The Best Daycare Centers in Berthold, ND
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Berthold. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Berthold
Kiddie Academy of Minot
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Minot provides comprehensive educational childcare with a nationally-recognized Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and social-emotional learning. The center features state-licensed teachers with early childhood education credentials, secure entry systems, and modern facilities with age-appropriate learning environments. They maintain low teacher-to-child ratios and offer nutritious meal programs. The academy serves as a regional hub for quality childcare, drawing families from surrounding communities including Berthold with their structured educational approach and extended hours.
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Tutor Time Child Care / Learning Center
Learning Care Group
Tutor Time in Minot offers a research-based educational approach with their proprietary Early Foundations® curriculum that emphasizes language, cognitive, physical, and social development. The center features highly qualified early childhood educators, secure facilities with monitored access, and comprehensive safety protocols. They provide individualized learning assessments, regular parent communication through digital platforms, and flexible scheduling options. Serving the greater Minot area including Berthold families, they maintain excellent staff retention and strong community relationships.
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Little Blessings Daycare & Preschool
Independent Center
Little Blessings Daycare & Preschool in nearby Kenmare provides a nurturing Christian-based environment with a balanced educational curriculum that includes early literacy, mathematics readiness, and social skills development. The center features experienced early childhood professionals, small class sizes with personalized attention, and secure facilities with outdoor play areas. They emphasize character development, family involvement, and creating a home-like atmosphere while maintaining structured learning activities. Serving multiple rural communities including Berthold, they offer flexible scheduling and transportation arrangements for working families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Berthold, ND
What are the main types of licensed childcare available in Berthold, ND, and how do I find them?
In Berthold and the surrounding Ward County area, licensed childcare primarily comes in two forms: licensed family child care homes and licensed child care centers. Family child care homes are smaller, home-based settings, which are common in smaller communities like Berthold. There are no large commercial daycare centers within Berthold itself, so many families also consider providers in nearby towns like Minot (about 20 miles away). To find licensed providers, your best resource is the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Child Care Finder website. You can search by zip code (58718) and filter for Berthold. Additionally, connecting with local community groups on social media or contacting the Berthold Public School can yield recommendations for trusted in-home providers.
What is the typical cost for full-time childcare in Berthold, and is there any financial assistance available?
For licensed family child care in Berthold, you can expect to pay an average of $120 to $180 per week for full-time care for an infant or toddler. Rates for preschool-aged children may be slightly lower. These costs are generally less than those in Minot but are significant for local family budgets. Financial assistance is available through the North Dakota Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which is income-based. You apply through the Ward County Social Services office. Eligibility depends on family size, income, and reasons for care (work, school, etc.). It's crucial to apply early, as funding can be limited, and your chosen provider must be a licensed participant in the program.
Are waitlists common for daycare in Berthold, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common due to the limited number of licensed childcare slots in a small community like Berthold. A single in-home provider may only have capacity for 4-6 children, including their own. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents or families planning a return to work start their search at least 6 to 9 months in advance. For infant care, you may need to start looking even earlier, as many providers have strict limits on the number of infants they can care for under North Dakota licensing rules (often just 2 per home). Don't hesitate to get on multiple waitlists, including for providers in neighboring communities.
What are North Dakota's key licensing requirements for in-home daycare providers that I should verify as a parent in Berthold?
As a parent, you should ensure any provider you consider is licensed by the ND Department of HHS. Key requirements you can ask about include: 1) **Staff-to-Child Ratios:** For family homes, one caregiver can care for up to 6 children, with no more than 2 under 24 months. 2) **Background Checks:** All adults in the home must pass criminal history and child abuse and neglect checks. 3) **Health and Safety:** The home must pass fire and health inspections, have safe sleep practices for infants, and have emergency plans. 4) **Training:** Providers must complete training in CPR, First Aid, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) prevention. You have the right to ask to see the provider's current license, which should be posted.
Given Berthold's rural location, what backup or alternative childcare options should parents consider?
Given the limited formal options, having a backup plan is essential. Alternatives include: 1) **Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) Care:** This is very common. You can arrange a private agreement, but note this care is unregulated and not eligible for CCAP assistance. 2) **Nanny Share:** Partnering with another local family to hire a caregiver for your combined children can be a viable solution. 3) **Flexible/Shift Work Coordination:** Some local families working in agriculture or energy coordinate schedules with a partner or relative. 4) **Care in Minot:** Expanding your search to Minot provides more center-based options, but adds a significant commute. It's wise to build a network of 2-3 trusted backup sitters for sick days or provider closures.
Childcare Insights for Berthold
Finding the best childcare near you is one of the most important decisions a family can make. For parents in Berthold, North Dakota, this search comes with its own unique set of considerations, blending the need for trusted, high-quality care with the close-knit, community-focused values that define our area. The good news is that while your options may differ from those in a large city, the quality of care and personal attention available right here in Berthold and the surrounding Renville and Ward County region can be exceptional.
Your search for the best childcare in Berthold likely begins within our community itself. Many excellent childcare providers here are licensed family or group home settings, which often offer a warm, home-like environment with smaller groups of children. This can be a wonderful fit, providing consistency and a family atmosphere that many parents value. Start by asking for personal recommendations from neighbors, friends at local gatherings, or fellow parents at community events. In a town like Berthold, word-of-mouth is often the most trusted resource, as people are happy to share their firsthand experiences with caregivers who have become like extended family.
It is also crucial to utilize the official state resources at your fingertips. The North Dakota Department of Human Services maintains a comprehensive online Child Care Finder database. You can use this tool to search specifically for licensed providers in the 58718 zip code and nearby areas like Minot or Kenmare. This database allows you to verify a provider’s license status, view their licensed capacity, and check their compliance history. Ensuring a provider is state-licensed is a fundamental step, as it means they meet health, safety, and developmental standards set by the state.
When you visit potential providers, whether in Berthold or a short commute away, bring a list of questions tailored to your family’s life. Ask about daily routines, how they incorporate play and learning, and their policies on meals and outdoor time. Given North Dakota’s weather, inquire about indoor activity plans for those very cold or snowy days. Discuss their experience and training, particularly in early childhood development. For Berthold families, logistics are key, so consider the provider’s hours in relation to your work schedule and the practicality of the location, especially during our winter months.
Remember, the “best” childcare is the one that feels right for your child and your family’s values. Trust your instincts during visits. Does your child seem comfortable and engaged? Is the environment safe, clean, and stimulating? Does the caregiver communicate openly and warmly? Finding a partner in childcare who you trust completely provides invaluable peace of mind. By combining local recommendations with diligent research, you can find a nurturing and reliable childcare solution right here in our community, giving your child a wonderful start in the very place you call home.