The Best Daycare Centers in Cummings, ND
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Cummings. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Cummings
Kiddie Academy of Grand Forks
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Grand Forks provides comprehensive educational childcare with their proprietary 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 age-appropriate learning environments. Their program includes daily communication with parents through an app, nutritious meals prepared on-site, and structured learning activities that balance education with play. Serving the Greater Grand Forks area including Cummings, they maintain excellent staff-to-child ratios and have established a strong reputation for school readiness preparation.
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Discovery Place Preschool & Childcare Center
Discovery Place Learning Centers
Discovery Place offers a research-based curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning and developmental appropriateness. The center features dedicated infant rooms with primary caregiver systems, Montessori-inspired learning materials, and outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. Staff includes early childhood professionals with CPR/first aid certification and ongoing training requirements. The facility maintains rigorous safety protocols including secure access, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. Serving families throughout the Grand Forks region, they provide detailed progress reports and maintain strong parent partnerships through regular communication.
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Little Saints Early Childhood Center
Little Saints Education
Little Saints Early Childhood Center provides a nurturing environment with a balanced approach to early education, combining structured learning with creative exploration. Their curriculum integrates literacy development, mathematics readiness, and social skills through thematic units and project-based learning. The facility features modern classrooms with natural lighting, age-appropriate learning centers, and secure outdoor play areas. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and participate in continuous professional development. The center emphasizes community connections and serves families throughout the Grand Forks metropolitan area, including surrounding communities like Cummings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Cummings, ND
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Cummings, North Dakota, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In North Dakota, all childcare providers caring for more than five children must be licensed by the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Early Childhood Division. This includes family daycares (in a home) and childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, and program activities. To verify the license status of a provider in the Cummings area, you can use the "Find Child Care" search tool on the ND HHS website. You can also contact the local Early Childhood Division licensing office directly to ask about a specific provider's compliance history. It's a critical first step for any parent.
Given Cummings's small, rural setting, what is the typical availability of childcare slots, and how long are waitlists?
As a small community in Traill County, Cummings has limited childcare options compared to larger cities. Availability is often very tight, with many providers operating at full capacity. It is common for both in-home daycares and any nearby center-based programs to have waitlists, especially for infants and toddlers. Parents are strongly advised to begin their search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or several months before care is needed. Networking with other local parents and checking with providers in neighboring towns like Mayville or Hillsboro may be necessary to find an opening.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or preschooler in the Cummings area?
Childcare costs in rural North Dakota like Cummings are generally lower than the national average but can still be a significant portion of a family's budget. For full-time care, you can expect to pay approximately $600 to $850 per month for a preschooler and $700 to $950 per month for an infant at a licensed in-home or center-based program. These rates can vary based on the provider's amenities, hours, and whether meals are included. To help with costs, North Dakota offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families. You can apply through the Cass County Social Services office, which serves Traill County, to see if you qualify for subsidized care.
Are there any state or local programs in North Dakota that help parents find and pay for quality childcare near Cummings?
Yes, North Dakota has several key programs. The primary resource is the **Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)**, a subsidy for low-to-moderate income working families or those in education/training. Application is through your county social services. For finding providers, the state's **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R)** agency, operated by the Community Action Partnership, offers free referrals and guidance. You can call their statewide line or use the online search. Additionally, the **ND Early Childhood Division** oversees the **Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS)**, called "Bright & Early ND," which helps parents identify programs that exceed basic licensing standards. Checking a provider's QRIS rating is a great way to gauge quality.
What should I look for when visiting a potential in-home daycare in a rural community like Cummings?
Visiting a home-based daycare is crucial. First, confirm their ND state license is current and posted. Observe the environment: Is it clean, safe, and child-proofed? Are there ample age-appropriate toys and books? In a rural setting, ask about their outdoor play area and safety protocols. Discuss their daily schedule, discipline philosophy, and emergency plans—especially important given potential response times in rural areas. Ask about backup care if the provider is sick. Get references from other local parents. Trust your instincts about the caregiver's warmth, engagement with children, and communication style. A good provider will welcome your questions and be transparent about their practices.