The Best Daycare Centers in Racine, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Racine. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Racine
Stewartville Children's Center
Independent
Stewartville Children's Center is a highly-regarded facility located just 15 minutes from Racine, serving families throughout Olmsted County. They employ a comprehensive early childhood education curriculum that focuses on developmental milestones through play-based learning and structured activities. The center features state-certified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, maintains low student-to-teacher ratios, and offers nutritious meal programs. Their facility includes secure indoor classrooms and expansive outdoor play areas with age-appropriate equipment. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, individualized attention to each child's needs, and strong emphasis on social-emotional development alongside academic readiness.
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Rochester Montessori School
Rochester Montessori
Located approximately 20 minutes from Racine in Rochester, this AMI-recognized Montessori school offers an exceptional child-centered educational approach. The facility features specially designed Montessori classrooms with authentic materials, highly trained guides with AMI certifications, and a curriculum that fosters independence, concentration, and natural development. The school maintains small class sizes and mixed-age groupings that allow for peer learning. Their beautiful campus includes natural outdoor environments and gardens where children engage with nature daily. The center is renowned for its peaceful atmosphere, individualized learning plans, and strong community of families who value the authentic Montessori method.
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New Horizon Academy - Rochester
New Horizon Academy
As part of Minnesota's largest and most established childcare network, New Horizon Academy in Rochester brings proven educational excellence to families in the Racine area. Their research-based curriculum emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social skills through hands-on learning experiences. The center features secure access systems, comprehensive health and safety protocols, and highly qualified staff with ongoing professional development. Their facility includes bright, well-equipped classrooms, dedicated age-appropriate playgrounds, and technology-enhanced learning spaces. Parents appreciate the consistent quality, transparent communication through daily reports and photos, and the center's commitment to preparing children for kindergarten success with strong foundational skills.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Racine, MN
What are the main types of licensed childcare available in Racine, MN, and how do I find them?
In Racine, MN, parents typically have access to licensed family childcare homes (in a provider's residence, caring for up to 10 children) and licensed childcare centers. Given Racine's smaller, rural community, family childcare homes are a very common and often flexible option. To find licensed providers, your primary resource is Minnesota’s Department of Human Services (DHS) "Find Child Care" online search tool. You can filter by city (Racine, 55967), type of care, and age of your child. Additionally, contacting the local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for Southeast Minnesota, which serves Mower County, can provide personalized referrals and information on current openings. It's also common to find local providers through community Facebook groups or word-of-mouth recommendations from other parents in the Racine area.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare for an infant or toddler in Racine, and are there financial assistance programs?
In Racine and the surrounding rural areas of Mower County, childcare costs are generally lower than in Minnesota's major metro areas, but they still represent a significant household expense. For a licensed family childcare home, you might expect to pay approximately $150-$225 per week for full-time infant or toddler care. A center-based program, if available nearby in a larger town like Austin, may range from $200-$275 per week. The State of Minnesota offers financial assistance through the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families based on income, family size, and need. You apply through Mower County Health and Human Services. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts, and you can inquire about possible scholarships through the CCR&R or local community foundations.
Are there long waitlists for childcare in Racine, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to the limited number of providers in a small community like Racine, waitlists are common, especially for infant care which has stricter staff-to-child ratios. It is not unusual for popular licensed family homes or the nearest centers in Austin to have waitlists of several months. To improve your chances, start your search as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy. Contact multiple providers to get on their lists, and be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee, which is a standard practice. Maintain periodic, polite contact with providers to express your continued interest. Being flexible with your start date can also help. Exploring providers in neighboring communities such as Adams, Rose Creek, or Austin expands your options but will involve a commute.
What specific state licensing regulations and safety standards should I look for when touring a daycare in Minnesota?
All licensed childcare programs in Racine must comply with Minnesota Rules, Chapter 9502. Key regulations parents should inquire about include: staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:7 for toddlers), background checks for all employees, annual training in CPR/First Aid and Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) prevention, and safe sleep practices for infants. Providers must also have written policies on discipline, emergency preparedness, and health exclusion for sick children. During a tour, you can ask to see the program's license, which should be posted. Also, look for a clean and child-proofed environment, secure outdoor play areas, and evidence of a structured daily schedule that includes age-appropriate learning activities. You can view a provider's licensing history, including any past violations, on the Minnesota DHS website.
Beyond basic care, what kind of early learning or preschool programming is available for 3-5 year olds in the Racine area?
For preschool-aged children in Racine, options include licensed childcare programs that incorporate early learning curricula and dedicated preschool programs. Many family childcare homes and centers follow developmental guidelines and prepare children for kindergarten. For a more structured preschool experience, parents often look to programs in nearby Austin. The Austin Public Schools district offers Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) and School Readiness preschool programs, which may be open to Racine residents, though transportation is typically the family's responsibility. Some local in-home providers may also partner with the school district or Head Start programs to offer targeted preschool services. It's important to ask providers specifically about their curriculum, daily learning activities, and how they track developmental milestones to ensure your child is getting a school-ready foundation.
Childcare Insights for Racine
Finding the right care for your baby is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make as a parent. If you’re searching for “baby daycare near me” in Racine, Minnesota, you’re likely seeking a nurturing, safe, and stimulating environment close to home. The good news is that the Racine area, with its strong sense of community, offers several wonderful options for infant care, though navigating them requires a local’s perspective and a bit of planning.
First, it’s important to understand the landscape of childcare in our area. Racine itself is a charming, tight-knit community, and many childcare providers here are in-home licensed facilities, which can offer a cozy, family-like setting perfect for infants. These are often run by experienced caregivers who have been serving local families for years. There are also larger childcare centers in nearby communities like Stewartville and Rochester, which may have structured infant programs with multiple caregivers. Given the rural nature of our region, securing a spot, especially for an infant, often requires getting on waiting lists well in advance. It’s not uncommon for parents in Racine to begin their search during pregnancy.
When evaluating a “baby daycare near me” in Racine, consider the practicalities of our Minnesota lifestyle. Ask potential providers about their policies for extreme weather, as our winters can bring challenging road conditions. A daycare with a flexible or understanding policy on late pickups during a snowstorm can be a tremendous relief. Also, inquire about outdoor time. The best providers in our area believe in fresh air for babies, bundling them up appropriately for Minnesota’s seasons for short, supervised stroller walks or protected porch time, which is wonderful for development.
Building a personal connection is key. Schedule a visit and trust your instincts. In a small community like Racine, you can often get a genuine feel for the caregiver’s philosophy and the environment. Notice how they interact with the babies—is it warm and responsive? Ask about their experience with infant feeding, sleep schedules, and how they track your baby’s daily milestones, from diaper changes to first smiles. Don’t hesitate to ask for references from other Racine parents; word-of-mouth recommendations here are invaluable. You might even find that your chosen provider is connected to someone you know, reinforcing that community feel.
Finally, remember that you are not just choosing a service, but a partner in your child’s earliest years. The right daycare in Racine will communicate openly, share in the joy of your baby’s growth, and provide you with peace of mind while you work or manage other responsibilities. Start your search early, visit multiple places, and ask detailed questions. By investing time in this process, you can find a caring, local haven for your baby—a place where they can thrive right here in our community.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Racine: