The Best Daycare Centers in Warren, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Warren. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Warren
Little Sprouts Learning Center
Independent
Little Sprouts Learning Center is Warren's premier early childhood education facility, offering comprehensive care from infancy through school age. The center utilizes a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation for preschool and pre-K students. Their curriculum emphasizes social-emotional development, literacy readiness, and STEM exploration through hands-on activities. All lead teachers hold early childhood education credentials, and the center maintains exceptionally low teacher-to-child ratios. The facility features secure access controls, modern classroom environments, and age-appropriate outdoor play areas. Parents consistently praise the center's nurturing environment, experienced staff, and strong communication practices that keep families informed about their child's daily activities and developmental progress.
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Valley Early Learning Center
Northwest Minnesota Foundation
Valley Early Learning Center serves the broader Northwest Minnesota region, including Warren families, with a comprehensive early childhood program grounded in developmental best practices. As part of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, the center offers research-based curriculum focused on school readiness while providing wraparound family support services. Their program includes individualized learning plans, regular developmental assessments, and specialized support for children with diverse learning needs. The facility features state-of-the-art security systems, nutritious meal programs, and indoor gross motor development spaces. Highly qualified early childhood educators implement Creative Curriculum with supplementary literacy and math enrichment. The center is particularly noted for its inclusive environment and strong partnerships with local school districts to ensure smooth transitions to kindergarten.
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St. Bernard's Child Care Center
St. Bernard's Catholic Church
St. Bernard's Child Care Center provides quality faith-based early childhood education serving families throughout Polk and Pennington counties, including Warren. The center integrates Catholic values with comprehensive early learning curriculum that addresses all developmental domains. Their program emphasizes character development, community service projects, and age-appropriate religious education alongside strong academic preparation. The facility features secure classrooms, dedicated nap areas, and fenced outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. All teaching staff meet or exceed Minnesota early childhood licensing requirements, with many holding advanced degrees in education. Parents appreciate the center's consistent staffing, family-like atmosphere, and focus on developing the whole child - spiritually, academically, and socially. The center maintains excellent safety records and offers flexible scheduling to accommodate working families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Warren, MN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Warren, MN, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Warren and the surrounding Marshall County area, full-time daycare for an infant or toddler typically ranges from $150 to $225 per week, while preschool-age care may cost between $120 and $180 per week. These rates can vary based on the provider's licensing (family vs. center-based), hours, and included services like meals. For financial assistance, Minnesota's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is the primary resource for eligible families, administered locally through the Marshall County Health and Human Services Department. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's highly recommended to contact providers directly for their current rates and to apply for CCAP well in advance of needing care due to processing times.
How can I find and verify licensed childcare providers in Warren, MN?
The best resource for finding licensed childcare in Warren is Minnesota's Department of Human Services (DHS) "Find Child Care" online search tool. You can filter by city (Warren), zip code (56762), and type of care (family, center, or legally unlicensed). This tool provides crucial details like license status, capacity, and any recorded licensing violations. All licensed providers in Minnesota must meet state standards for health, safety, and staff training. In a smaller community like Warren, you can also get personal recommendations through local networks, the Warren-Alvarado-Oslo School District, or community hubs like the Warren Public Library. Always schedule an in-person visit to any potential provider to see the environment and ask questions.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Warren, and how far in advance should I start looking for care?
Due to the limited number of licensed childcare slots in a smaller community like Warren, waitlists are very common, especially for infant care and at highly-regarded centers or family providers. It is strongly advised to begin your search at least 6 to 9 months before you need care, and if you are expecting, to get on lists during your second trimester. Some providers in the area may have waitlists over a year long. When contacting providers, ask specifically about their current waitlist length, the process for staying on it (e.g., periodic check-ins), and if they offer any priority for siblings of current enrollees or district employees.
What are the options for school-age childcare, particularly for students in the Warren-Alvarado-Oslo School District?
For school-age children, options in Warren include the School-Age Child Care (SACC) program often offered by the school district itself, which provides before- and after-school care at the school. You should contact the Warren-Alvarado-Oslo School District office for current availability, hours, and fees. Some licensed family childcare homes in Warren also accept school-age children for before/after school care, drop-in care on school release days, and full-time care during summer and other school breaks. Due to the rural nature of the area, transportation from school to a childcare home may be a key consideration, so be sure to discuss logistics with the provider.
What specific questions should I ask a potential daycare provider in Warren regarding their policies for our rural location and weather?
Given Warren's climate and rural setting, it's important to ask location-specific questions. Inquire about their severe weather and emergency policies: Do they have a safe room for tornadoes? What is their plan for early school closures or blizzard conditions, and how will they communicate with parents? Ask about their outdoor play policy in cold winter months and if they have adequate indoor space for active play. For family homes, verify their backup power source (generator) for winter power outages. Also, discuss their sick policy in detail, as options for backup care in a small town can be very limited. Finally, ask about their involvement in local community events or outings, which is common in close-knit areas like Warren.