The Best Daycare Centers in Saint Paul, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Saint Paul. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Saint Paul
New Horizon Academy - Highland Park
New Horizon Academy
New Horizon Academy's Highland Park location offers comprehensive early childhood education with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The center provides nutritious meals and snacks, regular parent communication through an app, and maintains low teacher-to-child ratios. Their Pathfinder School Readiness program ensures children are well-prepared for kindergarten with strong academic and social foundations.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Saint Paul
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Saint Paul offers a play-based learning approach through their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience), which balances academic preparation with social development. The facility features bright, modern classrooms, multiple playgrounds, and security systems including keypad entry. All lead teachers have four-year degrees in education or related fields, and the curriculum includes STEAM learning, sign language for infants, and character development. The school maintains excellent health and safety protocols with daily cleanliness checks and comprehensive staff training.
Daycare Services:
Primrose School of Maple Grove
Primrose Schools
While located in Maple Grove, Primrose School serves the broader Twin Cities metro area with their Balanced Learning® approach that combines teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. The curriculum focuses on character development, literacy, and STEM concepts through hands-on learning. The state-of-the-art facility includes secure entry, age-specific playgrounds, and dedicated art and music rooms. All teachers are trained in the Primrose curriculum and receive ongoing professional development. The school offers optional enrichment programs including music, sports, and Spanish, and maintains exceptional health and safety standards with rigorous cleaning protocols and staff training.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Saint Paul, MN
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Saint Paul, MN, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Saint Paul, the average cost for full-time infant care in a licensed center ranges from $1,400 to $1,800 per month, while toddler care typically costs between $1,200 and $1,600 per month. Family childcare homes are often slightly less expensive. These costs are influenced by factors like the program's location, curriculum, and staff-to-child ratios. For financial assistance, Minnesota's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is a primary resource for eligible families based on income. Additionally, many Saint Paul centers offer sliding scale fees or scholarships. It's highly recommended to contact the City of Saint Paul's Office of Financial Empowerment or the Ramsey County Child Care Resource and Referral for personalized guidance on subsidies and local grant opportunities.
How do I verify a daycare's license and check its compliance history in Saint Paul?
All licensed childcare providers in Saint Paul are regulated by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). You can verify a license and review a provider's full compliance history, including any licensing violations or corrective actions, through the online "Minnesota Licensing Information System" (MLIS). This public database allows you to search by provider name, location, or license number. It's crucial to review not just the license status but also the detailed reports of any past maltreatment investigations or rule violations. For further context, you can also contact the local DHS Licensing Division office that oversees Ramsey County. Always visit a potential daycare in person and ask the director about any items you see on their record.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Saint Paul, and what strategies can I use to secure a spot?
Yes, waitlists are very common for high-quality, licensed daycare centers in Saint Paul, especially for infant rooms. It's not unusual for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months or longer. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Consider applying to multiple centers (both your top choices and backups) and get on their lists even if the timing seems far off. Be proactive: follow up with centers every 2-3 months to confirm your spot on the list and express continued interest. Also, explore licensed family childcare homes, which may have more immediate openings and offer a smaller setting. Utilizing the "Parent Aware" quality rating system can help you identify highly-rated programs to target early.
What are the key differences between a Parent Aware-rated program and a non-rated program in Saint Paul?
Parent Aware is Minnesota's voluntary quality rating and improvement system for early childhood programs. In Saint Paul, a Parent Aware-rated program (earning 1 to 4 stars) has undergone a rigorous assessment in areas like curriculum, teacher training, family engagement, and community partnerships. These programs often use research-based early learning practices and their staff typically engage in ongoing professional development. A 4-star rating is the highest. Many rated programs are also eligible for state early learning scholarships, making them more affordable. A non-rated program is simply licensed to meet Minnesota's basic health and safety standards but has not opted into this additional quality framework. While many excellent non-rated providers exist, the Parent Aware rating provides a standardized, verified measure of quality that can be a valuable tool for parents during their search.
What resources are available in Saint Paul to help me find and compare different types of childcare, including centers, family homes, and preschools?
The primary local resource is **Child Care Aware of Minnesota**. You can contact their referral specialists who serve Ramsey County for a free, personalized list of licensed providers that match your needs (location, hours, child's age, etc.). Their website also features a searchable provider database. Another excellent tool is the **Parent Aware Find a Program** website, which allows you to search specifically for rated programs in Saint Paul by star rating, location, and program type. For a more community-focused search, consider joining neighborhood-specific parent groups on social media (like Mac-Groveland, Highland, or Como groups) where parents often share firsthand recommendations and openings. The Saint Paul Public Library branches also sometimes have community bulletin boards with local childcare postings.
Childcare Insights for Saint Paul
Finding the right care for your baby is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make as a parent in Saint Paul. The search for “infant daycare near me” is more than just a query; it’s the beginning of a journey to find a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for your little one during those crucial first years. In a city as community-oriented as Saint Paul, you have a wonderful array of options, but knowing where to start and what to prioritize can make all the difference.
First, understanding the local landscape is key. Saint Paul is home to a diverse mix of childcare providers, from licensed family childcare homes in neighborhoods like Macalester-Groveland or Highland Park to larger childcare centers often affiliated with community organizations, churches, or early learning networks. Many parents find that the intimate setting of a home-based daycare offers a cozy, family-like atmosphere for infants, while centers might provide more structured programs and multiple caregivers. A great first step is to utilize the Minnesota Department of Human Services’ online childcare search tool, which allows you to filter by location, age, and type of care, and view licensing records right from your home in Saint Paul.
When evaluating infant daycare options in Saint Paul, consider some factors unique to our area. Proximity is important, not just for convenience but for managing our distinct seasons. A daycare close to your home or work in downtown Saint Paul can be a lifesaver during a snowy January commute. Ask about their policies for outdoor time; the best programs will have safe, engaging outdoor spaces and appropriate gear for our climate, believing in the value of fresh air year-round. Additionally, inquire about their continuity of care. Given that infant spots are highly sought after and waiting lists can be long, it’s wise to ask if the daycare guarantees a transition into their toddler room, providing your child with valuable consistency.
Building a shortlist is just the start; the in-person visit is irreplaceable. Schedule a tour and trust your instincts. Observe how caregivers interact with the babies—are they engaged, speaking gently, and responding promptly to cries? Look for a clean, safe environment with dedicated sleeping areas away from the bustle of play. Don’t hesitate to ask detailed questions about daily routines, feeding and nap schedules, their approach to early learning like reading and sensory play, and their safety protocols. Finally, tap into the local parent networks. Saint Paul is full of supportive communities, both online and in person. Ask for recommendations in neighborhood Facebook groups or at local parks like Como Park or the playground at Harriet Island. Often, the most trusted referrals come from other Saint Paul parents who have walked this same path. Finding the right infant daycare is about finding a partner you trust, a place where your baby will be cherished and will thrive as they take their first steps, both literally and figuratively, in our wonderful city.