The Best Daycare Centers in North Branch, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in North Branch. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in North Branch
New Horizon Academy
New Horizon Academy
New Horizon Academy is a highly-regarded regional chain with a strong presence in North Branch, offering comprehensive early childhood education programs. The center features a research-based curriculum focused on literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. Their qualified teachers maintain low student-to-teacher ratios and hold degrees in early childhood education. The facility includes secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and modern classrooms with natural lighting. They provide nutritious meals and snacks, regular parent communication through an app, and developmental assessments. The center stands out for its structured learning environment combined with play-based activities and strong emphasis on kindergarten readiness.
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Cambridge-Isanti Early Childhood Family Education
Cambridge-Isanti School District 911
Serving the North Branch area through Cambridge-Isanti School District, this ECFE program offers exceptional early childhood education with licensed teachers and early childhood specialists. The program emphasizes family involvement and child development through play-based learning, social skills development, and school readiness. Classes include parent education components and are taught by Minnesota-licensed early childhood teachers. The facility features dedicated preschool classrooms, gross motor play areas, and developmentally appropriate learning materials. They offer sliding fee scales and scholarships, making quality early education accessible. Their strong focus on social-emotional learning and community connections makes them a top choice for comprehensive early childhood development.
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Step by Step Montessori
Step by Step Montessori
Step by Step Montessori serves the North Branch community from their Forest Lake location, offering authentic Montessori education guided by AMI-trained teachers. The program emphasizes individualized learning, practical life skills, and self-directed exploration in carefully prepared environments. Classrooms feature Montessori materials for sensorial development, mathematics, language, and cultural studies. Teachers hold Montessori certifications and bachelor's degrees, maintaining the low student-teacher ratios essential for Montessori methodology. The facility includes beautiful outdoor classrooms, gardens, and natural play spaces. Their holistic approach fosters independence, concentration, and love of learning, with excellent outcomes for kindergarten readiness and long-term academic success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in North Branch, MN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in North Branch, MN?
In North Branch, costs vary based on the child's age and the type of program. For center-based infant care, you can expect to pay between $250 and $320 per week. Toddler care typically ranges from $230 to $290 per week, and preschool programs often cost $200 to $260 per week. In-home licensed family childcare is generally more affordable, averaging $180 to $240 per week. These rates are slightly below the Twin Cities metro average but have increased in recent years. Many providers offer sibling discounts. It's important to ask what is included in tuition (e.g., meals, snacks, curriculum materials). Financial assistance may be available through the Minnesota Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families.
How long are waitlists for daycare centers in North Branch, and how can I secure a spot?
Waitlists in North Branch can be significant, especially for infants and toddlers at highly-rated centers. It's common to encounter waitlists of 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer. For preschool-age children, waitlists may be shorter, around 3-6 months. To secure a spot, start your search during pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before you need care. Contact multiple providers (both centers and licensed family homes) to get on their lists. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee, which is typically $25-$75. Stay in contact with providers every few months to confirm your interest. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby towns like Harris or Wyoming for more options.
What are the licensing and safety regulations for childcare providers in Minnesota that I should verify?
All licensed childcare providers in North Branch must comply with Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) rules. Key regulations include: staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:7 for toddlers, 1:10 for preschoolers), comprehensive background checks for all employees, annual training in CPR, First Aid, and Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID), and regular facility inspections for health and safety. You can verify a provider's license status, any past licensing violations, and their program's star rating (1-4 Stars) through the Minnesota DHS Licensing Lookup website. Always ask providers for their license number and review their most recent licensing report during your tour.
Are there any unique childcare options or programs in North Branch that cater to specific needs, like part-time care or children with special needs?
North Branch offers several unique options. Some in-home providers and smaller centers offer part-time or drop-in care, which is less common but available if you search diligently. The North Branch Area Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) program, run through the school district, offers part-time preschool and parent-child classes. For children with special needs, providers are required to make reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The North Branch Area School District's Early Childhood Special Education team can provide services and support within some community childcare settings. For flexible or non-traditional hours, your best bet may be licensed family childcare homes, as some offer evening or weekend care.
What resources are available in North Branch to help me find and evaluate local daycare options?
The primary resource is **Chisago County Public Health and Human Services**. They can provide referrals and information on licensed providers. The state's **Parent Aware** website (parentaware.org) is crucial; it lists providers with quality ratings (1-4 stars) and allows you to filter by location, age, and program type. The **North Branch Community Guide** and local Facebook groups (e.g., "North Branch, MN Community Forum") are excellent for getting personal recommendations from other parents. Additionally, you can contact the **North Branch Area Early Childhood Coalition** for support. Always schedule in-person tours, ask for references from current parents, and trust your instincts about the environment and caregivers.