The Best Daycare Centers in Mound, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Mound. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Mound
The Goddard School of Mound
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Mound offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social development. Their curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development programs. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and receive ongoing professional development. The center emphasizes play-based learning while preparing children for kindergarten with structured academic components and developmental assessments.
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New Horizon Academy - Mound
New Horizon Academy
As part of Minnesota's largest childcare provider, New Horizon Academy in Mound offers comprehensive early education programs with research-based curriculum focusing on literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. The center features secure facilities with keypad entry, dedicated age-specific classrooms, and outdoor learning environments. Their experienced teaching staff maintains low child-to-teacher ratios and follows state-licensed curriculum standards. The program includes nutritious meals and snacks, regular parent communication through mobile apps, and developmental progress tracking. Their school-age program provides transportation to local elementary schools.
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New Discoveries Montessori Academy
Independent
New Discoveries Montessori Academy provides authentic Montessori education in a nurturing environment that serves children from infancy through kindergarten. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, independence, and individualized instruction following Maria Montessori's educational philosophy. Classrooms are equipped with specialized Montessori materials for practical life, sensorial, language, math, and cultural studies. The school features mixed-age classrooms, beautiful natural outdoor spaces, and experienced AMI-trained Montessori guides. Their infant and toddler programs focus on developmental milestones while fostering independence through carefully prepared environments. The academy maintains small class sizes and emphasizes community values and peaceful conflict resolution.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Mound, MN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Mound, MN?
In Mound, MN, the cost of full-time childcare varies based on the child's age and the type of facility. For an infant (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $1,400 and $1,800 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers, costs typically range from $1,200 to $1,500 per month, and for preschool-aged children (3-5 years), costs are generally $1,000 to $1,300 per month. In-home licensed family childcare is often slightly less expensive, ranging from $800 to $1,200 monthly. These rates are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that Minnesota offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families, and some local providers may offer sibling discounts.
How long are waitlists for licensed daycare centers in Mound, and how should I plan ahead?
Waitlists for high-quality, licensed daycare centers in Mound can be significant, especially for infant care. It is not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer. For preschool programs, waitlists of 3-6 months are typical. We strongly recommend that expecting parents begin researching and touring facilities during their second trimester, and parents planning a return to work should start their search at least 9-12 months in advance. To manage this, get on multiple waitlists (even if there's a small fee), and stay in regular contact with providers. You can also explore licensed family childcare homes, which may have shorter wait times and offer a more flexible enrollment process.
What are the key differences between a licensed childcare center and a licensed family childcare home in Mound?
In Mound, parents have two primary licensed options. **Licensed Childcare Centers** are facilities dedicated solely to childcare, often with multiple classrooms, structured curricula, and larger staff teams. They are regulated by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) and must meet strict standards for space, staff qualifications, and group sizes. **Licensed Family Childcare Homes** are operated out of the provider's residence, offering a home-like environment with mixed-age groups. They are also licensed by DHS but have different capacity rules (caring for up to 10 children, with no more than 3 under 24 months). Family childcare often provides more flexible hours and may be more affordable. The best choice depends on your child's temperament, your schedule, and your preference for environment. Always verify a provider's current license status on the MN DHS Licensing Lookup website.
Are there any unique outdoor or nature-based childcare programs available in the Mound area?
Yes, Mound's location on Lake Minnetonka provides unique opportunities for nature-based learning. While fully outdoor "forest school" models are less common, several local centers and family childcare providers strongly emphasize outdoor play and exploration. Some programs incorporate daily outdoor time in all weather, utilize local parks like Surfside Park or the Dakota Rail Regional Trail for walks, and have natural playgrounds. When touring facilities, ask about their outdoor philosophy, the frequency and duration of outdoor play, and if they follow principles from programs like Nature Explore. This focus is a great fit for the active, lake-community lifestyle of Mound and helps children develop a strong connection to the local environment.
What resources are available in Mound to help me find and evaluate quality childcare options?
The primary resource for parents in Mound is **Child Care Aware of Minnesota**. Their website and referral specialists can provide free, personalized lists of licensed providers in the 55364 zip code and surrounding areas. You can also use the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) **"Look Up a License"** tool to check a provider's licensing status, capacity, and any past serious licensing violations. Locally, the **Western Lake Minnetonka community** is active on social media platforms like Facebook, where parents often share recommendations and experiences in groups like "Mound, MN Community." Finally, always schedule in-person tours, ask for references from current parents, and observe the environment during your visit to assess quality firsthand.