The Best Daycare Centers in Odin, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Odin. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Odin
Little Sprouts Learning Center
Independent
Little Sprouts Learning Center is a highly-regarded childcare facility located approximately 15 miles from Odin, serving the broader Martin County area. They employ a comprehensive early childhood education curriculum that emphasizes literacy development, STEM activities, and social-emotional learning. Their qualified teaching staff maintains low teacher-to-child ratios and holds degrees in early childhood education. The center features secure entry systems, comprehensive safety protocols, and age-appropriate learning environments with both indoor and outdoor play spaces. They provide nutritious meals and snacks through their USDA-approved food program and maintain strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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Growing Tree Child Care Center
Independent
Growing Tree Child Care Center serves families throughout Martin County, including the Odin area, with a play-based learning approach that incorporates Creative Curriculum elements. Their experienced teaching team focuses on developmental milestones while providing a nurturing environment. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, comprehensive background checks for all staff, and regular safety drills. They offer flexible scheduling options and maintain small class sizes to ensure individualized attention. The curriculum includes music and movement, arts and crafts, early math and literacy activities, and outdoor exploration in their fenced playground area.
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Kiddie Korner Child Care & Preschool
Independent
Located in Blue Earth, approximately 20 miles from Odin, Kiddie Korner serves families throughout the region with a comprehensive early childhood program. They utilize a structured yet flexible curriculum that balances academic preparation with social development. The center employs qualified early childhood educators who participate in ongoing professional development. Facilities include age-specific classrooms, a large motor skills area, and secure outdoor play spaces. They emphasize kindergarten readiness through their pre-K program while maintaining a warm, family-oriented atmosphere. The center maintains excellent safety records with secure access controls, comprehensive health policies, and regular facility maintenance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Odin, MN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Odin, MN, and how can I verify a provider's license?
In Odin, Minnesota, all childcare providers caring for unrelated children must be licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), unless they are legally exempt (like caring for only children from one other family). Licensed providers must meet strict standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and ongoing training. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the "Look Up a Child Care Provider" tool on the Minnesota DHS website. This will show you their license type (Family, Center, or School-Age), any licensing actions, and their program's capacity. For Odin specifically, you can also contact the local DHS licensing office for the Southwestern region for additional verification.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare in Odin, and are there any local or state financial assistance programs available?
In the Odin area, average costs for full-time, licensed childcare typically range from $700 to $1,100 per month for an infant/toddler in a family childcare home, and slightly higher for center-based care. Costs can vary based on the provider's amenities, hours, and age of your child. Financial assistance is available through Minnesota's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which helps eligible low- and middle-income families pay for care. Eligibility is based on household size, income, and reason for care (work, school, etc.). You apply through Watonwan County Human Services. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers or in-home providers in Odin, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to the limited number of providers in a smaller community like Odin, waitlists can be common, especially for infant care. It's not unusual for popular family childcare homes or the nearest center-based options to have waitlists of 3 to 9 months. We strongly recommend starting your search during pregnancy or at least 6-8 months before you need care. Be proactive: contact multiple providers, get on their waitlists (which may require a small fee), and check in periodically. For school-age or part-time care, you may find more immediate openings, but planning ahead is still crucial.
Are there any unique childcare options in Odin, such as nature-based preschools, faith-based programs, or care for non-traditional hours?
As a small, rural community, Odin's childcare options are primarily traditional licensed family childcare homes. For center-based preschool or specific programs, families often look to nearby larger towns like St. James or Madelia. Some local in-home providers may incorporate outdoor play and learning, but dedicated nature-based preschools are not typically found directly in Odin. Faith-based care may be available through local churches, but they must still be DHS-licensed if providing regular childcare. Care for non-traditional hours (evenings, weekends) is extremely limited; securing this typically requires arranging with a specific in-home provider well in advance.
What resources are available in Odin to help me find and evaluate potential childcare providers?
Your primary local resource is the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency serving the region, which is **First Children's Finance** for Southern Minnesota. They maintain a database of licensed and legally license-exempt providers in the Odin area. You can contact them for a customized referral list. Additionally, the **Watonwan County Public Health** department can offer guidance. For evaluation, always schedule in-person visits, ask for references from current parents, and use the DHS licensing lookup tool to review compliance history. Local parent groups on social media (e.g., Facebook community pages for Odin/Watonwan County) can also be valuable for personal recommendations and experiences.