The Best Daycare Centers in Leonard, ND
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Leonard. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Leonard
Kindercare Learning Center - South Fargo
KinderCare Education
As part of the nationally recognized KinderCare network, this center offers comprehensive early childhood education with research-based curriculum including phonics, math, science, and social skills development. Features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate learning environments. The center provides nutritious meals and snacks, regular parent communication through mobile app updates, and focuses on social-emotional development alongside academic readiness. Serves as a reliable option for Leonard families commuting to Fargo.
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TNT Kid's Fitness & Gymnastics Academy
TNT Kid's Fitness
This unique facility combines traditional preschool education with physical fitness and gymnastics integration. Offers a comprehensive academic curriculum that includes literacy, math, science, and social studies while incorporating daily physical activity and motor skill development. Features state-certified teachers, low student-to-teacher ratios, and specialized equipment for safe physical education. The center emphasizes whole-child development with focus on confidence building, social skills, and healthy habits. Serves as a popular choice for families seeking active learning environments.
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Tiny Tots Learning Center
Tiny Tots Learning Center
Located in nearby Casselton (approximately 15 miles from Leonard), this independently owned center provides personalized childcare with structured educational programming. Features developmentally appropriate curriculum focusing on early literacy, STEM activities, and creative arts. Maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios with experienced early childhood educators, secure facility with monitored access, and outdoor learning environments. Known for strong parent partnerships, regular developmental assessments, and family-friendly scheduling options. Offers nutritious meal programs and emphasizes character development and social skills.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Leonard, ND
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Leonard, ND, and how can I verify a provider's status?
In Leonard, North Dakota, all childcare providers caring for more than five children (or more than three children under school age) must be licensed by the North Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS). This includes family daycares, group homes, and childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet state standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and training. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the North Dakota Child Care Finder online portal or contact the Southeast Child Care Resource & Referral agency, which serves the Leonard area. It's crucial to confirm licensing, as it is your primary assurance of regulated care.
Given Leonard's small size, how can I find available daycare openings, and should I expect long waitlists?
Due to Leonard's rural nature and limited number of providers, finding immediate openings can be challenging. It's common for established family daycares and the limited center-based options in nearby towns to have waitlists, especially for infants and toddlers. We recommend starting your search at least 3-6 months before you need care. The best resources are the North Dakota Child Care Finder website and contacting the Southeast Child Care Resource & Referral for personalized searches. Networking within local community groups, churches, or the Leonard school district can also uncover unadvertised in-home providers. Be prepared to consider providers in neighboring communities like Casselton or Kindred.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in the Leonard area?
Childcare costs in Leonard and surrounding rural Cass County are generally lower than in North Dakota's major cities but vary by provider type. For a licensed family daycare home, you might expect to pay between $130 to $180 per week for full-time infant care. A childcare center in a nearby town may range from $160 to $220 per week. These are estimates, and you should always get direct quotes. To help with costs, explore the North Dakota Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which provides subsidies to eligible families based on income, and check if any providers participate in the state's Early Childhood Quality Rating system, which can offer tiered reimbursement rates.
Are there any state-funded preschool or early learning programs available for 3- and 4-year-olds in Leonard?
Leonard itself does not host a state-funded preschool program, but there are important options for early learning. The Leonard Public School may offer a preschool program for 4-year-olds; you should contact the district directly for availability and eligibility. For broader access, North Dakota's Early Childhood Education (ECE) Grant program funds preschool in various settings. You may find grant-participating classrooms in childcare centers in nearby communities. Additionally, Head Start services are available in the region for income-eligible families, though transportation to a site in a neighboring town would likely be the family's responsibility. The Southeast Child Care Resource & Referral can help identify all local early learning opportunities.
What are the key questions to ask a potential in-home daycare provider in a rural community like Leonard?
When interviewing an in-home provider in Leonard, beyond standard questions about schedule and cost, ask locally-specific questions: 1) **Emergency Protocols:** How do you handle medical emergencies given the distance to hospitals in Casselton or Fargo? What is your severe weather plan? 2) **Transportation:** If school-age children are present, how do you handle school bus drop-offs/pick-ups from Leonard School? 3) **Enrollment Stability:** How long have you operated, and what is your typical family turnover? In small towns, longevity is a good sign. 4) **Backup Care:** Do you have a network with other local providers for backup when you are sick or on vacation? 5) **Outdoor Play:** What is your outdoor space like, and how do you manage safety in a rural setting (e.g., proximity to roads, animals)? Also, always ask for and contact multiple local references.