The Best Daycare Centers in Lawton, ND
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lawton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lawton
Little Lambs Preschool & Childcare
Independent Center
Little Lambs is a highly-regarded Christian-based childcare center serving the Lawton/Devils Lake area with a comprehensive early childhood education program. They feature a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills development. The center maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios with qualified staff holding early childhood education credentials. Their facility includes secure indoor classrooms and safe outdoor play areas with age-appropriate equipment. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, strong communication, and the center's focus on individual child development. They provide nutritious meals and snacks and maintain rigorous safety protocols including secure entry systems.
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Lake Region Head Start
Community Action Partnership
Lake Region Head Start provides high-quality early childhood education services to families throughout Ramsey County, including Lawton. As part of the national Head Start program, they offer comprehensive early learning experiences with a focus on school readiness for children from low-income families. Their research-based curriculum addresses all areas of development including cognitive, social-emotional, and physical growth. The center employs degreed early childhood educators and provides extensive family support services, health screenings, and nutritional support. Facilities include modern classrooms, outdoor learning environments, and family resource centers. The program is praised for its inclusive approach and strong community partnerships.
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Kiddie Korner Daycare
Family Childcare Home
Kiddie Korner is a well-established family childcare home that serves Lawton and surrounding communities with personalized, home-like care. The provider holds North Dakota early childhood credentials and maintains small group sizes for individualized attention. Their program incorporates structured learning activities, creative play, and outdoor time in a safe, nurturing environment. The home-based setting provides consistency and family-style care that many parents prefer, with flexible scheduling options. The provider is known for her dedication to child development, maintaining detailed progress records, and creating strong relationships with families. Safety is prioritized with childproofed environments and emergency preparedness training.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lawton, ND
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Lawton, ND, and how can I verify a provider's license?
In Lawton, 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), Child Care Licensing Program. This includes family child care homes and child care centers. Licensing ensures providers meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and training. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the "Find Child Care" search tool on the North Dakota HHS website, which lists all licensed and registered providers, their inspection history, and any licensing actions. You can also contact the Southeast Child Care Licensing office, which serves the Lawton area, directly for verification. Always ask to see a provider's current license during your visit.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Lawton, and when should I start looking for infant care?
Due to the limited number of dedicated childcare centers in a smaller community like Lawton, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant care (children under 2 years old). It is not uncommon for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long, or even longer. We strongly recommend that expecting parents in Lawton begin researching and contacting providers as early as possible, ideally during the first or second trimester of pregnancy. Get on multiple waitlists, including both centers and licensed family daycare homes in Lawton and nearby towns like Litchville or Rogers. Being proactive is crucial to securing a spot.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare in Lawton, ND, and are there any local or state financial assistance programs?
In Lawton and the surrounding rural areas of North Dakota, full-time childcare costs can vary. For a licensed family daycare home, you might expect to pay between $120 to $180 per week per child. A center-based program, if available locally, may range from $150 to $220 per week. These rates are typically lower than in larger North Dakota cities like Fargo or Bismarck. Financial assistance is available through the North Dakota Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), administered by the county. Parents in Barnes County (where Lawton is located) can apply through the Barnes County Social Services office. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need, such as employment or education.
Are there any unique childcare options in Lawton, like in-home daycares or part-time preschool programs, given its rural setting?
Yes, given Lawton's rural setting, licensed family child care homes are often the most prevalent and flexible option. These are small, home-based operations that provide a more intimate setting and may offer more personalized hours, which can be beneficial for farm families or those with non-traditional work schedules. For preschool-aged children (3-5 years), part-time options may be available through local initiatives or cooperative preschools, sometimes hosted in community spaces like churches. It's also common for families in Lawton to form small, trusted nanny-shares with neighbors. Checking community bulletin boards at the Lawton Post Office or the Litchville-Marion School can sometimes lead to discovering these smaller, less-advertised opportunities.
What should I look for during a daycare tour in a small town like Lawton, and what local-specific questions should I ask?
When touring a daycare in Lawton, beyond standard checks for safety and cleanliness, ask specific questions relevant to rural life. Inquire about their policy and plan for severe weather common to North Dakota, such as blizzards or tornadoes—where do children take shelter? Ask about their outdoor play area and how they handle exposure to agricultural elements if near farms. Given the potential for longer travel distances, ask about their hours of operation and flexibility for late pick-up if you're commuting to Valley City or Jamestown for work. Also, ask about their network for substitute caregivers—in a small town, if the primary provider is ill, is there a reliable backup plan? Finally, ask for references from other local families you might know in the community.