The Best Daycare Centers in Medford, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Medford. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Medford
Medford Early Childhood Center
Independent
Medford Early Childhood Center operates as part of the Medford Public School District, offering a comprehensive early childhood education program with licensed teachers and developmentally appropriate curriculum. The center focuses on school readiness through play-based learning, literacy development, and social-emotional skills. Facilities include age-appropriate classrooms, secure entry systems, and outdoor play areas. Staff maintain low teacher-to-child ratios and participate in ongoing professional development. The program emphasizes parent communication and community involvement, with regular progress updates and family events throughout the year.
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Little Sprouts Learning Center
Independent
Located in nearby Owatonna and serving the Medford area, Little Sprouts Learning Center provides a nurturing environment with a structured educational curriculum. The center uses Creative Curriculum and focuses on developmental milestones through hands-on learning activities. Features include secure facilities with coded entry, nutritious meal programs, and spacious indoor/outdoor play areas. Qualified early childhood educators maintain small class sizes and individualized attention. The program emphasizes literacy, STEM activities, and social development, with regular parent-teacher conferences and communication portals.
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Kiddie Korner Child Care Center
Independent
Kiddie Korner Child Care Center in Owatonna serves families throughout Steele County including Medford, offering comprehensive childcare services with a focus on early childhood development. The center implements a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation. Facilities include age-specific classrooms, secure monitoring systems, and developmentally appropriate learning materials. Staff members are CPR/first-aid certified and participate in continuous training. The program features enrichment activities including music, movement, and art, with emphasis on creating a safe, inclusive environment that promotes curiosity and lifelong learning.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Medford, MN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare in Medford, MN, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Medford and the surrounding Steele County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $175 to $225 per week, while toddler care is often between $150 and $200 per week. Rates can vary based on the provider type (in-home vs. center-based) and specific programs offered. For financial assistance, Minnesota's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is a key resource for eligible families in Steele County. Additionally, local organizations like the United Way of Steele County may offer support or guidance. It's also worth checking with individual providers, as some may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees based on income.
How long are daycare waitlists typically in Medford, and what can I do to secure a spot sooner?
Due to limited provider options in a smaller community like Medford, waitlists for infant care, in particular, can be significant, often ranging from 6 to 12 months. For toddler and preschool slots, waits may be shorter, around 3 to 6 months. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy, get on multiple lists (including providers in nearby towns like Owatonna), and follow up with providers every 2-3 months to express continued interest. Many in-home providers in the area may have more flexible availability than centers. Utilizing local Facebook groups (e.g., "Medford, MN Community") can also help you find newly opening home-based providers.
What are the licensing requirements for childcare providers in Medford, and how can I verify a provider's license status?
All licensed childcare providers in Medford must comply with Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) rules. This includes background checks, health and safety training (like SIDS and shaken baby syndrome prevention), CPR/First Aid certification, and ongoing training hours. Licensed family childcare homes can care for up to 10 children, and child care centers have specific staff-to-child ratios. You can verify a provider's license status, view any licensing actions, and check compliance history through the Minnesota DHS Licensing Information Lookup website. It's a crucial step for parents to ensure the provider meets state standards.
Are there any unique childcare options in Medford that cater to farm families or non-traditional work hours?
Yes, given Medford's agricultural community, some licensed family childcare providers may offer flexible or extended hours to accommodate early mornings, evenings, or variable schedules common in farming. While not universally advertised, it's a common need in the area, so it's important to directly ask providers about their flexibility. Additionally, some providers may participate in Minnesota's Parent Aware rating system, which can help identify quality programs that might also offer more structured but adaptable schedules. For true overnight or 24-hour care, options are extremely limited locally, and families may need to explore nanny-sharing arrangements with other farm families.
What resources are available in Medford to help me find and evaluate quality childcare?
The primary local resource is the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for the region, which is Southeast Minnesota's CCR&R (serving Steele County). They maintain a searchable database of licensed providers, offer guidance on what to look for, and explain the Parent Aware quality rating system. For local, on-the-ground insights, the Medford Public School District's Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) program can be a valuable contact point for recommendations. Furthermore, connecting with other parents through the Medford community Facebook page or at local spots like the Medford City Park can provide unfiltered reviews and personal referrals.