The Best Daycare Centers in Lowry, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lowry. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lowry
Little Sprouts Learning Center
Independent
Little Sprouts Learning Center is Lowry's premier local childcare facility offering comprehensive early childhood education programs. They feature a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates STEM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. The center boasts low teacher-to-child ratios with all lead teachers holding early childhood education credentials. Their facility includes secure indoor learning environments, age-appropriate outdoor play areas, and nutritious meal programs. What sets them apart is their strong community integration and personalized approach to each child's developmental needs, with regular progress updates and parent-teacher conferences.
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Kiddie Korner Child Care
Independent
Located in nearby Glenwood (serving the Lowry area), Kiddie Korner Child Care provides high-quality early education with a focus on developmental appropriateness. Their curriculum blends Montessori-inspired activities with structured learning experiences, emphasizing language development, cognitive skills, and physical coordination. The center features certified early childhood educators with ongoing professional development, secure facility access with surveillance systems, and spacious indoor/outdoor play areas. They're particularly noted for their flexible scheduling options and strong emphasis on building foundational literacy and numeracy skills through hands-on learning activities.
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New Horizon Daycare & Learning Center
New Horizon Childcare Group
Serving families throughout the Lowry region from their Alexandria location, New Horizon Daycare & Learning Center offers a comprehensive educational program built on research-based early childhood practices. Their curriculum includes Creative Curriculum components with focus on project-based learning, social studies, and emergent literacy. The center features state-certified teachers, advanced security systems including keypad entry and video monitoring, and developmentally appropriate learning centers. They stand out for their technology-integrated learning stations, extensive outdoor nature exploration areas, and commitment to inclusive education with special needs accommodations available.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lowry, MN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Lowry, MN, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Lowry and the surrounding Pope County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $175 to $250 per week, while toddler care is generally between $150 and $225 per week. These costs can vary based on the type of provider (in-home vs. center-based) and the specific services offered. For financial assistance, Minnesota's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is a key resource for eligible families based on income and need. Additionally, local organizations like the Pope County Family Service Collaborative may offer guidance and support. It's highly recommended to contact providers directly for their exact rates and to apply for CCAP through the Pope County Human Services office to determine your eligibility.
How can I find licensed in-home daycare providers versus childcare centers in Lowry, and what are the main differences?
To find licensed providers in Lowry, start with the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) "Find Child Care" online search tool, which allows you to filter by location, type, and age group. You can also get referrals from the local Child Care Resource & Referral agency for West Central Minnesota. The main differences lie in setting and capacity. Licensed Family Child Care (in-home) in Lowry is typically in a provider's residence, offering a home-like environment with smaller groups (up to 10 children, including the provider's own). Childcare centers are facilities dedicated solely to care, often with more structured curricula, multiple staff, and larger groups. In-home care may offer more flexibility, while centers might provide more peer interaction and dedicated learning spaces. Both are licensed and must meet state health, safety, and training standards.
Are there long waitlists for daycare openings in Lowry, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to the smaller number of providers in a rural community like Lowry, waitlists can be common, especially for infant care slots. It is strongly advised to begin your search at least 6 to 9 months before you need care, and if you are expecting, to start inquiring during your second trimester. Popular local providers or those associated with nearby centers in Glenwood or Starbuck may have particularly long waits. When contacting providers, always ask about their current waitlist policy, estimated timeline, and if they require a deposit to hold a spot. Being proactive and flexible with your start date can significantly improve your chances of securing a spot.
What specific licensing requirements and safety regulations should I verify when touring a daycare in Lowry?
All licensed providers in Lowry must comply with Minnesota Rules, Chapter 9502 and 9503. Key items to verify during a tour include: a current license posted visibly, proof of staff background checks (DHS NetStudy 2.0), up-to-date training in CPR/First Aid and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) prevention, and a written plan for emergencies and severe weather. Also, check for safe sleep practices for infants (alone, on their back, in a crib), secure storage of medications/cleaning supplies, and appropriate child-to-staff ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants). You have the right to ask the provider for their most recent licensing review report, which details any rule violations and corrections. The local DHS licensing office oversees these regulations.
What childcare options are available for school-age children in Lowry, especially during summer and non-school days?
For school-age children in Lowry, options include licensed family child care homes that accept older children, and school-based programs. The Lowry Public School may offer School-Age Care (SAC) programs before and after school, though availability can vary. During the summer, many families rely on a combination of in-home daycare providers, seasonal day camps offered through community education in nearby Glenwood or Starbuck, and programs at the Pope County Historical Society or local parks and recreation departments. Planning for summer care should begin in early spring, as spots fill quickly. Some in-home providers offer more flexible "drop-in" care for non-school days, but this must be arranged in advance.