The Best Daycare Centers in Kensington, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Kensington. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Kensington
New Horizon Academy - Alexandria
New Horizon Academy
As part of Minnesota's largest and most established childcare network, this Alexandria location serves the Kensington area with comprehensive early childhood education programs. They feature a research-based curriculum focused on school readiness, with qualified teachers implementing age-appropriate learning activities. The center maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios, secure facility access, and nutritious meal programs. Their educational approach emphasizes literacy, STEM, and social-emotional development through structured play and hands-on learning experiences.
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Little Learners Childcare Center
Independent
This highly-rated independent childcare center serves families throughout Douglas County, including Kensington. They offer a balanced curriculum that combines academic preparation with creative expression and physical development. The center features experienced early childhood educators, secure facilities with age-appropriate classrooms, and comprehensive safety protocols. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, strong communication, and individualized attention given to each child's developmental needs.
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Little Sprouts Learning Center
Independent
Located in nearby Fergus Falls, this well-established center serves families throughout the region with a focus on developmental early childhood education. Their program emphasizes hands-on learning, social skills development, and kindergarten readiness through structured curriculum and play-based activities. The center features qualified teaching staff, secure facilities with modern learning materials, and comprehensive safety measures. They're particularly noted for their engaging outdoor play areas and strong parent-teacher partnerships.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Kensington, MN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare in Kensington, MN, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Kensington and the surrounding Traverse County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $175 to $225 per week, while care for toddlers and preschoolers is generally between $150 and $200 per week. These rates are often lower than in larger Minnesota metro areas but can vary based on the provider's licensing type and specific programs offered. For financial assistance, Minnesota's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is available to eligible families in Traverse County. You can apply through the Traverse County Health and Human Services department. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How do I verify that a daycare provider in Kensington is properly licensed and what are Minnesota's key licensing requirements?
All licensed childcare providers in Kensington must be regulated by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). You can verify a provider's license status, view any licensing actions, and check their star rating (a 1 to 4-star Parent Aware rating for early learning) through the Minnesota DHS "Find a Child Care Provider" online search tool. Key state requirements include background checks for all staff, specific staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:7 for preschoolers), health and safety training, and annual inspections. In-home family childcare providers (licensed for up to 10 children) are common in smaller communities like Kensington and must meet the same core safety standards.
Are daycare waitlists common in Kensington, and how far in advance should I start looking for childcare?
Due to the limited number of providers in a small, rural community like Kensington, waitlists are very common, especially for infant care slots. It is strongly recommended that parents begin their search during pregnancy, ideally by the second trimester. Many popular in-home family daycare providers in the area have small, consistent groups and may only have openings when an older child transitions to school. Contacting providers 6 to 12 months before you need care is a prudent strategy. Be sure to get on multiple waitlists and check back periodically, as spots can occasionally open up unexpectedly.
What types of childcare settings are most available in Kensington, and what are the pros and cons of each?
Kensington primarily offers two types of licensed childcare: Family Childcare Homes and Childcare Centers. Family Childcare Homes, run out of a provider's residence, are the most prevalent. They offer a home-like environment, mixed-age groups, and often more flexible hours, which can be ideal for agricultural or shift-work families common in the region. The main childcare center option is often the local school district's early childhood/preschool program, which may offer part-day options. For full-time, all-day care, family homes are the primary choice. The trade-off is that if a single home provider is ill or on vacation, you will need backup care, as alternatives are limited.
What should I look for and ask about during a daycare tour in Kensington, given our rural location?
During a tour, beyond standard questions about curriculum and daily routines, ask specific questions relevant to a rural setting. Inquire about their plan for severe weather (like winter blizzards common in western Minnesota) and how they communicate closures. Ask about their outdoor play space and policies, as access to nature is a benefit of rural living. Check their policy on farm or animal exposure if that's relevant to your family. Given that many providers are in residential homes, confirm their emergency response plan and proximity to the Kensington First Responders. Also, ask about their network with other local providers for backup care support, which is a valuable resource in a small community.