The Best Daycare Centers in Young America, MN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Young America. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Young America
New Discoveries Learning Center
New Discoveries Learning Center
New Discoveries Learning Center provides comprehensive early childhood education with a play-based curriculum that emphasizes social-emotional development and school readiness. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood degrees and maintains low teacher-to-child ratios. Their facility includes modern classrooms, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate outdoor play areas. They offer nutritious meals and snacks through their in-house food program and maintain strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences. The center is known for its warm, family-oriented environment and comprehensive developmental tracking.
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St. John's Lutheran Preschool & Childcare
St. John's Lutheran Church
St. John's Lutheran Preschool & Childcare offers a faith-based educational program that integrates Christian values with early childhood development. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, math readiness, and social skills through hands-on learning experiences. The center employs state-licensed teachers with specialized early childhood training and maintains excellent safety protocols including secured access and comprehensive background checks. They provide family-style meals and emphasize character development alongside academic preparation. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment and strong sense of community.
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Kiddie Academy of Waconia
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Waconia provides high-quality educational childcare with their proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum that promotes character development, literacy, and STEM learning. The center features modern security systems including keypad entry and comprehensive monitoring. Their highly trained staff maintains low child-to-teacher ratios and participates in ongoing professional development. The facility includes dedicated age-appropriate learning environments, indoor gross motor area, and secure outdoor playgrounds. They offer balanced meals and emphasize health and safety protocols, making them a popular choice for families throughout Carver County including Young America residents.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Young America, MN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare in Young America, MN, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Young America and the surrounding Carver County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $275 to $350 per week, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging $250 to $320 per week. Costs can vary based on the type of provider (center-based vs. in-home) and the specific programs offered. For financial assistance, Minnesota's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is a primary resource for eligible families in Carver County. Additionally, local providers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees. It's highly recommended to contact the Carver County Health and Human Services department for the most current eligibility guidelines and application support.
How can I find and verify licensed in-home daycare providers in Young America?
The State of Minnesota, through the Department of Human Services (DHS), maintains the official licensing and compliance records for all childcare providers. The best resource is the **Minnesota Department of Human Services "Find a Provider" website**. You can search specifically for licensed family childcare homes in Young America by zip code (55397). This tool shows the provider's license status, capacity, any licensing actions, and the date of their last review. For an added layer of local insight, you can also ask for recommendations in community groups like the "Young America, MN Community" Facebook page or consult with the Carver County Public Health department.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Young America, and what's the best strategy for securing a spot?
Yes, waitlists are common, especially for infant rooms at popular centers in Young America and nearby hubs like Cologne or Norwood Young America. It's not unusual for wait times to be 6 to 12 months for infants. The best strategy is to start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Contact multiple centers and licensed in-home providers to get on their lists. Be proactive—follow up every few months to confirm your spot. Consider expanding your search to neighboring towns like Hamburg or Mayer for more options. Many parents in the area find that flexibility on start date or being open to both center-based and high-quality in-home care increases their chances of finding an opening sooner.
What are the key differences between a licensed childcare center and a licensed family childcare home in Minnesota, and what is more common in Young America?
In Minnesota, licensed centers are facilities that care for larger groups of children with multiple staff, often following a structured curriculum. Licensed family childcare homes operate in the provider's residence, with smaller, mixed-age groups (max of 10 children, including the provider's own). In a smaller, semi-rural community like Young America, **licensed family childcare homes are often more prevalent** and can offer a home-like environment with potentially more flexible hours. Centers may require a commute to a nearby larger town. Both are regulated by the same DHS licensing standards for health, safety, and staff training. The choice often comes down to parental preference for environment, schedule, and the child's social needs.
What should I look for during a daycare tour specific to Minnesota's regulations and the Young America community?
During a tour, first verify the provider's **Minnesota DHS license is current and prominently posted**. Ask about staff qualifications, including required ongoing training in areas like SIDS prevention and Shaken Baby Syndrome—mandated by MN law. Inquire about their emergency preparedness plan, especially for severe weather common in Minnesota. Observe cleanliness and safety, like covered electrical outlets and secure storage of cleaning supplies. For the local context, ask about their outdoor play policy in winter and if they participate in local events like the Young America City Fun Days. Finally, request references from other local parents to gauge their experience within your specific community.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Young America: