schools, this early childhood center offers comprehensive preschool and family education programs. The curriculum emphasizes developmental appropriateness with structured learning activities, creative play, and social skill building. Licensed teachers with early childhood degrees implement research-based practices in literacy, numeracy, and motor skills development. The facility includes modern classrooms, specialized learning materials, and secure access systems. The program is noted for its inclusive environment, regular developmental assessments, and strong community partnerships that benefit Harris families.
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Little Blessings Childcare & Preschool
Independent
Little Blessings Childcare & Preschool serves Harris families with a comprehensive early childhood program located in nearby Cambridge. The center provides age-appropriate curricula including Creative Curriculum for preschoolers and developmental activities for infants and toddlers. The staff includes qualified early childhood educators who maintain low child-to-teacher ratios and implement structured daily schedules. The facility features secure entry systems, modern learning environments, outdoor play spaces, and nutritious meal programs. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, clean facilities, and the center's focus on both academic preparation and character development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Harris, MN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Harris, MN?
In Harris and the surrounding Chisago County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of provider. For a licensed family childcare home, you might expect to pay between $175-$225 per week for an infant. Center-based care in nearby larger towns like North Branch or Forest Lake tends to be higher, often ranging from $225-$300 per week. It's important to note that Harris is a smaller, rural community, so there are fewer centers directly in town, which can sometimes keep local in-home provider rates slightly more competitive. Always inquire about what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and supplies. Minnesota's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is available for eligible families to help offset these costs.
How can I verify that a daycare provider in Harris is properly licensed and what should I look for in their licensing record?
All licensed childcare providers in Minnesota are regulated by the Department of Human Services (DHS). You can verify a provider's license and review their history using the "Look Up a License" feature on the Minnesota DHS website. When looking up a provider in Harris, pay close attention to their license type (Family, Center, or Group Family), the capacity and ages they are licensed for, and the license expiration date. Crucially, review any recent licensing reports for notes on compliance or non-compliance with state rules. For local context, you can also contact the Chisago County Public Health or Social Services departments, as they may have additional community-specific insights or resources for parents evaluating providers.
Are there long waitlists for daycare openings in Harris, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to Harris's smaller size and limited number of providers, waitlists can be common, especially for infant care, which has stricter staff-to-child ratios. It is highly advisable to begin your search at least 6-9 months before you need care, and if you are expecting, to get on lists during your second trimester. Many popular family childcare homes in the area may only have openings when an older child transitions to preschool. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist length and process. Expanding your search to include licensed providers in neighboring communities like North Branch, Stacy, or Wyoming can increase your options, though you'll need to factor in commute time.
What are the options for part-time or drop-in childcare in the Harris area?
Regular part-time and drop-in childcare options are very limited in Harris itself, as most licensed providers prioritize full-time enrollments to maintain stable income and staffing. However, some family childcare homes may offer part-time slots (e.g., 2-3 days a week) if they have availability. For occasional drop-in care, your best bet is to look at larger childcare centers in nearby cities like Forest Lake or Cambridge, some of which may offer drop-in services based on daily availability. Another resource is to check with local churches in Harris and North Branch, as they sometimes host parent's day out programs or have connections to in-home providers willing to accommodate occasional care.
What resources are available in Chisago County to help me find and choose a quality childcare provider near Harris?
Your primary local resource is the **Child Care Aware of Minnesota** referral service. You can call their hotline or use their online search tool, specifying your zip code (55032) to get a list of licensed providers in and around Harris. Additionally, the **Chisago County Family Services Collaborative** can be a valuable point of contact for local parent support and early childhood information. They may host community events or have staff who can offer guidance. For hands-on vetting, always schedule interviews and tours, ask for references from current parents, and observe how the provider interacts with children. Checking with local Facebook community groups for Harris/Chisago County can also yield personal recommendations from other parents.