The Best Daycare Centers in Staples, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Staples. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Staples
Little Learners Academy
Independent
Little Learners Academy is a highly-regarded local childcare center known for its comprehensive early childhood education program. They utilize a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation. The center features state-certified early childhood educators with low teacher-to-child ratios, ensuring personalized attention. Their curriculum includes STEM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. The facility includes secure indoor learning environments, age-appropriate playgrounds, and nutritious meal programs. Parents consistently praise the center's warm, nurturing environment and excellent communication about child development progress.
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Kiddie Korner Child Care Center
Independent
Kiddie Korner Child Care Center has served the Staples community with a focus on developmental appropriate practices and individualized care. Their program emphasizes hands-on learning through creative arts, music, and outdoor exploration. The center maintains excellent safety protocols including secure entry systems and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Qualified early childhood professionals implement a balanced curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten while fostering social skills and independence. The facility features modern classrooms, dedicated nap areas, and fenced outdoor play spaces with age-appropriate equipment.
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New Horizon Kids Childcare
Independent
New Horizon Kids Childcare provides a nurturing educational environment with a strong emphasis on school readiness and character development. Their curriculum incorporates Montessori-inspired elements with traditional early childhood education, focusing on independence, practical life skills, and academic foundations. The center features experienced educators with specialized training in early childhood development and maintains small class sizes for optimal learning. Their program includes daily outdoor activities, literacy enrichment, and regular developmental assessments. Parents appreciate the center's family-oriented approach and consistent communication about their child's progress and daily activities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Staples, MN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Staples, MN?
In Staples and the surrounding Todd County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of provider. For a licensed family childcare home, you might expect to pay between $150 to $225 per week for an infant. Center-based care tends to be slightly higher, often ranging from $200 to $275 per week. These rates are generally lower than in larger Minnesota metro areas but are significant relative to local incomes. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate (meals, snacks, supplies). Many families in Staples utilize the Minnesota Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) to help offset costs; eligibility is based on income and family size, and you can apply through Todd County Human Services.
How can I find and verify licensed childcare providers in Staples?
The primary resource is Minnesota’s Department of Human Services (DHS) "Find Child Care" online search tool. You can filter for Staples, MN, and see all licensed family childcare homes and childcare centers. This tool provides crucial information, including the provider's license status (active, conditional, suspended), capacity, and any recorded licensing violations. For local recommendations, the Todd County Public Health department and community hubs like the Staples Public Library can be good sources of information. Always schedule a visit and ask to see the provider's current license, which must be posted. In Minnesota, licensed providers must meet state standards for safety, staff-to-child ratios, and training.
Are there long waitlists for daycare spots in Staples, and how should I plan ahead?
Waitlists are common, especially for infant care and at highly-regarded local centers or home providers. In a smaller community like Staples, there are fewer total providers, so a single opening can fill quickly. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists during your pregnancy or at least 6-9 months before you need care. When contacting providers, ask specific questions: their current waitlist length, if there's a fee to be on the list, and how often they update families on their position. Exploring multiple options, including providers in nearby towns like Motley or Wadena, can increase your chances of securing a timely spot.
What are the options for school-age childcare, particularly for students in the Staples-Motley School District?
For school-age children, the Staples-Motley School District offers a School-Age Care (SAC) program, often housed at one of the elementary schools. This program typically provides care before and after school, and on non-school days (like teacher workshops) and during summer breaks. Space can be limited, so early registration is key. Additionally, some licensed family childcare homes in Staples offer transportation to and from school and care for school-age children. The local Boys & Girls Club or community education programs through the school district may also offer after-school activities that can complement childcare needs.
What specific training are childcare providers in Minnesota required to have, and how can I ask about it?
Minnesota has mandated training for all licensed childcare providers. This includes initial and ongoing training in: Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) and Abusive Head Trauma (AHT) prevention, CPR and First Aid certification (with pediatric components), and ongoing hours in child development and learning. Family childcare providers must complete these, and center-based staff have similar requirements. When touring a facility in Staples, don't hesitate to ask, "Can you tell me about your staff's recent training certifications?" A reputable provider will be transparent. You can also check a provider's "Licensing Background Study" details on the DHS website for information about the provider's completed training requirements.
Childcare Insights for Staples
Finding quality infant child care is one of the most significant and emotional decisions a new parent makes. If you're in Staples, Minnesota, and typing "infant child care near me" into your search bar, you're likely seeking a nurturing, safe, and reliable environment for your little one right here in our community. The good news is that while the search requires diligence, Staples and the surrounding Todd County area offer several wonderful options, from licensed in-home providers to established childcare centers, all with that familiar, small-town commitment to care.
Your search in Staples begins with understanding the local landscape. Many excellent providers here are licensed family childcare homes, which can offer a cozy, home-like setting with a consistent caregiver and a small group of children. This can be particularly comforting for infants who thrive on routine and personal attention. There are also dedicated childcare centers that provide structured programs and multiple caregivers. A great first step is to utilize the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) online "Find Child Care" tool. You can filter for infant openings specifically within the 56479 zip code and nearby areas, reviewing licensed providers' records and monitoring reports—a crucial part of your vetting process.
When evaluating infant care in Staples, consider the practicalities of our location. Minnesota winters demand a provider with solid safety protocols for weather delays or closures. Ask about their policy and communication chain. Given that we're a bit off the beaten path, inquire about their backup plan if a primary caregiver is ill; continuity is key for an infant. Don't hesitate to ask for local references from other Staples parents. Conversations at the Lakewood Health System clinic, the Staples Public Library, or community events can yield heartfelt recommendations and insights you won't find online.
Schedule visits to your shortlisted providers. Observe how caregivers interact with the babies: are they engaged, speaking gently, and responding promptly to cues? Look for a clean, safe environment with designated, peaceful spaces for sleeping and feeding. Discuss their daily rhythm for infants, including how they track feedings, diapers, and naps. A good provider in Staples will welcome your questions about their training in infant Safe Sleep practices, CPR, and first aid. Trust your instincts during these visits; you know your child best, and you'll sense if the environment feels warm and secure.
Finally, start your search early, as infant spots in our community can fill quickly. Be prepared with your questions and trust that your effort will lead you to the right fit. The goal is to find a partner in your child's early development—a caregiver in Staples who will not only keep your infant safe but will also provide the loving interaction and stimulation that fosters those first precious smiles and milestones. With patience and local knowledge, you can find an infant care solution that gives you peace of mind and allows your family to thrive in our supportive central Minnesota community.