The Best Daycare Centers in Nelson, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Nelson. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Nelson
Alexandria Early Education Center
Alexandria Public Schools
Alexandria Early Education Center is a highly-regarded facility operated by Alexandria Public Schools, serving families throughout Douglas County including the Nelson area. The center features a comprehensive developmental curriculum aligned with Minnesota Early Childhood Indicators of Progress. Their program emphasizes social-emotional development, literacy foundations, and school readiness through play-based learning. Certified early childhood educators maintain low teacher-to-child ratios, with all staff meeting or exceeding Minnesota licensing requirements. The facility includes secure, age-appropriate classrooms, dedicated nap areas, and outdoor playgrounds designed for different developmental stages. Parent communication includes daily activity reports and regular developmental assessments.
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Little Learners Child Development Center
Independent
Little Learners Child Development Center serves families throughout Douglas County with a research-based curriculum that blends Montessori principles with Creative Curriculum approaches. The center features separate infant, toddler, and preschool wings with specialized learning environments. Their program includes Spanish language exposure, music and movement classes, and STEM activities integrated into daily routines. Safety protocols include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks for all staff, and regular safety drills. The teaching team includes lead teachers with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education and ongoing professional development requirements. The center offers nutritious meals and snacks following USDA guidelines and maintains an on-site kitchen.
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New Horizon Daycare & Preschool
Independent
New Horizon Daycare & Preschool provides comprehensive early childhood services to families in the Alexandria region, including transportation services that extend to surrounding communities like Nelson. Their educational approach combines structured academic preparation with developmental play, focusing on kindergarten readiness skills. The facility features modern security systems including camera monitoring, keypad entry, and fenced outdoor play areas. Their curriculum includes literacy development through the Heggerty Phonemic Awareness program and mathematics foundations using hands-on manipulatives. The center maintains Minnesota's highest quality rating through Parent Aware and offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate working families. Staff qualifications exceed state minimums with ongoing training in early childhood development and emergency preparedness.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Nelson, MN
What types of licensed childcare options are available in and around Nelson, MN?
In Nelson and the surrounding rural area of Douglas County, parents typically have a few licensed options. These include licensed family childcare homes, which are often run out of a provider's residence and are common in smaller communities. There are also licensed childcare centers, though these may be located in larger nearby towns like Alexandria, which is about a 20-minute drive away. Due to Nelson's size, many providers are in-home, offering a smaller, home-like setting. All licensed providers in Minnesota are regulated by the Department of Human Services (DHS) and must meet standards for safety, staff-to-child ratios, and training. You can search for licensed providers specifically in the 56355 zip code or Douglas County using Minnesota's online "Find Child Care" tool.
How long are waitlists for daycare in Nelson, and how early should I apply?
Waitlists can vary significantly but are often lengthy due to limited provider capacity in a small town. For in-demand licensed family homes or spots in centers in nearby Alexandria, it is not uncommon for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long, especially for infant care. We strongly recommend that expecting parents or families planning a move to Nelson begin contacting providers as early as possible—ideally during the first or second trimester of pregnancy. Be prepared to get on multiple waitlists and to check in periodically to maintain your spot. Networking through local community groups or churches can also help you learn about potential openings.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare in Nelson, MN?
Costs in Nelson are generally lower than in major metro areas but are influenced by the provider type and the child's age. For a licensed family childcare home in the area, you might expect to pay between $150 to $225 per week for full-time care. Infant care is typically at the higher end of that range. If you choose a center in Alexandria, weekly rates can be slightly higher, often ranging from $200 to $300. It's important to ask providers exactly what is included in the weekly fee (meals, snacks, supplies). Minnesota also offers financial assistance programs like the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families, which can help offset costs.
Are there any state or local resources to help me find and vet childcare providers in Douglas County?
Yes, there are several key resources. First, use Minnesota's official **Child Care Aware of Minnesota** website and helpline. They offer referral services and can help you understand licensing reports. Second, the **Douglas County Public Health** department may have information on local providers and early childhood initiatives. Third, all licensed providers have public "Licensing Lookup" reports on the MN DHS website, which detail their compliance history, capacity, and any past violations. We also recommend joining local Facebook groups like "Douglas County, MN Community" or "Nelson, MN Talk" to get personal recommendations and insights from other parents.
What are the typical hours of operation for daycare providers in a rural community like Nelson?
Hours can be more limited compared to urban centers, often reflecting the agricultural and small-business rhythms of the community. Most licensed family childcare homes in Nelson operate on a standard schedule, typically from around 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Evening, overnight, or weekend care is extremely rare and would require finding a specific provider who offers it. Many providers also follow the local school district calendar for major holidays and may close for two weeks in the summer. It's crucial to discuss your specific scheduling needs, including drop-off and pick-up times, in detail during your initial interview, as flexibility may be limited.