The Best Daycare Centers in Minneapolis, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Minneapolis. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Minneapolis
New Horizon Academy - Minneapolis Downtown
New Horizon Academy
New Horizon Academy is a highly-regarded regional chain with multiple locations serving Minneapolis. The downtown location offers comprehensive early childhood education with a research-based curriculum focusing on social-emotional development, literacy, and STEM. Features include secure keypad entry, live streaming for parents, and nutritious meals prepared on-site. Staff hold early childhood degrees and receive ongoing professional development. The center emphasizes play-based learning in bright, modern classrooms with age-appropriate learning centers and maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios.
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Step by Step Montessori - Minneapolis
Step by Step Montessori
This authentic Montessori school serves Minneapolis families with a genuine AMI-trained teaching staff and comprehensive Montessori curriculum. The facility features beautiful, well-organized classrooms with traditional Montessori materials, large outdoor play areas, and gardens. The program emphasizes independence, practical life skills, and individualized learning plans. Teachers hold Montessori certifications and bachelor's degrees in education. The center maintains small class sizes and offers extended hours to accommodate working parents, with strong emphasis on cultural diversity and community involvement.
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La Escuelita Spanish Immersion Preschool
La Escuelita
La Escuelita offers full Spanish immersion preschool education in the Longfellow neighborhood of Minneapolis. The program uses the Creative Curriculum while maintaining 90% Spanish instruction throughout the day. Features include small class sizes, native Spanish-speaking teachers, and a play-based approach that naturally incorporates language acquisition. The facility includes secure outdoor play spaces, dedicated art and music rooms, and culturally diverse learning materials. Teachers hold early childhood credentials and participate in ongoing language development training. The center is particularly noted for its warm, family-like atmosphere and excellent preparation for elementary school.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Minneapolis, MN
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Minneapolis, and are there any financial assistance programs available?
In Minneapolis, the average cost for full-time infant care ranges from $1,400 to $2,200 per month, while toddler care typically costs between $1,200 and $1,800 per month. These rates can vary based on the type of center (corporate, non-profit, in-home), location, and included amenities. To help with these significant expenses, Minnesota offers several assistance programs. The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) provides subsidies for eligible families based on income and household size. Additionally, the City of Minneapolis offers the "Minneapolis Promise" program, which can provide sliding-scale tuition at certain partner centers. It's also worth checking if your employer participates in a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or offers any childcare benefits.
How long are typical waitlists for licensed daycare centers in Minneapolis, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Waitlists for high-quality, licensed daycare centers in popular Minneapolis neighborhoods (like Uptown, Northeast, or near downtown) can be notoriously long, often ranging from 6 to 18 months, especially for infant rooms. To improve your chances, start your search early—ideally during pregnancy. Be proactive by contacting multiple centers to get on their lists, even if they are your second or third choice. Many centers require a non-refundable waitlist fee. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their list: Is it first-come, first-served? Do siblings get priority? How often should you check in? Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in surrounding neighborhoods, which may have shorter wait times and offer a smaller, home-like setting.
What are the key differences between a licensed childcare center and a licensed family childcare home in Minnesota, and how do I verify their licensing status?
In Minnesota, licensed childcare centers are facilities that care for more than 10 children in a commercial or institutional setting, with multiple staff and often structured classrooms. Licensed family childcare homes care for up to 10 children (with no more than 2 under 24 months) in the provider's own residence, offering a mixed-age, home-based environment. Both must meet state health, safety, and training standards, but ratios and settings differ. To verify the license and review any past compliance reports, you must use the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) "Look Up a License" website. This public portal shows the provider's license status, capacity, any serious licensing violations (called "corrective actions"), and the results of their most recent monitoring visit. Always confirm a provider is actively licensed before enrolling.
Are there any unique Minneapolis or Minnesota-specific early learning programs or curriculum models I should look for?
Yes, Minneapolis is home to several highly regarded and unique early learning initiatives. Many centers participate in Minnesota's voluntary Parent Aware Quality Rating system, a 4-star framework that helps identify programs using best practices in school readiness. Look for centers with high Parent Aware ratings. Furthermore, the city has a strong network of programs embracing nature-based and outdoor learning, such as "forest preschools," which are well-suited to Minnesota's seasons. Language immersion programs (particularly Spanish and Somali, reflecting local communities) are also popular. For public, income-based options, the Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) Early Childhood Education program offers sliding-scale preschool and early learning family education at various sites across the city.
What should I know about seasonal considerations and safety for childcare in Minneapolis, from winter weather to summer activities?
Minneapolis's distinct seasons greatly impact childcare logistics and safety. In winter, inquire about the center's severe weather closure policy, their indoor air quality and ventilation (important during cold/flu season), and if they have adequate indoor gross motor space for days when outdoor play is limited by extreme cold. Ask how they ensure children are properly dressed for outdoor play (many require full snowsuits, boots, mittens, and hats). In summer, ask about sun safety protocols (sunscreen application, shade availability), water play policies, and field trips. Given Minnesota's many lakes, understanding a program's water safety and swimming excursion policies is crucial. Also, inquire about their approach to seasonal allergies, as the Minnesota pollen season can be intense.