The Best Daycare Centers in Manning, ND
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Manning. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Manning
Little Sprouts Learning Center
Independent
Little Sprouts Learning Center is a highly-regarded childcare facility serving the Manning area and surrounding communities. They offer a comprehensive educational program with age-appropriate curriculum that focuses on early childhood development through play-based learning. The center features qualified early childhood educators with CPR and first aid certification, maintaining excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Their facility includes secure indoor learning environments and safe outdoor play areas. The curriculum emphasizes literacy, math readiness, social skills, and creative expression. Parents consistently praise the center's nurturing environment, strong communication, and commitment to child safety. They provide nutritious meals and snacks while maintaining strict health and cleanliness protocols.
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Dickinson Early Childhood Center
Dickinson Public Schools
Dickinson Early Childhood Center is part of the Dickinson Public School system and serves families throughout the region including Manning. This center offers high-quality early childhood education with certified teachers and specialized early childhood educators. Their research-based curriculum focuses on school readiness, social-emotional development, and cognitive skills. The facility features modern classrooms, specialized learning centers, and safe playground equipment designed for young children. They maintain excellent safety protocols with secure entry systems and comprehensive emergency procedures. The center is particularly noted for its inclusive environment and early intervention services. Parents appreciate the structured learning environment, experienced staff, and strong preparation for kindergarten.
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Teddy Bear Corner Childcare
Independent
Teddy Bear Corner Childcare has been serving families in the western North Dakota region for over 15 years, including Manning area residents. This family-oriented center provides a warm, nurturing environment with experienced caregivers who have extensive early childhood education backgrounds. Their program balances structured learning with creative play, incorporating Montessori-inspired activities and hands-on learning experiences. The facility features age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor play spaces, and comprehensive safety measures including surveillance systems and strict pickup protocols. They offer flexible scheduling options and maintain small group sizes to ensure individual attention. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the center's communication, developmental progress tracking, and the genuine care shown by staff members.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Manning, ND
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available for families in Manning, ND?
In Manning, North Dakota, licensed childcare options primarily consist of Family Child Care (FCC) homes and potentially a licensed Child Care Center, though centers are less common in smaller towns. Family Child Care providers operate out of their own homes and are licensed by the North Dakota Department of Human Services (NDDHS) to care for a smaller number of children, often providing a more home-like environment. Due to Manning's rural nature, these in-home providers are often the most accessible option. You can search for all licensed providers in the area through the state's official Child Care Finder website. Some families may also utilize legally license-exempt care, such as care from a relative, but it's crucial to verify the licensing status for your peace of mind and to ensure basic health and safety standards are met.
How can I find and verify the license of a daycare provider in Manning?
The State of North Dakota maintains a comprehensive online database called "Child Care Finder" on the Department of Human Services website. This is the most reliable tool for parents in Manning. You can search by city, zip code, or provider name to find licensed homes and centers. The listing will show the provider's license status (active, probationary, etc.), capacity, ages served, and any recorded licensing history or violations. It's highly recommended to cross-reference any provider you are considering with this state database. You can also contact the NDDHS Early Childhood Services division directly for verification. Always visit the potential daycare in person to observe the environment and ask to see their current license certificate, which should be posted.
What is the typical cost range for full-time childcare in Manning, and are there financial assistance programs?
In rural areas like Manning, childcare costs can vary but are generally lower than in North Dakota's larger cities. For a licensed Family Child Care home, you might expect to pay between $120 to $180 per week for full-time infant or toddler care. Preschool-age care may be slightly less. Costs are often negotiated directly with the provider. Financial assistance is available for qualifying families through the North Dakota Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which is administered by the county social services office (likely Dunn County). Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reasons for needing care (work, school, etc.). It's important to apply for CCAP and get approved *before* selecting a provider, as not all providers accept it, and the subsidy can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket cost.
Are waitlists common for daycare in Manning, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to the limited number of providers in a small community like Manning, waitlists are very common and can be lengthy. It is not unusual for popular, well-regarded Family Child Care homes to have waiting lists of several months to over a year, especially for infant spots, which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. Parents are strongly advised to begin their search as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or at least 6-12 months before their needed start date. Contact multiple providers to get on their waitlists, and be prepared to check in periodically to express continued interest. Networking with other local parents through community groups or social media can also provide leads on potential openings.
What are some local-specific factors or questions I should consider when choosing a daycare in Manning?
Given Manning's rural setting, several local factors are crucial. First, **transportation and travel distance** are key; clarify drop-off/pick-up times and how flexible they are, especially considering North Dakota winters. Ask about their **plan for severe weather** (blizzards, extreme cold) and emergency closures. Second, inquire about **outdoor play and activities**; a good provider should have a safe, enclosed outdoor space and incorporate nature-based play, which is a benefit of a rural setting. Third, ask about their **connection to the local community**—do they take children to the library or local events? Finally, due to the proximity to agriculture, it's wise to ask about their **policies on handwashing and hygiene**, especially for younger children, to mitigate general germ exposure in a small-town setting. Always request references from other Manning-area parents.