The Best Daycare Centers in Preston, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Preston. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Preston
Preston Busy Bees Childcare
Independent
Preston Busy Bees is a highly-regarded local childcare center serving the Preston community with comprehensive early childhood programs. The center features a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates Montessori-inspired elements and focuses on developmental milestones. Their qualified teaching staff maintains low child-to-teacher ratios and emphasizes individualized attention. The facility includes secure indoor learning environments and safe outdoor play areas with age-appropriate equipment. They provide nutritious meals and snacks following USDA guidelines and maintain excellent communication with parents through daily reports and regular updates. Their strong safety protocols and welcoming atmosphere make them a trusted choice for Preston families.
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Harmony Community Center & Childcare
Independent
Located just 8 miles from Preston, Harmony Community Center & Childcare serves families throughout Fillmore County with a comprehensive early education program. The center emphasizes a balanced approach combining structured learning with creative exploration. Their curriculum focuses on literacy development, social skills, and kindergarten readiness. The facility features modern security systems, dedicated age-specific classrooms, and large outdoor play spaces. Staff members hold early childhood education credentials and participate in ongoing professional development. The center is particularly noted for its flexible scheduling options and strong community integration, offering various family engagement activities throughout the year.
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Kingsland Early Childhood Programs
Kingsland Public Schools
Kingsland Early Childhood Programs, located in Spring Valley just 12 miles from Preston, offers high-quality preschool and early childhood education through the Kingsland Public School District. The program features a research-based curriculum aligned with Minnesota Early Childhood Indicators of Progress. Certified early childhood educators provide instruction in literacy, mathematics, science, and social-emotional development. The facility includes dedicated preschool classrooms within the school building, allowing for smooth transitions to kindergarten. The program emphasizes school readiness through structured activities, hands-on learning centers, and social development opportunities. Parent involvement is encouraged through regular conferences, classroom volunteering, and family events, making it a popular choice for families seeking academic preparation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Preston, MN
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available for families in Preston, MN?
In Preston, families primarily have access to licensed family childcare homes and childcare centers. Licensed family childcare providers operate out of their own residences and are a common option in smaller communities like Preston, often offering a home-like environment with mixed-age groups. There are also childcare centers, which may be standalone businesses or affiliated with organizations like churches or schools. Due to Preston's rural setting in Fillmore County, options are more limited than in larger metro areas, so many families also consider providers in nearby towns like Harmony or Rushford. All providers must be licensed through the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), which sets standards for health, safety, staff training, and ratios.
How can I find and verify the license of a daycare provider in Preston?
The most reliable resource is Minnesota's "Parent Aware" website and the DHS Licensing Information Lookup. Parent Aware is the state's quality rating system (with ratings from 1 to 4 stars), which many Preston providers participate in. You can search by zip code (55965) to find rated programs. To verify a specific provider's license status, visit the DHS public licensing portal. It's also recommended to contact the Fillmore County Public Health Department, as they may have local referrals, and to ask providers directly for their license number. Always verify that a license is current and check for any recorded licensing violations.
What is the typical cost range for full-time childcare in Preston, and are there financial assistance programs?
In Preston and surrounding Fillmore County, full-time childcare costs are generally lower than the state average but can vary. For an infant, you might expect to pay between $700-$950 per month at a licensed center and $600-$800 per month in a licensed family childcare home. Rates for toddlers and preschoolers are slightly lower. Financial assistance is available for eligible families through the Minnesota Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), administered by Fillmore County Family Services. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. Additionally, some providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's important to ask directly.
Are waitlists common for daycare in Preston, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common due to the limited number of providers in a small community like Preston. It is strongly advised to begin your search during pregnancy or at least 6-12 months before your needed start date, especially for infant care, which has the strictest staff-to-child ratios and therefore the fewest available spots. When contacting providers, ask specifically about their waitlist process, any fees to join, and how often they update families on their position. Being flexible with your start date or considering providers in neighboring communities (like Fountain or Lanesboro) can increase your chances of securing a spot sooner.
What local resources or networks in Preston can help me connect with other parents for childcare recommendations or alternatives like nanny-sharing?
A key local resource is the Fillmore County Public Health Department, which can provide referrals. Connecting with other parents is invaluable; consider joining community groups like the "Preston, MN Community" Facebook page or attending events at the Preston Public Library or the Preston Area Community Center. For school-age care, Preston Public Schools may have information on before/after-school programs. For alternatives like nanny-sharing, networking through local churches (e.g., St. Columban Catholic Church, Preston United Methodist Church) or parent groups at the YMCA in nearby Rushford can be helpful. The Fillmore County Journal's community bulletin board is also a traditional place to look for or post childcare needs.