The Best Daycare Centers in Redwood Falls, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Redwood Falls. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Redwood Falls
Little Sprouts Learning Center
Independent
Little Sprouts Learning Center is a highly-regarded local childcare facility known for its comprehensive early childhood education programs. They implement a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities tailored to each developmental stage. The center features qualified early childhood educators with low teacher-to-child ratios, ensuring personalized attention. Their facility includes secure indoor learning environments and safe outdoor play areas with age-appropriate equipment. The center emphasizes social-emotional development and school readiness skills, with regular progress reports and parent-teacher communication. They provide nutritious meals and snacks following USDA guidelines and maintain excellent safety protocols including secure entry systems and comprehensive background checks for all staff.
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New Horizons Preschool
Independent
New Horizons Preschool specializes in early childhood education with a strong focus on kindergarten readiness. Their curriculum blends structured academic preparation with creative exploration, incorporating literacy development, mathematics foundations, and social skills. The center employs licensed early childhood teachers who utilize developmentally appropriate practices and individualized learning plans. Their facility features bright, organized classrooms with learning centers for dramatic play, block building, art, and literacy. The program emphasizes character development and community involvement, with regular field trips and family engagement events. Safety is prioritized with monitored access, emergency preparedness training, and health protocols. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment and the strong academic foundation children receive.
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Kindercare Learning Center - Marshall
Kindercare Education
While located in Marshall (approximately 30 minutes from Redwood Falls), this Kindercare Learning Center serves families throughout the region with its nationally-recognized early childhood education programs. They implement the Kindercare Early Foundations curriculum, which focuses on whole-child development across cognitive, emotional, physical, and social domains. The center features dedicated learning spaces for each age group, including infant rooms with individualized care plans, toddler classrooms with hands-on learning materials, and preschool rooms with literacy-rich environments. Their qualified teachers hold early childhood credentials and participate in ongoing professional development. The facility includes secure outdoor playgrounds and indoor gross motor areas. Kindercare's comprehensive approach includes regular assessment tracking, parent communication through mobile apps, and enrichment programs in music, phonics, and STEM activities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Redwood Falls, MN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Redwood Falls, MN?
In Redwood Falls, the cost of full-time daycare varies by provider type. For a licensed family childcare home, you can expect to pay approximately $150-$200 per week for an infant or toddler. Center-based care tends to be slightly higher, often ranging from $180-$250 per week. These rates are generally lower than those in major Minnesota metro areas but are a significant household expense. It's important to ask providers exactly what is included in the weekly rate (e.g., meals, snacks, curriculum materials). Additionally, Minnesota's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is available for eligible families in Redwood County to help subsidize these costs, and some local providers may offer sibling discounts.
How can I find and verify licensed childcare providers in Redwood Falls?
The primary resource for finding licensed childcare in Redwood Falls is Minnesota’s Department of Human Services (DHS) "Find Child Care" online search tool. You can filter by city (Redwood Falls), age of child, and type of care (family or center). This tool provides crucial information, including the provider's license status, capacity, and any recorded licensing violations. For local, personalized assistance, you can also contact the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency serving our region, which is Child Care Aware of Minnesota. They can provide referrals and help you understand licensing standards. Always visit a potential provider in person to observe the environment and ask to see their current DHS license.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Redwood Falls, and how should I plan ahead?
Waitlists for infant care, in particular, can be common at the limited number of daycare centers in Redwood Falls. Some popular family childcare homes may also have waiting periods. It is strongly recommended that parents begin their search and make contact with providers during the second trimester of pregnancy, if possible. When you contact a provider, ask specific questions: their current waitlist length, if there's a fee to be on the list, and how often they update families on their position. Exploring multiple options, including both centers and licensed family homes, increases your chances of securing a spot. Don't hesitate to put your child's name on more than one list.
What are the options for school-age childcare, especially for students in the Redwood Area School District?
For school-age children, Redwood Falls offers several options. The Redwood Area Community Center often runs school-release day and summer camp programs that provide full-day care and activities. The Redwood Area School District itself may offer before- and after-school programs at its elementary schools, though availability varies. Additionally, many licensed family childcare providers in town offer before/after school care, including transportation to and from local schools like Reede Gray or Redwood Valley Elementary. It's essential to inquire early about these programs, as spaces for transportation-included care can fill quickly. The local Boys & Girls Club or 4-H programs through the University of Minnesota Extension in Redwood County may also offer supplemental after-school activities.
What specific questions should I ask a Redwood Falls daycare provider during a tour, given local considerations?
Beyond general questions, tailor your visit to local factors. Ask about their plan for severe weather, given Minnesota's winters—how do they handle late pickups due to snowstorms? Inquire about outdoor play: do they have a secure, shaded area, and what is their policy on going outside in colder temperatures? Ask if they participate in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program, which ensures nutritional meals. For a rural area like ours, ask about their emergency preparedness and communication plans if parents work farther away in surrounding towns or on farms. Finally, ask about their connection to the local community—do they take walks to the library or park, and how do they incorporate local events (like Riverfest) into their activities?