The Best Daycare Centers in Worthington, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Worthington. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Worthington
Worthington Early Childhood Family Center
Independent School District 518
The Worthington Early Childhood Family Center is a highly-regarded public school district program offering comprehensive early childhood education. The center features a research-based curriculum focused on school readiness, social-emotional development, and literacy skills. Certified early childhood educators with bachelor's degrees lead classrooms with low student-teacher ratios. The facility includes modern learning spaces, age-appropriate playgrounds, and specialized areas for gross motor development. What sets this center apart is its strong integration with the public school system, ensuring smooth transitions to kindergarten, plus extensive family support services and community partnerships that provide wraparound support for children and parents.
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The Mustard Seed Child Care Center
Independent
The Mustard Seed Child Care Center is a faith-based, licensed childcare facility known for its nurturing environment and comprehensive educational programs. The center implements a structured curriculum that balances academic preparation with play-based learning, focusing on cognitive, physical, and social development. All lead teachers hold early childhood credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, modern classrooms organized by age group, and outdoor play areas designed for different developmental stages. The center stands out for its strong emphasis on character development, nutritious meal programs, and flexible scheduling options that accommodate working families' needs.
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Jackson County Central Early Childhood Center
Jackson County Central School District
Located in nearby Jackson (serving the Worthington area), the Jackson County Central Early Childhood Center is a public school program renowned for its high-quality early education. The center offers a comprehensive preschool curriculum aligned with state early learning standards, emphasizing literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills development. The program employs licensed early childhood teachers with specialized training in child development and uses evidence-based teaching methods. Facilities include purpose-built classrooms, interactive learning centers, and safe outdoor play spaces. This center excels in its systematic assessment of child progress, individualized learning plans, and strong parent-teacher communication, making it a top choice for families seeking school readiness preparation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Worthington, MN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Worthington, MN?
In Worthington, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the child's age and the type of facility. For licensed daycare centers, you can expect to pay approximately $175 to $225 per week for an infant or toddler. In-home licensed family childcare providers often have slightly lower rates, typically ranging from $140 to $190 per week. These costs are generally lower than the Minnesota state average, reflecting the cost of living in the region. It's important to ask providers exactly what is included in the weekly rate (e.g., meals, formula, diapers, educational curriculum). Financial assistance is available for qualifying families through programs like the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) administered by Nobles County Family Services.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Worthington is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All licensed childcare providers in Worthington are regulated by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). The most reliable way to verify a provider's license and review their history is to use the online "Look Up a License" tool on the Minnesota DHS website. You can search by the provider's name, facility name, or city. This report will show the license status, capacity, age ranges served, and any serious licensing violations or corrective actions taken in the past two years. For additional local insight, you can also contact the Nobles County Public Health or Community Services departments, as they often have knowledge of local providers and can guide you through the process of understanding licensing records.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Worthington, and what's the best strategy for securing a spot?
Waitlists for infant care, in particular, can be common at Worthington's daycare centers due to limited capacity and high demand for this age group. It is not unusual for families to be placed on a waitlist for 3 to 9 months. The best strategy is to start your search early, ideally during pregnancy. Contact multiple licensed centers and in-home providers to get on their lists. Be proactive—check in every few months to confirm your spot and update your contact information. Consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in surrounding neighborhoods, as they may have more immediate openings. Some providers may require a non-refundable deposit to hold a future spot.
What resources are available in Worthington to help me find and compare different childcare options?
Parents in Worthington have several valuable local resources. Your first stop should be **Child Care Aware of Minnesota**, which offers a free referral service. You can call their hotline or use their online search tool to find licensed providers in the 56187 zip code and surrounding areas. Locally, the **Nobles County Integration Collaborative** and the **Worthington Early Childhood Initiative** often have information on preschool and childcare programs. Additionally, the **Worthington School District 518** can provide information about early childhood family education (ECFE) and school-based preschool options that may complement daycare. Networking through local Facebook community groups for parents is also a common way to get personal recommendations.
What are the key differences between a licensed daycare center and a licensed family childcare home in Worthington?
The main differences lie in setting, scale, and structure. **Licensed Centers** (like those in commercial buildings) typically have multiple staff, structured classrooms by age, and may offer a more formal preschool curriculum. They often have stricter staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants). **Licensed Family Childcare Homes** operate out of the provider's residence, offering a home-like environment with mixed-age groups, which can be beneficial for siblings. They usually have a smaller total number of children (up to 10, including the provider's own). In Worthington, family childcare may offer more flexible hours and can be more integrated into the neighborhood. Both types are held to the same state health, safety, and training standards, so the choice often comes down to your child's personality and your family's logistical needs.