The Best Daycare Centers in Savage, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Savage. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Savage
New Horizon Academy
New Horizon Academy
New Horizon Academy Savage provides comprehensive early childhood education with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood degrees, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate learning environments. Their program includes daily communication with parents through an app, nutritious meals and snacks, and structured learning activities that prepare children for kindergarten success. The facility maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios and offers flexible scheduling options for working families.
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Primrose School of Savage
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Savage offers the exclusive Balanced Learning® approach, blending teacher-directed and child-initiated activities with a strong emphasis on character development and academics. The school features state-certified teachers, secure campus with keypad entry, and purpose-built classrooms designed for optimal learning. Their curriculum includes music, Spanish, and physical education specialists, along with advanced security systems and regular safety drills. The school maintains small class sizes and provides detailed progress reports to keep parents informed about their child's development.
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The Goddard School of Savage
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Savage implements the F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. The center employs degreed teachers and maintains low student-to-teacher ratios in modern, secure facilities with monitored entry systems. Their program includes STEAM learning, literacy development, and hands-on activities in well-equipped classrooms and outdoor play areas. The school offers extended hours, healthy meal options, and comprehensive safety protocols including regular staff training and emergency preparedness procedures.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Savage, MN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare in Savage, MN, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Savage, MN, the cost of full-time daycare varies significantly based on the child's age and the type of center. For infants, you can expect to pay between $1,600 and $2,000 per month. For toddlers, costs typically range from $1,400 to $1,800 per month, and for preschool-aged children, $1,200 to $1,600 per month. In-home daycare is often less expensive, ranging from $800 to $1,400 monthly. It's important to note that these rates are generally higher than the Minnesota state average due to Savage's location within the high-demand Twin Cities metro. For financial assistance, Minnesota's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is available to eligible families based on income and household size. Additionally, many local centers offer sibling discounts. We recommend contacting the Scott County Community Development Agency for guidance on local subsidies and the specific application process.
How long are daycare waitlists in Savage, and what's the best strategy for securing a spot?
Waitlists for licensed daycare centers and highly-regarded in-home providers in Savage can be lengthy, especially for infant care. It is not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer. For toddler and preschool spots, waitlists may be shorter, around 3 to 6 months. The best strategy is to start your search and get on lists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy or several months before you need care. We recommend getting on multiple waitlists (at least 3-5) and following up with providers every 4-6 weeks to express continued interest. Also, consider expanding your search to neighboring communities like Burnsville, Prior Lake, or Shakopee, which may have different availability. Many Savage parents find that in-home family childcare providers sometimes have more immediate openings.
What are the licensing requirements for childcare providers in Savage, and how can I verify a provider's license and history?
All childcare providers in Savage must be licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) unless they care for only related children or one unrelated family. Licensing ensures providers meet health, safety, and training standards, including background checks, CPR/first aid certification, safe sleep practices for infants, and appropriate child-to-staff ratios. You can easily verify a provider's license status and review their full licensing history, including any past violations, through the Minnesota DHS Licensing Information Lookup website. Simply enter the provider's name or license number. We strongly advise all parents to use this free public tool. Additionally, the Scott County Public Health department can be a resource for understanding local health and safety codes that providers must follow.
Are there any unique or highly-recommended childcare programs in Savage that focus on outdoor/nature-based learning?
Yes, Savage and the surrounding Scott County area have a growing interest in nature-based early childhood education. While specific, fully outdoor "forest school" programs are more common in the broader Twin Cities, several Savage daycare centers incorporate significant outdoor play and learning into their daily routines, utilizing local parks like Savage Community Park and McColl Pond. Furthermore, the Prior Lake-Savage Area School District's Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) program offers seasonal outdoor exploration classes for young children and their parents. For dedicated nature-based programs, parents often look to nearby options like the Dodge Nature Center in West St. Paul or the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, which partner with or inspire local providers. When touring centers in Savage, be sure to ask about their outdoor play philosophy and how often children are outside.
What resources are available in Savage for parents seeking drop-in, part-time, or backup childcare?
Finding flexible childcare in Savage can be challenging, as most licensed centers require full-time enrollment. However, there are several resources for part-time and backup care. The city's Community Education department often offers preschool enrichment programs that meet for a few hours, 2-3 days a week. For drop-in or occasional backup care, national chains like Bright Horizons and KinderCare have centers in nearby Burnsville and Eagan that may offer backup care services to members or for a daily fee. Additionally, using reputable online caregiver marketplaces that allow you to filter for local, background-checked sitters can be useful for last-minute needs. For more regular part-time schedules, your best bet is often licensed family childcare homes, as they may have more flexibility than large centers. The "Savage, MN Community" Facebook group is also a popular place for parents to seek recommendations for local babysitters and nanny shares.
Childcare Insights for Savage
Finding quality and affordable childcare is one of the most significant decisions for families in Savage, Minnesota. If you’re typing “daycare cost near me” into your search bar, you’re likely seeking clarity on what to expect financially in our specific community. Understanding the local landscape is the first step toward making a confident choice for your family. In Savage and the broader south metro Twin Cities area, daycare costs are influenced by several factors, including the type of care, the age of your child, and the specific programs offered by each center or in-home provider.
As a general guide for Savage, MN, parents can expect to encounter a range of costs. For a full-time infant spot in a licensed childcare center, rates often fall between $1,600 and $2,100 per month. Toddler care typically ranges from $1,400 to $1,800 monthly, while preschool-age programs might cost between $1,200 and $1,600. Licensed family childcare homes in Savage often provide a slightly more affordable option, sometimes ranging from $200 to $400 less per month, offering a smaller, home-like setting that many families appreciate. It’s important to note that these figures are estimates, and contacting providers directly for their current rates is essential, as costs can adjust annually.
Several local factors uniquely shape childcare costs in Savage. The high demand for quality spots, especially for infants, can influence pricing. Many centers in our community are part of larger chains with structured educational curricula, which may command a premium. Conversely, there are wonderful independent centers and licensed in-home providers that offer competitive rates and personalized care. Don’t forget to inquire about what is included in the tuition; some Savage daycares include meals, snacks, and enrichment activities like music or yoga, while others may have additional fees for these services.
Navigating these costs requires a proactive approach. Start your search early, as waitlists for infant rooms in Savage can be lengthy. When you tour a facility, be sure to ask detailed questions about their fee structure, including registration fees, supply fees, and policies for vacation or sick days. Minnesota offers valuable resources to help manage these expenses. We strongly encourage every Savage family to explore the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which provides financial support based on income, and to check if their employer offers a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA), which uses pre-tax dollars to pay for care. Additionally, some local centers may offer sibling discounts, which can provide meaningful relief for families with more than one child in care.
Remember, the cost of daycare in Savage is an investment in your child’s safety, development, and social growth. While the numbers are a crucial part of the decision, pairing them with the right fit for your child’s personality and your family’s values is what truly matters. Take the time to visit a few places, talk to other parents in our community, and trust your instincts. Finding that balance between a manageable budget and a nurturing environment where your child thrives is absolutely possible right here in Savage.