The Best Daycare Centers in Lakeville, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lakeville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lakeville
New Horizon Academy - Lakeville
New Horizon Academy
New Horizon Academy in Lakeville provides comprehensive early childhood education with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. The facility features secure entry systems, certified teachers with early childhood degrees, and age-appropriate learning environments. Their program includes daily communication with parents through an app, nutritious meals and snacks, and outdoor play areas designed for different age groups. The center is known for its strong focus on kindergarten readiness and maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios.
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KinderCare at Lakeville
KinderCare Education
KinderCare's Lakeville location offers a nationally-recognized curriculum that balances academic learning with play-based activities. The center features dedicated learning centers for literacy, math, science, and creative arts, along with secure facilities with keypad entry systems. Their teaching staff includes early childhood professionals with ongoing training in child development. The program emphasizes social skills, problem-solving, and independence while providing regular progress reports to parents. Additional features include a commercial kitchen providing healthy meals and large, shaded outdoor play spaces.
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Kiddie Academy of Lakeville
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Lakeville utilizes their proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum that integrates character development with academic learning. The center features modern, clean facilities with security cameras and electronic check-in systems. Their degreed teachers create individualized learning plans and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The program includes technology integration, Spanish language exposure, and regular assessments of developmental milestones. Parents appreciate the consistent communication through daily reports and the center's focus on preparing children for elementary school success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lakeville, MN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare in Lakeville, MN, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Lakeville, the cost of full-time daycare varies significantly based on the child's age and the type of facility. For an infant, you can expect to pay between $1,400 and $1,800 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers, the range is typically $1,200 to $1,500, and for preschoolers, $1,000 to $1,300. Licensed family childcare homes are often slightly less expensive. To help with these costs, Minnesota offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which is administered through Dakota County. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. Additionally, many Lakeville providers participate in the state's Early Learning Scholarships program, and some local employers may offer Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). It's highly recommended to contact Dakota County's Community Services Division to determine your eligibility for aid.
How long are daycare waitlists in Lakeville, and when should I start looking for a spot?
Waitlists for high-quality, licensed daycare centers and popular in-home providers in Lakeville can be substantial, especially for infant care. It is not uncommon for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long, or even longer for sought-after facilities. For infant care, it is advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as your second trimester of pregnancy. For toddler or preschool openings, starting your search at least 4-6 months in advance is prudent. Many Lakeville parents use the Minnesota Department of Human Services' "Find Child Care" online search tool to identify licensed options and then contact them directly to inquire about current availability and waitlist procedures. Being flexible with your start date can sometimes help secure a spot sooner.
What are the key differences between licensed centers, licensed family childcare, and unlicensed care in Lakeville?
In Minnesota and Lakeville specifically, licensed childcare (both centers and family homes) must meet strict state standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, staff training (including CPR and First Aid), background checks, and program development. Licensed centers are often larger facilities, while licensed family childcare operates out of a provider's home with a smaller group of children. "Unlicensed" or "license-exempt" care is legally allowed only if the provider cares for children from a single unrelated family or for relatives only. Choosing unlicensed care means the state does not monitor health, safety, or curriculum standards. For peace of mind and accountability, most experts and Dakota County resources strongly recommend choosing a provider licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. You can verify a provider's license status online through the state's website.
Are there any unique childcare or preschool programs in Lakeville that focus on specific educational approaches or outdoor learning?
Yes, Lakeville offers a variety of specialized programs. The Lakeville Area Schools district operates Community Education preschools, which are highly regarded and follow a school-readiness curriculum. Additionally, you can find several private centers offering Montessori, faith-based, or play-based philosophies. A growing trend in the area is the emphasis on nature and outdoor learning. While not a formal "forest school," several local daycare centers and preschools have robust outdoor classrooms and prioritize daily outdoor play in all weather, aligning with Minnesota's embrace of seasonal activities. Furthermore, the city's extensive park system, like the Ritter Farm Park, is often utilized by childcare programs for field trips and nature exploration.
What should I look for during a daycare tour in Lakeville, and what are some local red flags?
When touring a facility in Lakeville, observe the cleanliness, safety (outlet covers, secure gates, fenced outdoor space), and the overall mood—are the children engaged and happy? Ask about staff qualifications, turnover rates, and the daily schedule. Inquire about their sick policy, emergency procedures, and how they handle Minnesota's severe weather. A local red flag is a provider who is reluctant to show you their Minnesota DHS license or cannot produce it. Also, be wary of providers who cannot clearly explain their compliance with state-mandated staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:7 for toddlers, 1:10 for preschoolers). Check that the outdoor play area is secure and age-appropriate. Finally, trust your instincts—if something feels off in the environment or communication, it's worth continuing your search. You can also check a provider's licensing history for any serious violations through the DHS website.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Lakeville: