The Best Daycare Centers in Round Lake, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Round Lake. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Round Lake
Little Sprouts Learning Center
Independent
Little Sprouts Learning Center is a highly-regarded local childcare facility serving Round Lake and surrounding communities. They offer a comprehensive early childhood education program with a play-based learning approach that incorporates Creative Curriculum elements. The center features certified early childhood educators with an average of 8 years of experience, maintaining excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Their facility includes secure indoor learning environments with age-appropriate classrooms, a large outdoor playground with natural elements, and a nutrition program that provides healthy meals and snacks. Parents consistently praise their strong communication, individualized attention to each child's development, and the warm, family-like atmosphere. The center focuses on social-emotional development while preparing children for kindergarten readiness.
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Kiddie Korner Child Care Center
Independent
Located in nearby Worthington (approximately 15 minutes from Round Lake), Kiddie Korner Child Care Center has served families throughout Nobles County for nearly two decades. They offer a structured educational program that balances academic preparation with developmental appropriate practice. The center employs state-qualified teachers with degrees in early childhood education and provides ongoing professional development. Their curriculum includes literacy enrichment, STEM activities, and creative arts, with regular assessments to track developmental milestones. The facility features secure entry systems, modern safety equipment, and separate playgrounds for different age groups. Parents particularly appreciate their flexible scheduling options, transparent daily communication through a parent portal, and the center's commitment to creating an inclusive, diverse learning environment.
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New Horizon Academy
New Horizon Academy
As part of the respected New Horizon Academy network, this Worthington location (serving the Round Lake area) combines the resources of a regional chain with personalized local care. They implement a research-based curriculum focused on school readiness, incorporating literacy development, mathematics, science, and social studies. The center maintains high standards for teacher qualifications, with lead teachers holding degrees in early childhood education and all staff receiving comprehensive training in child development and safety protocols. Their facility includes bright, well-equipped classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and dedicated spaces for different developmental stages. The center is known for its strong parent partnerships, regular progress reports, and enrichment programs including music and movement. Their comprehensive approach includes nutritional meal planning and extended hours to accommodate working families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Round Lake, MN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare in Round Lake, MN, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Round Lake and the surrounding southwestern Minnesota area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $175 to $225 per week, while care for a toddler or preschooler is generally between $150 and $200 per week. These costs can vary based on the type of provider (in-home vs. center-based) and the specific services offered. For financial assistance, Minnesota's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is the primary resource. Eligibility is based on family size and income, and the program helps pay for care at licensed providers. Local families can apply through the Nobles County Family Services office in Worthington, which serves the Round Lake area. Additionally, some providers may offer sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking.
How can I find and verify licensed childcare providers in Round Lake, MN?
The best resource for finding licensed childcare in Minnesota is the statewide "Find Child Care" search tool on the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) website. You can search by city (Round Lake) or zip code (56167) to see a list of licensed family child care homes and child care centers. This tool provides crucial information, including the provider's license status, capacity, and any recorded licensing violations. For verification, you should always cross-reference the provider's license certificate, which they are required to post visibly. You can also contact the DHS Licensing Division directly for a provider's history. Given Round Lake's smaller size, many families also find providers through trusted local word-of-mouth and community Facebook groups.
Are there long waitlists for daycare in Round Lake, and when should I start looking for a spot?
Due to the limited number of providers in a small community like Round Lake, waitlists for infant and toddler care can be common and may extend several months. It is highly recommended that expecting parents or families planning a move begin their search as early as possible—ideally during the second trimester of pregnancy or at least 6-9 months before care is needed. For preschool-age openings, starting your search 3-4 months in advance is advisable. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist length and policy. Be prepared to put down a deposit to secure a future spot. Exploring options in nearby towns such as Worthington (about 15 miles away) can also increase your chances of finding timely care.
What are the main differences between a licensed family child care home and a child care center in the Round Lake area?
In Round Lake, your primary options are Licensed Family Child Care Homes and Child Care Centers, which are often located in larger nearby communities. A licensed family home is run out of the provider's residence, typically caring for a smaller, mixed-age group of up to 10 children. This setting often offers a more home-like, flexible environment and may be more convenient within the town itself. A child care center is a facility in a commercial building, like those in Worthington, with separate classrooms by age, multiple staff, and often a more structured curriculum. Centers must meet specific staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:7 for toddlers), while family homes have different ratio requirements based on the ages of children present. Both are licensed and inspected by the state, but their environments and daily operations differ significantly.
What should I look for during a daycare tour specific to providers in a rural community like Round Lake?
When touring a daycare in Round Lake, pay attention to factors uniquely important in a rural setting. First, inquire about their emergency preparedness plan for severe weather common to southwestern Minnesota, such as tornadoes or winter blizzards, and their protocol for communication and transportation if roads are impassable. Ask about their outdoor play area and how they ensure safety in a more open, possibly less-fenced environment. For in-home providers, verify that the home is well-maintained and check for any potential hazards from well water, septic systems, or heating sources like propane. Also, discuss their policy on farm animals or nearby agricultural activities if relevant. Finally, assess their network for backup supplies and staff, as resources in a small town can be more limited than in urban areas.
Childcare Insights for Round Lake
Finding the right childcare is one of the most important decisions a family can make, and if you're searching for the "best daycares near me" in Round Lake, Minnesota, you're likely looking for a place that feels like a second home for your child. The good news is that while Round Lake offers a quiet, close-knit community atmosphere, families here have access to several excellent childcare options both within town and in the surrounding Nobles County area. The key is knowing what to look for and how to navigate your search locally.
Start by defining what "best" means for your family. For some, it might be a licensed in-home daycare that provides a small, family-style setting right here in Round Lake. These providers often offer great flexibility and can be a wonderful fit for younger children who thrive in a cozy environment. For others, a larger childcare center in a neighboring town like Worthington might be the ideal choice, offering structured preschool curricula and more peer interaction. Consider your daily commute, work schedule, and your child's unique personality when weighing these options.
Given the agricultural and seasonal nature of much work in our region, it's especially important to inquire about availability and waitlists. Many of the best-regarded providers in and around Round Lake can have limited openings, so starting your search early is crucial. Don't hesitate to reach out to multiple places, even if you're told there's a waitlist; situations can change quickly. A great local resource is often other parents. Talk to neighbors at the park or connect with community groups; personal recommendations in a small town like Round Lake carry significant weight and can give you honest insights you won't find online.
When you begin visiting potential daycares, pay close attention to the environment. Is it clean, safe, and inviting? Do the children seem happily engaged? Ask about the provider's or staff's qualifications, their philosophy on discipline and learning, and their protocols for communication. In our Minnesota climate, it's also wise to ask about their policies for outdoor playtime in colder weather and their sick-child policy. A quality provider will welcome these questions and be transparent about their daily routines and safety procedures.
Finally, trust your instincts. The best daycare for your child in the Round Lake area is one where you feel a genuine sense of trust and partnership. Schedule a time to visit with your child, if possible, and observe how they interact with the caregiver. That feeling of reassurance you get when you see a provider kneel down to your child's level or explain the day's activities with warmth is invaluable. Finding exceptional childcare here is about connecting with caregivers who are not just nearby, but who are invested in our community and dedicated to helping your little one learn and grow, right here in the heart of southwest Minnesota.