The Best Daycare Centers in Bismarck, ND
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Bismarck. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Bismarck
Bright Horizons at Bismarck
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Bismarck is part of a nationally recognized early education provider with NAEYC accreditation. The center offers a comprehensive emergent curriculum that follows children's interests while building foundational skills in literacy, math, and social-emotional development. Features highly qualified teachers with early childhood degrees, low student-teacher ratios, and secure facilities with keypad entry. The center provides nutritious meals and snacks, extensive indoor and outdoor play spaces, and strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences. Known for its research-based educational approach and partnership with local employers.
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Primrose School of Bismarck
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Bismarck operates with a Balanced Learning® approach that combines teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. The accredited curriculum focuses on character development, literacy, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education. Features include secure facilities with surveillance systems, highly trained staff with ongoing professional development, and dedicated learning environments for each age group. Offers healthy meals prepared on-site, spacious outdoor playgrounds with age-appropriate equipment, and regular parent communication through the Primrose Schools app. Known for its structured yet nurturing environment and strong academic preparation.
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YMCA Early Learning Center
YMCA of Bismarck-Mandan
The YMCA Early Learning Center provides high-quality childcare with a focus on whole-child development through play-based learning and structured activities. The center follows Creative Curriculum and incorporates YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Features state-licensed teachers with early childhood credentials, secure facilities with controlled access, and nutritious meal programs. Offers extensive indoor and outdoor play areas, swimming opportunities at the adjacent YMCA facility, and financial assistance options for qualifying families. Known for its inclusive environment, strong community connections, and comprehensive before/after school programs serving local elementary schools.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Bismarck, ND
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Bismarck, ND?
In Bismarck, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the child's age and the type of facility. For infants (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $800 and $1,200 per month at a licensed center. Toddler care (18 months to 3 years) typically ranges from $700 to $1,000 monthly. In-home licensed family daycare is often more affordable, ranging from $600 to $900 per month for full-time care. These rates are generally lower than the national average but have been increasing. It's important to note that many facilities in Bismarck have annual registration or supply fees, and rates are rarely all-inclusive—you may pay extra for meals, formula, or early education curricula. Financial assistance is available through the North Dakota Department of Human Services' Child Care Assistance Program for qualifying families.
How long are waitlists for quality daycare centers in Bismarck, and how can I secure a spot?
Waitlists for highly-rated daycare centers in Bismarck can be significant, especially for infant rooms. It's not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer. To improve your chances, start your search and get on lists as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy. When contacting centers, ask specific questions: their current waitlist length, if they offer "sibling priority," and if a deposit is required to hold a spot (this is common). Be proactive and get on multiple lists. Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in your neighborhood, as they may have more immediate openings. The North Dakota Child Care Finder website is an excellent resource to identify and contact licensed providers.
What are North Dakota's licensing requirements for daycare providers, and how can I verify a Bismarck provider's license?
In North Dakota, any provider caring for more than 5 children (or more than 3 if any are under school age) must be licensed by the state. Licensing ensures providers meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, and training. Key requirements include background checks for all staff, annual training in topics like CPR/First Aid and Safe Sleep for infants, and regular facility inspections. You can and should verify any provider's license status and review their compliance history for free through the North Dakota Department of Human Services' "Provider Search" tool online. This public record will show if the license is current, any past violations, and the program's capacity. Always choose a licensed provider to ensure a baseline of safety and accountability.
Are there any unique childcare programs or resources specific to Bismarck that support working parents?
Yes, Bismarck offers several local programs. The Bismarck Public Schools (BPS) operates "BPS Community Programs," which includes school-age childcare (SACC) at many elementary schools for before and after school care, as well as full-day care on most non-school days. This is a huge benefit for parents of school-aged children. Additionally, the "Bismarck Early Childhood Education Program" (BECEP) is a nationally recognized public preschool for 4-year-olds that also offers wrap-around childcare for working parents. For resources and referrals, parents can contact the Child Care Aware® of North Dakota office, which serves the Bismarck region. They help with searches, understanding subsidies, and navigating quality indicators like the state's voluntary "Early Childhood Quality Rating and Improvement System" (QRIS).
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare center or home in Bismarck?
When touring a facility in Bismarck, go beyond the basics. First, observe the interactions: are caregivers engaged with children at their level, or distracted? Ask about staff turnover—low turnover indicates a stable, positive environment. Inquire about their policies for North Dakota's extreme weather: how do they handle outdoor time in severe cold or winter storm closures? Check for safety specifics: locked exterior doors, covered electrical outlets, and safe sleep practices for infants (cribs with only a fitted sheet). Ask about their sick policy and how they handle common Bismarck-area illnesses. Finally, request a sample menu to see if meals are nutritious and if they accommodate allergies. Trust your instincts about the cleanliness, warmth, and overall feel of the space.