The Best Daycare Centers in Saint Charles, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Saint Charles. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Saint Charles
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 learning with play-based development. Their highly qualified teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and comprehensive safety protocols. They emphasize STEAM learning, language development, and social-emotional growth through structured curriculum and hands-on activities.
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New Horizon Academy - Rochester
New Horizon Academy
As Minnesota's largest childcare provider with over 50 years of experience, New Horizon Academy offers research-based curriculum focusing on school readiness and whole-child development. Their program includes comprehensive early literacy, mathematics, and science components with certified early childhood educators. The facility maintains rigorous health and safety standards including secure access, regular sanitation, and emergency preparedness. They provide nutritious meals and snacks while emphasizing character development and social skills.
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Little Sprouts Learning Center
Little Sprouts Learning Center
Little Sprouts Learning Center provides personalized early childhood education with a play-based curriculum that incorporates Creative Curriculum components. Their experienced teaching staff focuses on individualized learning plans and maintains strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences. The center features modern security systems, spacious indoor play areas, and structured outdoor time. They emphasize developmental milestones tracking and offer flexible scheduling options to meet family needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Saint Charles, MN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Saint Charles, MN?
In Saint Charles, MN, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of provider. Licensed family childcare homes typically range from $175 to $225 per week for infants and toddlers. Larger childcare centers, while less common directly in Saint Charles, may charge between $200 and $275 per week. It's important to note that Minnesota offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families, which can significantly offset costs. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts. Costs are generally lower than in larger metro areas like Rochester, but availability can be limited, so it's wise to budget accordingly and inquire about all potential fees upfront.
How can I find and verify licensed childcare providers in Saint Charles?
The primary resource is Minnesota's Department of Human Services (DHS) Licensing Division. You can use their online "Find a Provider" search tool, filtering by city (Saint Charles), zip code (55972), and age of your child. This will show you licensed family childcare homes and centers. All licensed providers in Saint Charles must meet state standards for safety, staff-to-child ratios, and training. You should also check a provider's licensing history for any past violations. For added local insight, consider contacting the Winona County Human Services Department or connecting with other parents through community groups like the Saint Charles Community Forum on Facebook for personal recommendations.
Are there long waitlists for daycare in Saint Charles, and how early should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are a common challenge in Saint Charles due to the limited number of providers serving a small community. For infant care, which has the strictest staff-to-child ratios, it is strongly recommended to begin your search during pregnancy, ideally by the second trimester. For toddler or preschool spots, starting 6 to 9 months in advance is advisable. When contacting providers, ask specifically about their waitlist process: if there's a fee, how often they update it, and their estimated timeline. Exploring options in nearby towns like Lewiston or St. Charles Township can increase your chances of finding an opening sooner.
What are the options for school-age childcare, especially for students in the Saint Charles Public School District?
For school-age children, the Saint Charles Public School District (ISD 858) offers a Community Education program that may include before- and after-school care, often held at the elementary school. This is a convenient and popular option. Additionally, some licensed family childcare homes in Saint Charles offer before/after school care, including transportation to and from school—be sure to confirm this service. During summer and school breaks, these providers and the community education program typically offer full-day "camp" style care. Enrollment for school-based programs often opens in the spring for the following fall and fills quickly.
What specific qualifications and training should I expect caregivers in Saint Charles to have?
Minnesota law requires all licensed childcare providers in Saint Charles to complete thorough background checks and meet ongoing training requirements. At a minimum, lead teachers and providers must have training in: Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) prevention, Abusive Head Trauma (shaken baby syndrome) prevention, CPR and First Aid certified for infants and children, and 16 hours of training annually in child development and safety. Many providers also pursue additional credentials through Minnesota's Parent Aware star rating system, which evaluates quality. Don't hesitate to ask a potential provider for details on their specific training, their experience, and if they have any early childhood education credits or degrees.