The Best Daycare Centers in Solway, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Solway. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Solway
Little Sprouts Early Learning Center
Independent
Little Sprouts Early Learning Center is a highly-regarded local childcare facility serving the Solway community with comprehensive early childhood education programs. The center features a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities appropriate for each developmental stage. Their qualified early childhood educators maintain low teacher-to-child ratios, ensuring personalized attention. The facility includes secure indoor learning environments with age-appropriate classrooms and safe outdoor play areas. They emphasize social-emotional development, literacy readiness, and kindergarten preparation through structured daily routines that balance educational activities with creative play and physical movement.
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Childcare Network #145
Childcare Network
As part of a respected regional chain, Childcare Network's Bemidji location serves families throughout the Solway area with a research-based curriculum focused on school readiness. Their AgeRight curriculum is developmentally appropriate and aligns with state early learning standards. The center features secure access systems, comprehensive safety protocols, and certified early childhood teachers with ongoing professional development. Their programs include nutritious meal service, regular developmental assessments, and parent communication portals. The facility offers spacious classrooms, dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, and age-specific outdoor playgrounds designed for safe physical development and exploration.
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New Horizon Preschool & Childcare
Independent
New Horizon Preschool & Childcare has built a strong reputation serving families in the greater Bemidji area, including Solway residents. Their educational philosophy combines Montessori-inspired independence with structured learning activities that promote cognitive, social, and physical development. The center employs experienced early childhood educators with degrees in education or child development. Their comprehensive safety measures include secured entry systems, regular emergency drills, and strict health and hygiene protocols. The curriculum emphasizes literacy development, mathematical thinking, and social skills through hands-on learning centers, small group instruction, and individualized learning plans. Their flexible scheduling options accommodate various family needs while maintaining consistent, high-quality care standards.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Solway, MN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Solway, MN, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Solway and the surrounding Beltrami County area, full-time daycare for an infant (0-2 years) typically ranges from $175 to $225 per week, while toddler care (2-3 years) is slightly lower, averaging $150 to $200 per week. These rates are generally more affordable than in larger Minnesota cities like Minneapolis. For financial assistance, Minnesota's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is the primary resource, administered locally through the Beltrami County Health and Human Services Department. Eligibility is based on family size, income, and need. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts. It's highly recommended to contact providers directly for their exact rates and to apply for CCAP well in advance of needing care, as the approval process can take time.
How can I find licensed in-home daycare providers versus center-based options in Solway?
The most reliable way to find licensed childcare in Solway is through Minnesota's official online resource, "Find Child Care," managed by the Department of Human Services (DHS). This searchable database allows you to filter by location (using Solway's zip code, 56678), type of care (Family Child Care for in-home or Child Care Center), and age of your child. For a more community-focused approach, you can also check with the Solway Community Center or local churches, as they may have information on reputable providers. In a smaller community like Solway, licensed in-home providers (also known as Family Child Care) are common and can offer a home-like setting with mixed-age groups, while center-based options may require a short commute to nearby Bemidji.
Are waitlists common for daycare spots in Solway, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common, especially for infant care, due to limited provider capacity in a smaller community. It is strongly advised to begin your search at least 6 to 9 months before you need care, and if you are expecting, to get on lists during your second trimester. Many of the licensed in-home providers in Solway may only have space for 1-2 infants at a time due to Minnesota's strict staff-to-child ratios. When contacting providers, be sure to ask specifically about their waitlist process, any associated fees to hold a spot, and how often they update families on their position. Being proactive and flexible with your start date can significantly increase your chances of securing a spot.
What are Minnesota's key licensing requirements for daycare providers that I should verify when choosing care in Solway?
All licensed providers in Minnesota, including those in Solway, must meet strict standards set by the DHS. Key requirements you can and should verify include: 1) **Current License:** Ensure the license is posted and valid. You can check a provider's licensing history and any past violations online via the DHS "Find Child Care" portal. 2) **Staff Qualifications:** Lead teachers in centers and license holders for in-home care must have ongoing training in early childhood education, first aid, and CPR. 3) **Ratios and Capacity:** For family child care, the ratio is 1:4 for infants (under 16 months) with a maximum of 3 infants, and 1:7 for toddlers. 4) **Health and Safety:** Providers must have safe sleep policies (especially for infants), emergency plans, and pass regular fire and health inspections. Don't hesitate to ask a provider to see their license and discuss these standards during your visit.
What seasonal or community-specific factors should parents in Solway consider when selecting childcare?
Solway's rural setting and Minnesota climate present unique considerations. First, inquire about the provider's **winter weather policy**—whether they close during severe snowstorms and how they communicate those closures. Second, ask about **outdoor playtime**; a good program should have safe, enclosed outdoor space and a policy for going outside in colder months (proper winter gear is essential). Third, consider **transportation and location**; some providers may be located on less-traveled roads that are plowed less frequently. Finally, explore if the provider incorporates **local community elements**, such as visits to the Solway Community Center, nature-based learning in the surrounding woods and fields, or participation in local events. These factors can greatly impact the daily routine and your child's experience.