The Best Daycare Centers in Virginia, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Virginia. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Virginia
Little Treasures Child Care & Preschool
Independent
Little Treasures provides a comprehensive early childhood education program with a play-based learning approach. Their curriculum focuses on social-emotional development, literacy, and STEM activities. The center features certified early childhood educators with low teacher-to-child ratios, secure entry systems, and modern learning environments. They offer nutritious meals and snacks, outdoor playgrounds, and regular parent-teacher conferences. Special emphasis is placed on creating a nurturing environment that prepares children for kindergarten success.
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Imagination Station Child Development Center
Independent
Imagination Station offers a creative, hands-on learning environment with a curriculum that blends Montessori and Reggio Emilia approaches. The center features highly qualified staff with degrees in early childhood education, comprehensive security systems, and developmentally appropriate learning centers. Their program includes music and movement, art exploration, and nature-based learning. The facility maintains excellent state licensing compliance records and offers flexible scheduling options for working families.
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New Horizon Academy - Hibbing
New Horizon Academy
As part of Minnesota's largest childcare provider, New Horizon Academy in nearby Hibbing serves families throughout the Iron Range region. Their research-based curriculum focuses on school readiness with emphasis on literacy, mathematics, and social skills. The center features state-licensed teachers, secure facilities with coded entry, and comprehensive safety protocols. They offer technology-enhanced learning, nutritious meal programs, and regular developmental assessments. The established track record and corporate resources ensure consistent high-quality care standards.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Virginia, MN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Virginia, MN, and how can I verify a provider's license?
In Minnesota, all childcare providers caring for more than one unrelated family must be licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). In Virginia, providers can be licensed as a Family Child Care (in a home, serving up to 10 children) or a Child Care Center. Licensing ensures compliance with state standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, training (including CPR and First Aid), and background checks. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the "Look Up a License" search tool on the Minnesota DHS website. You can also contact the Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation agency or the local Minnesota Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) network for the Northeast region, which serves Virginia, for assistance and to check for any past serious licensing violations.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Virginia, MN?
Childcare costs in Virginia, MN, are generally more affordable than in the Twin Cities metro area but can vary based on the type of care and the provider. For a licensed Family Child Care home, you can expect to pay an average of $150 to $225 per week for full-time infant or toddler care. Licensed Child Care Centers in Virginia typically range from $175 to $275 per week. It's important to inquire about what is included in the weekly rate (e.g., meals, snacks, supplies). To help with costs, Minnesota offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families, and you can apply through the St. Louis County Human Services Department, which serves Virginia residents.
Are daycare waitlists common in Virginia, MN, and how far in advance should I start looking for care?
Yes, waitlists for quality, licensed daycare—especially for infants—are common in Virginia. Due to the limited number of providers and high demand for infant spots, which have stricter staff-to-child ratios, families are encouraged to start their search as early as possible. Ideally, you should begin contacting providers during your second trimester of pregnancy, or at least 6-9 months before your needed start date. Many popular centers and highly-regarded in-home providers maintain waitlists that can be a year long. When touring a facility, always ask about their current waitlist length and their specific process for moving through the list.
What local resources in Virginia, MN, can help me find and evaluate childcare options?
The primary local resource is the Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency for Northeast Minnesota, which is part of the statewide network. They offer free, personalized referrals to licensed providers in the Virginia area based on your specific needs (hours, location, age of child). They can also provide guidance on what to look for during a visit, questions to ask, and information on financial assistance. Additionally, the "Parent Aware" rating system is a crucial Minnesota-specific tool. This voluntary quality rating program (with 1 to 4 stars) helps identify providers who use best practices in early learning. You can search for Parent Aware-rated providers in and around Virginia on their website.
How do seasonal weather and local industry in Virginia, MN, impact daycare schedules and availability?
Virginia's location on the Iron Range and its harsh winter weather significantly impact childcare. Many providers, especially home-based ones, may follow the Virginia Public School district's schedule for snow days and delays, meaning daycare will be closed if schools are closed. It's critical to ask a provider about their severe weather policy. Furthermore, the area's industrial and mining shifts can create demand for non-traditional hours of care (evenings, weekends, or overnight). While less common, some providers may offer care tailored to these shifts. Always inquire about hours of operation, holiday closures, and whether they offer care during the summer for school-age children, as this can affect availability for younger siblings.