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.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Racine: