The Best Daycare Centers in Navarre, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Navarre. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Navarre
New Horizons Academy
New Horizons Academy
New Horizons Academy is a highly-regarded childcare center serving the Navarre area from nearby St. Michael. They offer a comprehensive educational program with developmentally appropriate curriculum for all age groups. The facility features secure entry systems, age-specific classrooms, and large outdoor play areas. Their qualified teachers implement research-based learning approaches focusing on social-emotional development, literacy, and STEM concepts. The center provides nutritious meals and maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, clean facilities, and strong communication about child development progress.
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Kiddie Academy of Otsego
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Otsego provides premium educational childcare serving families in the Navarre region. Their Life Essentials® curriculum emphasizes character development, literacy, and hands-on learning experiences. The state-of-the-art facility features secure access, modern classrooms, and age-appropriate learning materials. Certified teachers implement daily lesson plans that balance structured learning with play-based activities. The academy maintains rigorous safety protocols, including comprehensive background checks for staff and regular facility inspections. Parents appreciate the transparent communication through daily reports and the center's commitment to preparing children for kindergarten success.
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The Goddard School of Otsego
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Otsego offers high-quality early childhood education serving the Navarre community with their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience). Their play-based curriculum focuses on academic, social, and emotional development through hands-on activities and guided discovery. The school features secure facilities with bright, well-organized classrooms and age-appropriate playgrounds. All teachers are professionally trained in early childhood education and participate in ongoing professional development. The program emphasizes STEAM learning, literacy development, and social skills. Parents consistently note the warm, nurturing environment and the school's excellent communication about daily activities and developmental milestones.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Navarre, MN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Navarre, MN, and how can I verify a provider's license?
In Navarre, Minnesota, all childcare providers caring for non-relatives must be licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). This includes family childcare homes (caring for up to 10 children) and childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet health, safety, and program standards, including background checks, staff-to-child ratios, safe environments, and ongoing training. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the "Look Up a License" tool on the Minnesota DHS website. You can also contact the DHS Licensing Division directly. It's highly recommended to check this before enrolling your child, as it confirms the provider is operating legally and meeting state-mandated standards.
What is the typical cost range for full-time daycare in Navarre, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Navarre area, childcare costs are generally in line with regional averages for the Twin Cities metro. For an infant, you can expect to pay approximately $1,200 to $1,600 per month for full-time care at a licensed center, while family childcare homes may range from $800 to $1,200 per month. Costs typically decrease slightly for toddlers and preschoolers. For financial assistance, Minnesota's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is the primary resource for eligible families based on income. You apply through your county; for Navarre residents, this is Dakota County Community Services. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are daycare waitlists typically in Navarre, and what's the best strategy for securing a spot for my infant?
Due to high demand, especially for infant care, waitlists in Navarre and the surrounding Dakota County area can be significant. It's not uncommon for popular centers or highly-rated family childcare homes to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer for infants. The best strategy is to start your search early, ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy. Contact multiple providers to get on their lists, and be sure to ask about their specific policies—some require a deposit to hold a spot, while others simply keep a rolling list. Consider expanding your search to neighboring communities like Rosemount or Farmington for more options. Follow up with providers every few months to confirm your place on the list.
Are there any unique childcare options in Navarre that cater to specific needs, such as nontraditional work hours or children with special needs?
While Navarre is a smaller community, it is part of the broader Dakota County network. Specific options for nontraditional hours (evenings, weekends, overnight) are limited within Navarre itself, but you may find some licensed family childcare providers in the area who offer flexible schedules. For more consistent nontraditional care, you may need to look toward larger centers in nearby cities. Regarding special needs, all licensed providers in Minnesota are required to make reasonable accommodations. For more specialized support, you can connect with the Dakota County Public Health and Social Services departments, which can help refer you to inclusive providers or connect you with resources like Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) services through your local school district, Independent School District 196.
What local resources or organizations in Dakota County can help me find and evaluate quality childcare near Navarre?
The best centralized local resource is **Child Care Aware of Minnesota**. You can contact their referral specialists who have detailed information on licensed providers in Dakota County, including Navarre. They can help you search based on your specific needs (location, hours, age of child). Another key resource is the **Dakota County Public Health Department**, which often has information on community childcare options and early childhood programs. For evaluating quality, always look for providers participating in Minnesota's Parent Aware quality rating system (a 1 to 4-star rating). You can also join local parent groups on social media (like Facebook groups for Rosemount/Apple Valley/Eagan) to get personal recommendations and experiences from other families in the area.
Childcare Insights for Navarre
Finding quality care for your newborn is one of the most significant and emotional decisions you'll make as a new parent. If you're searching for "newborn daycare near me" in Navarre, Minnesota, you're likely navigating a mix of excitement and anxiety, wanting a safe, nurturing, and convenient option for your little one. The good news is that while Navarre offers a quieter, community-focused setting compared to larger cities, there are dedicated childcare options and important local considerations to help you find the right fit.
First, it's essential to understand that in Minnesota, licensed childcare centers and family childcare homes are regulated by the Department of Human Services. These regulations cover critical aspects like staff-to-infant ratios, safety standards, and provider training. For newborns, the state mandates a ratio of one caregiver to four infants, a vital standard that ensures your baby receives ample individual attention. When researching options in the Navarre area, verifying a provider's current license and inspection history is your foundational step. This information is publicly available and provides peace of mind.
Given Navarre's proximity to larger communities like Chanhassen, Chaska, and the broader Twin Cities southwest metro, your search might naturally extend slightly beyond the immediate town borders. Many parents in our area find excellent care through licensed family childcare providers operating in residential homes, which can offer a smaller, home-like environment perfect for a newborn's transition. These providers often have more flexible schedules, which can be invaluable for parents with non-traditional work hours. Connecting with local networks is key. Consider reaching out to the Carver County Public Health department or joining community groups on social media specific to Navarre and the surrounding towns. Personal recommendations from neighbors can be incredibly valuable, as they understand the local landscape and commute realities.
When you visit potential daycare providers, whether a center or a home-based setting, come prepared with questions specific to infant care. Ask about their policies on feeding (support for both breast milk and formula), their approach to safe sleep practices following American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines, and how they handle daily communication with parents. In a close-knit area like Navarre, you'll also want to gauge their community connection and philosophy. Do they encourage outdoor time, weather permitting? How do they support early developmental milestones? Trust your instincts during these visits; the caregiver's warmth and engagement with the infants will tell you a great deal.
Finally, plan ahead. Quality newborn care spots, especially those catering to very young infants, can have waiting lists in our region. Starting your search early, even during your pregnancy, is a practical strategy. Finding the right daycare in Navarre, MN, is about blending the rigorous standards of state licensing with the personal touch of a local provider who will become a trusted partner in your child's earliest days. It’s about finding a place where you feel confident and comfortable, allowing you to focus on your day knowing your newborn is in caring and capable hands right here in our community.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Navarre: