The Best Daycare Centers in Sartell, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Sartell. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Sartell
New Horizon Academy - Sartell
New Horizon Academy
New Horizon Academy in Sartell is highly regarded for its research-based educational curriculum that emphasizes early literacy, math, and social-emotional development. The center features low teacher-to-child ratios, with all lead teachers holding degrees in early childhood education or related fields. Safety is prioritized through secure entry systems, daily health checks, and comprehensive background checks for staff. The facility includes age-appropriate indoor and outdoor play areas, and parents appreciate the regular communication via a dedicated app that shares photos and updates on developmental milestones. The center offers nutritious meals and snacks aligned with USDA guidelines, and its play-based learning approach helps children build foundational skills through structured and free-play activities.
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KinderCare Learning Center - St. Cloud
KinderCare Education
This KinderCare location in St. Cloud serves the Sartell area with a nationally recognized curriculum focused on whole-child development, including cognitive, emotional, and physical growth. The center employs qualified teachers with CPR and First Aid certification, and it maintains small class sizes to ensure individualized attention. Safety protocols include keypad entry, regular safety drills, and sanitization routines. The facility features dedicated learning centers for different age groups, an outdoor playground, and a gym for active play. Parents value the strong parent-teacher partnerships and the center's emphasis on diversity and inclusion. Programs include phonics-based reading readiness, STEM activities, and creative arts, with flexible scheduling options to accommodate working families.
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The Goddard School - Waite Park
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Waite Park offers a play-based learning curriculum that integrates academic skills with social development, tailored to each child's needs. Teachers are highly qualified, with ongoing professional development in early childhood education, and the school promotes a low student-to-teacher ratio for personalized care. Safety measures include secured premises, daily cleanliness checks, and a strict visitor policy. The modern facility includes interactive classrooms, a library, and outdoor play spaces designed for exploration. Parents commend the school's focus on communication through daily reports and parent conferences, as well as its enrichment programs in music, art, and technology. The school also provides healthy meals and emphasizes community involvement through family events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Sartell, MN
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Sartell, MN, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Sartell, the average cost for full-time infant care typically ranges from $1,300 to $1,700 per month, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging $1,100 to $1,500 per month. These rates can vary based on the type of center, its amenities, and staff-to-child ratios. For financial assistance, Minnesota's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is available to qualifying families in Stearns County, including Sartell. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees. It's highly recommended to contact the Sartell Community Education department or the United Way of Central Minnesota's 2-1-1 service for the most current information on local subsidies and available openings at CCAP-participating providers.
How long are typical waitlists for licensed daycare centers in Sartell, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Waitlists for high-quality, licensed daycare centers in Sartell can be significant, especially for infant rooms, with waits of 6 to 12 months not being uncommon. Popular centers affiliated with schools or larger chains often have the longest lists. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Contact multiple providers to get on their lists, and be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $25-$75). Follow up politely every few months to confirm your spot. Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in Sartell and neighboring communities like St. Cloud or Sauk Rapids, which may have shorter wait times while still meeting all Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) licensing standards.
What are the key differences between a licensed childcare center and a licensed family childcare home in Sartell, and how do I verify their licensing status?
Licensed childcare centers in Sartell are facilities that care for more than 10 children, often in a commercial or institutional setting. They typically have multiple staff, structured curricula, and may offer care for specific age groups. Licensed family childcare homes operate out of the provider's residence and care for up to 10 children, including the provider's own, offering a more home-like environment with mixed-age groups. Both are regulated by Minnesota DHS, but ratios and rules differ slightly. To verify the license and review any past licensing violations, you must use the Minnesota DHS Licensing Information Lookup website. You can search by provider name, city (Sartell), or license number. This public record is crucial for checking a provider's compliance history and current status.
Are there any unique childcare or preschool programs in Sartell that focus on specific educational approaches or outdoor learning?
Yes, Sartell offers several programs with distinct philosophies. Some local centers and preschools incorporate Montessori or Reggio Emilia-inspired approaches. Notably, given Minnesota's natural landscape, several providers emphasize outdoor and nature-based learning. For example, some programs may utilize local parks like Pinecone Central Park or the Watab Creek trails for regular outdoor exploration, adhering to the "nature preschool" model where children spend a significant portion of the day outside in all weather. The Sartell-St. Stephen School District's Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) and Community Education programs also offer part-time preschool options with a play-based learning focus. It's best to inquire directly with providers about their specific curriculum and daily outdoor time policies.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare facility in Sartell, and what are some local red flags?
During a tour in Sartell, observe the cleanliness and safety of the environment, including secure entrances, fenced outdoor play areas, and age-appropriate toys. Note the interactions between staff and children—look for engaged, responsive caregivers. Ask about staff qualifications, turnover rates, and the center's emergency procedures for Minnesota-specific weather like tornadoes or severe winter storms. A major local red flag is a provider being unable or unwilling to provide their Minnesota DHS license number for you to verify. Also, be wary of facilities that don't allow unscheduled drop-ins for enrolled families or those that have no clear policy on sick children, especially regarding common Midwest illnesses like hand, foot, and mouth disease. Check if they participate in Minnesota's Parent Aware quality rating system—a high rating (3 or 4 stars) is a strong positive indicator.
Nearby Cities
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