The Best Daycare Centers in Spicer, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Spicer. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Spicer
New London-Spicer Early Childhood Family Center
New London-Spicer School District
The New London-Spicer Early Childhood Family Center is a highly-regarded program operated by the local school district, offering comprehensive early childhood education services. The center focuses on school readiness through play-based learning and developmentally appropriate curriculum. Certified early childhood educators provide instruction with low student-teacher ratios. The program emphasizes social-emotional development, literacy foundations, and kindergarten preparation. Facilities include modern classrooms, age-appropriate learning materials, and secure access. Parent involvement is strongly encouraged through family events and educational workshops. The center serves as a community hub for early childhood development in the Spicer area.
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Tiny Treasures Childcare & Preschool
Independent
Tiny Treasures is a well-established local childcare center in Spicer known for its nurturing environment and comprehensive educational programs. The center offers age-appropriate curriculum from infancy through preschool, focusing on cognitive, social, and physical development. Their preschool program emphasizes kindergarten readiness with structured learning activities, literacy development, and STEM exploration. The facility features secure classrooms, outdoor play areas, and developmentally appropriate learning centers. Staff members are certified in early childhood education and receive ongoing training. The center maintains excellent safety records and provides nutritious meals and snacks. Parent communication is prioritized through daily updates and regular conferences.
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Little Learners Academy
Independent
Little Learners Academy, located in nearby Willmar, serves the Spicer community with high-quality early childhood education programs. The center employs a comprehensive curriculum that balances academic preparation with social-emotional development. Their approach includes Creative Curriculum for younger children and more structured academic preparation for pre-K students. The facility features secure, modern classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and specialized learning centers for art, music, and literacy. All lead teachers hold early childhood education degrees or certifications, and the center maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios. Safety protocols include secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. The academy offers flexible scheduling and serves as a reliable childcare option for Spicer families commuting to Willmar.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Spicer, MN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Spicer, MN, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Spicer and the surrounding Kandiyohi County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $225 to $300 per week, while toddler care is generally $200 to $275 per week. Preschool programs often cost $150 to $225 per week. These rates are influenced by the type of provider (center-based vs. in-home) and the specific services offered. For financial assistance, Minnesota's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is the primary resource for eligible families, administered locally through Kandiyohi County Family Services. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's also worth checking with employers in the area, such as Jennie-O or other local businesses, as some may offer dependent care flexible spending accounts or referral services.
How long are waitlists for licensed childcare centers in Spicer, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Waitlists for licensed centers and highly-regarded in-home providers in Spicer can vary significantly but often range from 3 to 9 months, especially for infant care, which has stricter staff-to-child ratios. Popular programs may have even longer waits. To improve your chances, start your search early—ideally during pregnancy or several months before you need care. 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 2-3 months to confirm your spot. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby towns like New London, Willmar, or Atwater, which may have more availability and are within a reasonable commute for many Spicer residents.
What are the licensing requirements for in-home daycare providers in Spicer, and how can I verify a provider's license and history?
All family childcare providers in Spicer must be licensed by the State of Minnesota through the Department of Human Services (DHS) unless they care for only the children of one unrelated family. Licensing requires background checks, health and safety training (including CPR and first aid), ongoing professional development, and adherence to strict ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:7 for preschoolers). To verify a provider's license and review their compliance history, you can use the Minnesota Department of Human Services "License Lookup" tool online. This public database shows the license status, capacity, any serious maltreatment findings, and licensing review reports. You can also contact the DHS Licensing Division for the West Central region for additional information.
Are there any unique seasonal or part-time childcare options in Spicer, particularly for summer or school holidays?
Yes, Spicer offers several seasonal options tailored to the community's lifestyle. During the summer, the Spicer Community Education program and the New London-Spicer School District often host summer day camps and recreational programs for school-age children. Local organizations like the Green Lake Bible Camp may offer day camp sessions. For part-time care, some licensed family childcare homes in the area offer flexible schedules, such as 2-3 days a week, which can be ideal for parents with part-time work or rotating schedules. Additionally, during the winter, some providers may accommodate "snow day" care for school-age children. It's best to inquire directly with providers about their seasonal policies and to register early for summer programs, as spots can fill quickly.
What resources are available in Spicer to help me evaluate and choose a quality childcare provider?
Parents in Spicer have several local resources. First, Child Care Aware of Minnesota serves the region and offers free referrals and coaching on what to look for in a quality program. You can contact them online or by phone. Second, the Kandiyohi County Public Health department can provide information on health and safety standards. Third, consider scheduling visits and using a checklist that covers key quality indicators: observe caregiver-child interactions, check for a clean and safe environment, ask about curriculum and daily routines, and inquire about staff qualifications and turnover. Talking to other parents at local spots like the Spicer City Park or the Green Lake Lions Playground can also provide valuable word-of-mouth recommendations. Finally, all licensed programs are rated under Minnesota's Parent Aware system; a 3- or 4-star rating indicates a commitment to school readiness best practices.