The Best Daycare Centers in Saint Francis, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Saint Francis. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Saint Francis
New Horizon Academy
New Horizon Academy
New Horizon Academy is a highly-regarded regional childcare provider with a strong presence in Minnesota. Their Saint Francis location offers comprehensive early childhood education programs with a research-based curriculum that focuses on literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. The center features secure facilities with keypad entry systems, certified teachers with early childhood education credentials, and age-appropriate learning environments. They provide nutritious meals and snacks, maintain low teacher-to-child ratios, and offer flexible scheduling options. The center is known for its structured daily routines that balance educational activities with play-based learning and outdoor time.
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Kiddie Academy of Andover
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Andover serves families in the Saint Francis area with their Life Essentials® curriculum that emphasizes character development, STEM learning, and school readiness. The academy features state-of-the-art security systems including secured entry, surveillance cameras, and strict pickup authorization protocols. Highly qualified teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The facility includes dedicated learning centers, interactive technology, and safe outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. Parents appreciate the transparent communication through daily digital reports and the focus on developing social skills and independence.
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Little Explorers Learning Center
Little Explorers Learning Center
Little Explorers Learning Center is a locally-owned childcare facility in Saint Francis that provides personalized care and education. Their curriculum blends Montessori-inspired activities with structured learning, focusing on hands-on exploration and individualized development. The center maintains small class sizes with experienced teachers who create nurturing, home-like environments. Safety features include secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. The facility offers spacious indoor play areas, age-specific outdoor playgrounds, and emphasizes nature-based learning. Parents consistently praise the center's family atmosphere, experienced staff, and strong focus on each child's unique developmental needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Saint Francis, MN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare in Saint Francis, MN, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Saint Francis and the surrounding Anoka County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $275 to $350 per week, while toddler care is generally between $250 and $320 per week. Preschool-age care often costs $220 to $300 per week. These rates are slightly below the Twin Cities metro average but can vary based on the center's amenities, curriculum, and staff-to-child ratios. For financial assistance, Minnesota's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is available for eligible families, administered through Anoka County. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's also worth checking with your employer, as some companies in the nearby industrial parks or from the broader metro area offer Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
How long are waitlists for licensed daycare centers in Saint Francis, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Waitlists in Saint Francis can vary significantly. For highly sought-after centers and, crucially, for infant care slots, waitlists can be 6 to 12 months long. For toddler and preschool rooms, waits are typically shorter, around 2 to 6 months. The demand is high due to the city's family-oriented community and limited number of large centers. To secure a spot, start your search during pregnancy if possible. Get on multiple waitlists (even if there's a small fee), and follow up with centers every 4-6 weeks to express continued interest. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby communities like Andover, Oak Grove, or East Bethel, which may have different availability. Many families in Saint Francis also utilize licensed family childcare homes, which can have shorter or more flexible wait times.
What are the licensing and safety regulations for childcare providers in Minnesota, and how can I verify a provider in Saint Francis?
All childcare providers in Saint Francis must be licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) unless they care for only related children or one unrelated family. Key regulations include mandatory background checks for all staff, specific staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:7 for toddlers, 1:10 for preschoolers), annual training in SIDS prevention, shaken baby syndrome, and first aid/CPR, and regular facility inspections for health and safety. To verify a provider's license and review their compliance history, you can use the "Look Up a License" tool on the Minnesota DHS website. This public report shows the license status, any serious licensing violations (called "corrective actions"), and the program's capacity. You can also contact the Anoka County DHS licensing office for local information.
Are there any daycare centers in Saint Francis that offer unique programs or cater to specific needs, like non-traditional hours or early childhood education curricula?
While Saint Francis is a smaller community, several centers offer distinct programs. Some centers incorporate nature-based or outdoor learning, taking advantage of the area's parks and natural spaces. You can find programs using curricula like Creative Curriculum or HighScope, which focus on school readiness. For non-traditional hours, options are more limited, but some licensed family childcare homes may offer evening, overnight, or weekend care to accommodate parents working in healthcare, manufacturing, or service industries in the region. For specialized needs, such as care for children with disabilities, you would typically connect with the Anoka-Hennepin School District's early childhood special education services, as most general daycare centers may not have dedicated specialists on staff but are required to make reasonable accommodations.
What resources are available in Saint Francis to help me find and evaluate childcare options?
The primary resource for Saint Francis parents is **Child Care Aware of Minnesota**. You can use their online search tool or speak with a referral specialist by calling 1-888-291-9811. They provide free, personalized referrals to licensed programs in your zip code (55070) and surrounding areas. Locally, the **Saint Francis Community Services** department may have information, and the **Anoka County Library - Saint Francis Branch** often has community bulletins with childcare ads. For evaluation, beyond checking the DHS license, visit potential centers unannounced if allowed, ask for parent references, and look for accreditation from organizations like the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Connecting with local parent groups on social media (e.g., Saint Francis, MN Community pages) can also provide invaluable firsthand recommendations and experiences.