The Best Daycare Centers in Maple Plain, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Maple Plain. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Maple Plain
Primrose School of Maple Grove
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Maple Grove offers a nationally accredited Balanced Learning® approach that combines teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. The curriculum focuses on character development, literacy, math, science, and social studies with dedicated learning spaces including STEM labs and outdoor playgrounds. All teachers are early childhood certified and receive ongoing professional development. The center features secure entry systems, comprehensive safety protocols, and nutritious meal programs. Parents consistently praise the school's communication, structured environment, and the developmental progress children make.
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New Horizon Academy - Maple Grove
New Horizon Academy
As Minnesota's largest and most established childcare provider, New Horizon Academy offers comprehensive early education programs with a play-based learning approach. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development through hands-on activities. The center features age-appropriate classrooms, secure access systems, and outdoor play areas. All staff meet or exceed state licensing requirements and receive ongoing training in child development and safety. The facility maintains low teacher-to-child ratios and provides healthy meals and snacks. Parents appreciate the consistent communication and the center's focus on preparing children for kindergarten.
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The Goddard School of Long Lake
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Long Lake provides a F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. The curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, arts, and physical development in purpose-built classrooms. The school features secure entry systems, daily safety checks, and comprehensive health protocols. All teachers have early childhood education credentials and participate in continuous professional development. The facility includes multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups and offers enrichment programs like yoga and foreign language exposure. Parents consistently note the warm, nurturing environment and the school's effective kindergarten readiness program.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Maple Plain, MN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare in Maple Plain, MN, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Maple Plain, MN, the cost for full-time, center-based infant care typically ranges from $1,400 to $1,800 per month, while toddler and preschool care generally costs between $1,200 and $1,600 per month. In-home family childcare is often more affordable, averaging $800 to $1,200 monthly. These rates are influenced by factors like program curriculum, staff-to-child ratios, and facility amenities. For financial assistance, Minnesota's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is the primary resource for eligible families, administered through Hennepin County. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's also worth checking with employers in the area, such as those in the manufacturing or healthcare sectors, as some may offer Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) or partnerships with specific centers.
How long are waitlists for licensed daycare centers in Maple Plain, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Waitlists for high-quality, licensed daycare centers in Maple Plain can vary significantly but often range from 3 to 12 months, especially for infant rooms which have the strictest capacity limits under Minnesota law. Popular centers may have even longer waits. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Contact multiple providers—including both centers and licensed family childcare homes—to get on their lists. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee, which is common and typically ranges from $25 to $100. Stay proactive by checking in every few months to confirm your spot and express continued interest. Exploring options in nearby communities like Orono, Long Lake, or Independence can also broaden your availability, though commute times will be a factor.
What are the licensing requirements for childcare providers in Maple Plain, and how can I verify a provider's license and complaint history?
All childcare providers in Maple Plain must be licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) unless they care for only relatives' children or provide care for fewer than 10 hours a week. Licensing ensures providers meet state standards for health, safety, staff training, background checks, and appropriate child-to-staff ratios. To verify a provider's license and review their history, you can use the "Look Up a License" feature on the Minnesota DHS website. This public portal shows the license status, capacity, age ranges served, and any serious licensing violations or substantiated maltreatment findings. You can also contact the Hennepin County Child Care Licensing office directly for additional information. Always ask providers for their license number and review it yourself as a crucial step in your vetting process.
Are there any unique outdoor or nature-based childcare programs available in the Maple Plain area?
Yes, Maple Plain and the surrounding western Twin Cities metro area offer several childcare options with a strong emphasis on outdoor and nature-based learning, which aligns with Minnesota's appreciation for its natural environment. Some local centers and family childcare providers incorporate "forest school" principles, with regular outdoor exploration regardless of weather (with proper gear). Given Maple Plain's proximity to parks like the Lake Independence Regional Trail and the Crow-Hassan Park Reserve, some programs may organize frequent field trips or have dedicated outdoor classrooms. When touring providers, ask about their daily outdoor time policy, their approach to inclement weather, and if they follow curricula like the "Nature Explore" program. While a fully outdoor preschool is less common, many local providers strongly prioritize outdoor play and environmental education.
What should I know about the transition from preschool to kindergarten in Maple Plain, and how do local daycares support this?
In Maple Plain, children attend schools within the Orono School District (ISD #278). Kindergarten readiness is a key focus for many local preschool and pre-K programs. Reputable daycares in the area often align their curriculum with Minnesota's Early Childhood Indicators of Progress and work to develop the social, emotional, and early academic skills that Orono schools expect. This includes fostering independence, following routines, and basic letter/number recognition. Many providers have established relationships with Orono elementary schools and may organize kindergarten visits or host kindergarten teachers for talks. It's important to ask potential providers about their specific kindergarten transition activities and if they track developmental milestones. Also, be aware of Orono's kindergarten enrollment deadlines and age cutoff (children must be 5 by September 1st), and plan your childcare needs accordingly for the summer before kindergarten starts.