The Best Daycare Centers in Rochester, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Rochester. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Rochester
Mayo Early Childhood Center
Mayo Clinic Health System
Mayo Early Childhood Center is renowned for its exceptional educational programs and medical-grade health and safety protocols. As part of the Mayo Clinic system, the center offers comprehensive developmental screening and specialized care programs. Features highly qualified early childhood educators with advanced degrees, low student-teacher ratios, and a research-based curriculum focusing on cognitive, social, and emotional development. The facility includes state-of-the-art learning environments, nutritious meal programs, and extensive parent communication systems.
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The Goddard School of Rochester
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social development. Features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials, secure facilities with keypad entry, and comprehensive safety protocols. The curriculum includes STEAM learning, language development, and character education. Modern classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and regular developmental assessments provide a well-rounded educational experience with strong parent involvement opportunities.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Cascade Lake
KinderCare Education
KinderCare at Cascade Lake provides high-quality early childhood education with a comprehensive curriculum that includes phonics-based reading readiness, math concepts, and social skills development. Features experienced early childhood educators with ongoing professional development, secure facilities with strict check-in procedures, and nutritious meal programs. The center offers balanced learning approaches with structured activities and creative play, focusing on kindergarten readiness. Parent communication includes daily reports and regular conferences, with emphasis on individualized learning plans for each child.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Rochester, MN
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Rochester, MN, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Rochester, MN, the average cost for full-time infant care typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging $1,000 to $1,400 per month. These costs can vary based on the type of center (corporate, non-profit, in-home) and the specific programs offered. For financial assistance, Minnesota's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is a primary resource for eligible families, administered locally through Olmsted County Community Services. Additionally, some larger employers in the Rochester area, particularly those in the healthcare and technology sectors like Mayo Clinic and IBM, may offer dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSAs) or referral services. It's also worth checking with individual daycare centers about potential sliding scale fees or sibling discounts.
How long are typical waitlists for licensed daycare centers in Rochester, and what can I do to secure a spot for my child?
Waitlists in Rochester can be significant, especially for infant care at highly-regarded centers, often ranging from 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer. This is due to high demand from families affiliated with Mayo Clinic, IBM, and other major employers. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Contact multiple centers to get on their lists, and be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $25-$100). Follow up politely every few months to confirm your spot. Consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in surrounding neighborhoods, which may have shorter wait times. Utilizing resources like the "Parent Aware" rating website or the Child Care Resource and Referral service for Southeast Minnesota (through Child Care Resource & Referral) can help you identify more options.
What are the key differences between a licensed childcare center and a licensed family childcare home in Rochester, and how do I verify their licensing status?
Licensed childcare centers in Rochester are facilities that care for larger groups of children, often with multiple staff and structured classrooms. They are typically located in commercial buildings and may offer more extensive educational curricula. Licensed family childcare homes operate out of the provider's residence, caring for a smaller, mixed-age group (up to 10 children, with limits on infants/toddlers), which can offer a more home-like environment. Both must meet Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) licensing rules covering safety, staff-to-child ratios, training, and health standards. To verify a provider's license and view any past licensing actions, you can use the Minnesota DHS Licensing Information Lookup tool online. You can also check if a provider has a voluntary "Parent Aware" quality rating, which many Rochester providers participate in.
Are there specialized childcare options in Rochester for children with medical needs or for parents working non-traditional hours at Mayo Clinic?
Yes, Rochester offers some specialized options to meet these community needs. For children with medical needs, several centers have staff trained in medication administration and basic medical procedures, though 24/7 medical daycare is not typically available. It's crucial to discuss specific needs directly with center directors. For parents working non-traditional, overnight, or rotating shifts at Mayo Clinic, IBM, or other facilities, finding care can be challenging. Some larger childcare centers may offer extended hours (e.g., 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM), but overnight care is extremely limited. Your best options are to seek licensed family childcare providers who may offer more flexible hours, explore nanny shares with other shift-working families, or utilize the backup/emergency care services that some major employers contract with, like Bright Horizons.
What should I look for during a daycare tour in Rochester, and are there any local resources to help me compare quality?
During a tour in Rochester, observe the cleanliness and safety of the environment, check for secure entrances, and note the child-to-staff interactions—are they engaged and responsive? Ask about staff qualifications, turnover rates, and ongoing training. Inquire about their curriculum, outdoor play policy (especially during Minnesota winters), and sick policy. A key local resource for comparing quality is the **Parent Aware** rating system (parentaware.org). Many Rochester providers participate voluntarily and receive a 1- to 4-star rating based on their use of best practices in early learning. You can also contact **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) for Southeast Minnesota** for free, personalized referrals and check inspection reports via the Minnesota DHS website. Finally, ask for references from current parents, particularly those with schedules similar to yours.