The Best Daycare Centers in Taunton, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Taunton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Taunton
New Horizons Crisis Nursery & Children's Center
New Horizons Crisis Nursery
New Horizons provides comprehensive childcare services with a unique crisis nursery component, serving families throughout Lyon County including Taunton. The center offers a structured educational curriculum aligned with Minnesota early learning standards, featuring developmentally appropriate activities for all age groups. Their highly qualified staff includes early childhood educators with specialized training in trauma-informed care. The facility features secure access controls, comprehensive safety protocols, and nutritious meal programs. What sets them apart is their dual mission of providing both regular childcare and emergency crisis care for families in need, making them a vital community resource with exceptional parent satisfaction ratings.
Daycare Services:
Little Cubs Early Learning Center
Little Cubs Early Learning
Little Cubs Early Learning Center offers a research-based curriculum that emphasizes whole-child development through play-based learning and structured educational activities. The center serves families from Taunton and surrounding communities with age-appropriate classrooms designed to stimulate cognitive, social, and physical development. Staff members hold early childhood degrees and receive ongoing professional development. The facility includes secure entry systems, modern playground equipment, and dedicated learning centers for literacy, STEM, and creative arts. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, cleanliness, and the individualized attention children receive, with particular emphasis on their smooth transition programs between age groups.
Daycare Services:
Kindergarden Preschool & Childcare
Kindergarden Childcare Centers
Kindergarden has been serving southwest Minnesota families for nearly two decades, providing comprehensive childcare services to Taunton area residents. Their educational approach combines Montessori-inspired elements with traditional early childhood education, focusing on developing independence while meeting state learning standards. The center features low teacher-to-child ratios, certified early childhood educators, and a security system that includes coded entry and surveillance monitoring. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy development, social skills, and kindergarten readiness, with dedicated outdoor play areas and enrichment programs. The center is particularly noted for its consistent staffing, with many teachers having decade-long tenures, creating stable relationships with children and families.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Taunton, MN
What are the licensing requirements for childcare providers in Taunton, MN, and how can I verify a provider's license?
In Taunton, MN, all childcare providers caring for children from unrelated families must be licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), unless they are legally exempt (like caring for only children from a single related family). Licensed providers in Lyon County, where Taunton is located, must meet strict standards for health, safety, staff training (including CPR and First Aid), background checks, child-to-staff ratios, and program activities. You can verify a provider's license status, view their licensing record, and check for any past violations through the Minnesota DHS Licensing Information Lookup website. It's a crucial first step to ensure you're considering a legally compliant and monitored facility.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers and in-home providers in the Taunton area, and when should I start looking?
Due to the smaller, rural nature of Taunton and surrounding communities, licensed childcare slots can be very limited. Waitlists for the few licensed family childcare homes or nearby centers in cities like Marshall or Tracy can range from several months to over a year, especially for infant care. It is highly recommended that parents in Taunton begin their search during pregnancy or at least 6-12 months before their needed start date. Be proactive: contact multiple providers, get on multiple waitlists, and check back periodically. Exploring options in neighboring towns is often necessary.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare for an infant or toddler in Taunton, MN?
While specific Taunton data is limited, costs in Lyon County and southwestern Minnesota are generally lower than the state metro average but can vary. For a licensed family childcare home, you might expect to pay between $650-$850 per month for full-time infant/toddler care. A childcare center in a nearby larger town like Marshall may range from $750-$950 per month. It's important to get direct quotes, as prices are set by each provider. Financial assistance may be available through Minnesota's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families.
Are there any unique local resources or programs in Taunton or Lyon County to help parents find and pay for childcare?
Yes, a key local resource is the **Southwest Minnesota Opportunity Council (SMOC)** Child Care Resource and Referral program. They serve Lyon County and can provide free, personalized referrals to licensed providers in Taunton and the wider region. They also offer guidance on the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) application and support for providers. Additionally, the **First Children's Finance** organization is active in rural Minnesota, working to increase childcare capacity, which can indirectly benefit Taunton families by supporting new local providers.
Given Taunton's rural setting, what should I look for in a childcare provider regarding safety, transportation, and communication?
In a rural community like Taunton, specific considerations include: **Transportation & Emergencies:** Ask about their emergency preparedness plan for severe weather common to Minnesota (blizzards, tornadoes) and their protocol if you cannot pick up your child due to road conditions. **Communication:** Since you may be commuting to work in another town, confirm their methods for daily updates (apps, notebooks) and how they handle urgent communications. **Outdoor Play & Safety:** A safe, enclosed outdoor space is a major asset. Also, inquire about their policy on well-water testing (if applicable) and pest/animal control, given the agricultural surroundings. A provider familiar with the unique aspects of rural living is a significant benefit.
Childcare Insights for Taunton
Finding quality childcare is one of the most significant decisions a family makes, and if you’re typing “find childcare near me” from your home in Taunton, Minnesota, you’re likely seeking options that feel close, trustworthy, and right for your child. The search in a smaller, tight-knit community like ours comes with unique advantages and considerations. Often, the best recommendations come through word-of-mouth, so don’t hesitate to chat with neighbors at the post office or other parents at the Taunton City Park. Personal connections here can lead you to wonderful in-home providers who are pillars of our community, offering a family-like setting that many parents cherish.
Understanding your specific needs is the crucial first step. Are you looking for full-time care for an infant, or a preschool program to prepare your toddler for kindergarten at Tracy Area Public Schools? Perhaps you need part-time or before-and-after-school care for an older child. Defining this will help narrow your search significantly. In the Taunton area, your primary options will typically include licensed family childcare homes, which are very common in rural Lyon County, and potentially center-based programs in nearby larger towns like Marshall or Tracy. Each offers different benefits; a home setting often provides mixed-age interaction and a cozy atmosphere, while a center might offer a more structured curriculum and multiple caregivers.
Once you have a sense of what you need, it’s time to investigate locally. A vital resource is Minnesota’s Department of Human Services Child Care Lookup tool online. You can search by zip code (56178) or city to find all licensed providers in and around Taunton, complete with their licensing status and capacity. This official list is your starting point. However, in a community our size, it’s equally important to make direct contact. Plan to call and, most importantly, schedule visits. When you visit a provider, notice the environment. Is it safe, clean, and engaging? How do the caregivers interact with the children? Trust your instincts as a parent—they are powerful.
Ask questions that matter for life in our area. Inquire about their policies for our Minnesota winters: how do they handle school delay or cancellation days for school-age children? What is their plan for outdoor playtime when the weather is agreeable? Do they incorporate any local elements, like trips to the park or understanding of our agricultural surroundings? Also, discuss practicalities like hours of operation—ensuring they align with your commute to work, which may be to Marshall, Tracy, or beyond—and their flexibility for the harvest season, which is a reality for many families here.
Finally, securing a spot can require planning ahead, as quality childcare, especially for infants, often has waiting lists in smaller communities. Don’t be discouraged if your first call isn’t successful; persistence is key. Finding childcare in Taunton is about finding a partner in your child’s early years, someone who will provide not just supervision but nurturing and growth within the context of our wonderful community. By combining local insight with thorough research, you can find a safe, caring, and stimulating environment where your child will thrive, right here near home.