The Best Daycare Centers in Prior Lake, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Prior Lake. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Prior Lake
New Horizon Academy - Prior Lake
New Horizon Academy
New Horizon Academy in Prior Lake offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with a research-based curriculum that focuses on literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood degrees, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate learning environments. Their program includes daily communication with parents through an app, nutritious meals and snacks, and extensive outdoor play areas. The center is known for its strong kindergarten readiness program and maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios for optimal individual attention.
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The Goddard School of Prior Lake
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Prior Lake provides a premier early childhood education experience with their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based exploration. The school features state-certified teachers, modern security systems including keypad entry, and purpose-built classrooms with advanced learning materials. Their STEAM-focused curriculum includes Spanish language exposure, yoga, and music enrichment. The facility boasts large, natural outdoor playgrounds and maintains rigorous health and safety protocols with daily cleanliness checks and secure parent access systems.
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New Horizon Academy - Savage
New Horizon Academy
Located just minutes from Prior Lake in neighboring Savage, this New Horizon Academy location serves the broader community with exceptional childcare services. The center offers a comprehensive early learning curriculum that emphasizes literacy development, mathematical thinking, and social skills. Features include degreed early childhood educators, secure electronic entry systems, and nutritious meal programs. The facility includes multiple age-appropriate playgrounds and classrooms equipped with modern educational materials. Their program focuses on developmental milestones tracking and maintains strong parent-teacher communication through regular updates and conferences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Prior Lake, MN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Prior Lake, MN?
In Prior Lake, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the child's age and the type of facility. For infants (6 weeks to 16 months), you can expect to pay between $350 and $450 per week at a licensed center. For toddlers (16 months to 3 years), weekly rates typically range from $300 to $400. In-home licensed family childcare is often slightly more affordable, averaging $250 to $350 per week. These rates are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that costs in the Twin Cities metro area, including Prior Lake, are generally higher than state averages, so budgeting early is crucial. Many providers offer sibling discounts, and financial assistance may be available through Minnesota's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families.
How long are waitlists for daycare centers in Prior Lake, and when should I start looking?
Waitlists for high-quality daycare centers in Prior Lake can be significant, especially for infant spots. It's not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer. We strongly recommend starting your search during pregnancy, ideally by the second trimester, to secure a spot for when your parental leave ends. For toddler or preschool-age openings, waitlists may be shorter (3-6 months), but planning ahead is still essential. When touring facilities, always ask for their specific waitlist policy, including any non-refundable deposit to hold a spot. Exploring a mix of centers, faith-based programs, and licensed family childcare homes can increase your options and potentially reduce wait times.
What are the key differences between a licensed childcare center and a licensed family childcare home in Prior Lake?
Both are regulated by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), but they operate differently. Licensed **Centers** are facilities dedicated solely to childcare, often with multiple classrooms, a larger staff, and structured curricula (like Montessori or play-based). They typically have more children and may offer extended hours. Licensed **Family Childcare Homes** operate out of the provider's residence, offering a home-like environment with mixed-age groups, which can be beneficial for siblings. They generally have a smaller capacity (up to 10 children, including the provider's own) and may offer more flexible hours. In Prior Lake, both options must meet state standards for safety, staff training, and ratios. Your choice may depend on your child's temperament, your schedule, and whether you prefer a more institutional or familial setting.
Are there any unique local resources or programs in Prior Lake to help parents find and evaluate childcare options?
Yes, Prior Lake parents have excellent local resources. Your first stop should be **Child Care Aware of Minnesota** (call 1-888-291-9811 or visit their website). They offer free referrals and can provide a list of licensed providers in the 55372 area. Additionally, the **Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools (PLSAS) Community Education** department offers early childhood family education (ECFE) classes and may have connections to preschool programs. For on-the-ground insights, the local Facebook group "**Prior Lake Moms (and Dads)**" is an active community where parents frequently share recommendations and experiences with specific daycare providers. Finally, you can verify a provider's license and review any past licensing violations directly on the Minnesota DHS online licensing lookup tool.
What should I look for during a daycare tour specific to Minnesota's regulations and Prior Lake's community standards?
During a tour, go beyond the basics. First, verify their Minnesota DHS license is current and posted. Ask about staff qualifications—Minnesota requires lead teachers to have a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent. Observe the staff-to-child ratios: for infants, it should be 1:4, and for toddlers, 1:7. Inquire about their emergency preparedness plan, especially for Minnesota weather (severe storms, extreme cold). Check for secure, age-appropriate outdoor play spaces. Ask about their sick policy and how they handle common Minnesota childhood illnesses. Also, discuss their approach to outdoor time in winter—quality programs will ensure children get fresh air daily with proper gear. Finally, gauge their community involvement; many Prior Lake daycare centers participate in local events and field trips to places like the Prior Lake Library or Spring Lake Park.