The Best Daycare Centers in Waverly, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Waverly. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Waverly
Little Learners Child Care Center
Independent
Little Learners Child Care Center is a highly-regarded local facility offering comprehensive early childhood education programs. Their curriculum focuses on developmental milestones through play-based learning and structured activities. The center features qualified early childhood educators with low teacher-to-child ratios, ensuring personalized attention. Facilities include age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and nutritious meal programs. They emphasize social-emotional development and school readiness skills, with strong parent communication through daily updates and regular progress reports. The center maintains excellent safety protocols and has built a strong reputation in the Waverly community for consistent, quality care.
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New Horizons Academy
Independent
Located in nearby Howard Lake, New Horizons Academy serves families throughout Wright County including Waverly. This center offers a structured educational program blending Montessori principles with traditional early childhood education. Features include certified teachers, STEM-focused activities for preschoolers, and comprehensive infant care programs. The facility boasts modern security systems, large outdoor learning environments, and developmentally appropriate classrooms. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy development, math readiness, and social skills. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, qualified staff, and engaging learning environment that prepares children for elementary school success.
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New Discoveries Learning Center
Independent
Serving the greater Wright County area including Waverly, New Discoveries Learning Center provides comprehensive early childhood education with a focus on whole-child development. Their research-based curriculum includes Creative Curriculum for infants through preschoolers, supplemented with enrichment programs in music, movement, and Spanish. The center features state-licensed teachers with ongoing professional development, secure facilities with camera monitoring, and nutritionally balanced meals prepared on-site. They maintain excellent staff retention and low student-teacher ratios. The program emphasizes character development, problem-solving skills, and kindergarten readiness, with strong parent partnerships through regular conferences and classroom involvement opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Waverly, MN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare in Waverly, MN, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Waverly, MN, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the child's age and the type of provider. For an infant at a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay approximately $250 to $350 per week. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs typically range from $200 to $300 per week. Licensed family childcare homes in the area often offer slightly lower rates, averaging $150 to $250 per week. To help with these expenses, Minnesota offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which is administered by Wright County Human Services. Eligibility is based on family size, income, and need. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts. It's recommended to contact providers directly for their specific rates and to apply for CCAP through the county to determine your eligibility.
How can I find and verify licensed childcare providers in Waverly, MN?
The best resource for finding licensed childcare in Waverly is Minnesota’s Department of Human Services (DHS) online "Find Child Care" tool. This database allows you to search by city (Waverly, 55390) and filter by type (center or family), age of child, and hours of operation. It provides detailed reports on each provider's license status, capacity, and any recorded licensing violations. You can also contact the Wright County Public Health or Human Services department for local referrals. Always verify a provider's license is current and in good standing by checking the DHS website or calling the DHS Licensing Division. In Waverly, popular options include centers like New Discoveries Learning Center and various licensed family childcare homes.
Are daycare waitlists common in Waverly, and how early should I start looking for infant care?
Yes, waitlists for daycare, especially for infants (children under 16 months), are common in Waverly and the surrounding Wright County area due to high demand and limited infant slots mandated by Minnesota's strict staff-to-child ratios. For infant care, it is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as soon as possible, ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy. For toddler or preschool spots, starting your search 6 to 9 months in advance is recommended. When contacting providers like Waverly's early learning centers or home-based providers, ask specifically about their waitlist process, any fees to join, and how often they update families on their position.
What are the key differences between a licensed family childcare home and a childcare center in Waverly?
In Waverly, parents typically choose between two main licensed options. Licensed Family Childcare Homes are run out of the provider's residence, often caring for a smaller, mixed-age group of up to 10 children (with specific ratios for infants/toddlers). They may offer a more home-like, flexible environment and potentially lower costs. Childcare Centers (like New Discoveries) operate in commercial buildings, have multiple staff, and often care for larger groups of children separated by age. They may offer more structured educational curricula, larger facilities for play, and more backup staff for consistency. Both are regulated by Minnesota DHS, but centers often have more extensive program requirements. Your choice may depend on your child's need for a smaller setting versus a more institutionalized, social environment.
What should I look for during a daycare tour in Waverly, and are there any local regulations regarding safety I should ask about?
When touring a daycare in Waverly, observe the cleanliness, child engagement, and staff-child interactions. Specifically ask about: 1) Staff qualifications (Minnesota requires background checks and specific training in SIDS, shaken baby syndrome, and CPR/first aid). 2) Their emergency preparedness plan for severe weather common to central Minnesota. 3) Their outdoor play area safety and supervision. 4) Their sick child policy and hygiene practices. 5) Their food handling policies if meals are provided. You should also verify they are compliant with Minnesota's safe sleep practices for infants (placing babies on their backs in a crib with no loose bedding). Don't hesitate to ask for references from other Waverly-area parents. Trust your instincts about the environment's warmth and security.