The Best Daycare Centers in Stewart, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Stewart. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Stewart
New Discoveries Learning Center
Independent
New Discoveries Learning Center offers a comprehensive educational program serving children from 6 weeks to 12 years old. Their curriculum focuses on developmental milestones through hands-on learning experiences and structured play. The center features certified early childhood educators with ongoing professional development training. Facilities include age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and modern learning materials. They emphasize individualized attention with low teacher-to-child ratios and maintain rigorous safety protocols including secure entry systems and regular health inspections. The center provides nutritious meals and snacks through their USDA-approved food program and offers flexible scheduling to accommodate working families.
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Glencoe Early Childhood Family Center
Glencoe-Silver Lake School District
Operated by the Glencoe-Silver Lake School District, this center provides high-quality early childhood education with licensed teachers and early childhood specialists. Their research-based curriculum focuses on school readiness through literacy development, social-emotional learning, and cognitive skills. The program includes parent education components and family involvement opportunities. Facilities feature dedicated preschool classrooms, gross motor play areas, and extensive educational resources. Safety is prioritized with secure building access, trained staff in pediatric first aid/CPR, and comprehensive emergency procedures. The center serves as a community hub for early childhood development with strong partnerships with local elementary schools.
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Kiddie Korner Child Care & Learning Center
Independent
Kiddie Korner provides a nurturing educational environment with a balanced approach to academic preparation and social development. Their curriculum incorporates Creative Curriculum elements with STEM activities, literacy programs, and character education. The center employs qualified early childhood professionals with background checks and ongoing training. Facilities include separate age-specific learning areas, fenced outdoor playgrounds, and developmentally appropriate learning materials. They maintain strict health and safety standards including regular sanitation procedures, secure check-in systems, and nutritional meal planning. The center offers flexible scheduling options and serves as a reliable childcare provider for families throughout the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Stewart, MN
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available in Stewart, MN, and how do I find them?
In Stewart, MN, parents typically have access to licensed family childcare homes and childcare centers. Family childcare providers operate out of their residences and are licensed for smaller groups (up to 10 children), offering a home-like setting. Given Stewart's size, these are often the most common local option. Licensed centers, which may be part of a larger organization or a standalone facility, offer care for larger groups and are often located in nearby larger towns like Marshall or Glencoe. To find licensed providers, the primary resource is Minnesota’s Department of Human Services (DHS) "Find a Child Care Provider" online search tool. You can filter by city (Stewart), zip code (55385), and type of care. Additionally, contacting the McLeod County Family Services office or local community centers can provide referrals.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare in Stewart, and are there any local or state assistance programs to help with costs?
In Stewart and the surrounding McLeod County area, full-time childcare costs can vary. For a licensed family childcare home, you might expect to pay between $150 to $225 per week for an infant or toddler. Rates for preschool-aged children are often slightly lower. Costs at centers in nearby communities may be higher. Minnesota offers several assistance programs. The most significant is the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which provides subsidies to eligible families based on income, household size, and need. You apply through McLeod County Health and Human Services. Additionally, Minnesota has a Child and Dependent Care Credit on state income taxes. It's also worth inquiring directly with providers about any sliding scale fees or sibling discounts they may offer.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare in Stewart, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to the limited number of providers in a smaller community like Stewart, waitlists can be common and sometimes lengthy, especially for infant care. It's not unusual for popular family childcare homes to have waitlists of 6 months to a year. To secure a spot, start your search as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy. Contact multiple providers to get on their lists, even if they are in neighboring towns like Brownton or Hector. Be proactive—check in every few months to confirm your spot remains on the list. When touring, be ready to discuss your needs and potentially pay a deposit to hold a spot once one opens. Building a relationship with a provider can also be beneficial.
What are the key Minnesota state licensing requirements I should look for when evaluating a daycare in Stewart?
All legal childcare providers in Stewart must be licensed by Minnesota DHS. Key requirements you can verify include: 1) **Staff-to-Child Ratios and Group Sizes:** For infants (under 16 months), the ratio is 1:4; for toddlers (16-33 months), it's 1:7; for preschoolers, it's 1:10. 2) **Background Checks:** All caregivers and household members in a family home must pass background studies. 3) **Health and Safety Training:** Providers must have training in CPR, First Aid, SUID (Sudden Unexplained Infant Death), and Abusive Head Trauma. 4) **Annual Inspections:** Licensed homes and centers undergo annual inspections for health, safety, and fire compliance. You can ask to see the provider's current license and any recent inspection reports. The DHS website also maintains public records of licensing actions.
Are there any unique local resources or programs in Stewart that support childcare or early childhood development?
While Stewart itself is a small community, it benefits from county-wide and regional resources. The McLeod County Public Health department often offers early childhood screenings and parenting resources. The Stewart Public Library may host story times or early literacy programs that complement childcare. For more structured early childhood education, many families in Stewart utilize School District 441's Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) programs, which are typically based in nearby districts like BOLD (Bird Island-Olivia-Lake Lillian) or GFW (Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop). These offer classes for parents and children. Additionally, local churches sometimes host preschool programs or parent-day-out events. Connecting with other parents through community events or online groups can be a great way to learn about informal, local childcare swaps or recommendations.