The Best Daycare Centers in Marion, ND
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Marion. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Marion
KinderCare Learning Center
KinderCare Learning Companies
KinderCare in Jamestown provides a nationally recognized, play-based learning curriculum focused on early literacy, math, and social skills development. Staff includes qualified teachers with backgrounds in early childhood education, and the center maintains low student-teacher ratios for personalized attention. Safety features include secure entry systems, regular safety drills, and sanitized environments. Parents appreciate the consistent communication through mobile apps and daily reports, along with flexible scheduling options. The center offers age-appropriate indoor and outdoor play areas and emphasizes holistic child development through structured activities and creative play.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Fargo utilizes the F.L.E.X.® Learning Program, which integrates play-based learning with academic readiness in literacy, STEM, and arts. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and participate in ongoing training, ensuring high-quality instruction. The facility features secure keypad entry, clean and modern classrooms, and dedicated outdoor play spaces. Parents value the strong emphasis on social-emotional development, regular progress updates, and inclusive environment. The school also provides nutritious meals and snacks, and maintains small class sizes to foster individual growth and community engagement.
Daycare Services:
Primrose School of Fargo
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Fargo offers the Balanced Learning® curriculum, blending teacher-led instruction with child-initiated activities to promote academic and character development. The staff includes certified educators with CPR and first aid training, and the center emphasizes low ratios for individualized care. Safety protocols include secured facilities, health screenings, and hygienic practices. Parents highlight the strong communication through digital portfolios and family events, as well as the focus on literacy and inquiry-based learning. The school features engaging learning environments, outdoor playgrounds, and enrichment programs like music and physical education.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Marion, ND
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Marion, North Dakota, and how can I verify a provider's license?
In North Dakota, all childcare providers caring for more than five children must be licensed by the North Dakota Department of Human Services (NDDHS). This includes family daycare homes and childcare centers. Licensed providers in Marion must meet state standards for health and safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and ongoing training. To verify a provider's license, you can use the "Child Care Finder" search tool on the NDDHS website, which shows the license status, any history of non-compliance, and the program's star rating (a quality rating system from 1 to 4 stars). You can also call the Southeast Child Care Resource & Referral agency, which serves LaMoure County (where Marion is located), for assistance and verification.
How much does full-time daycare typically cost for an infant or toddler in Marion, ND, and are there financial assistance programs available?
In the Marion area and surrounding rural communities, full-time daycare for an infant can range from approximately $650 to $900 per month, while toddler care may range from $600 to $800 per month. These costs can be slightly lower than in larger North Dakota cities but vary based on the type of provider (center vs. in-home) and their quality star rating. Financial assistance is available through the North Dakota Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which helps eligible low- and moderate-income families. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (work, school, etc.). Applications are processed through the LaMoure County Social Services office. Additionally, some providers may offer sibling discounts.
Given Marion's small, rural setting, what are my main options for childcare, and how long are typical waitlists?
In Marion itself, options are primarily licensed family childcare homes, as there are no large childcare centers within the city limits. Many families also utilize providers in nearby towns like LaMoure, Edgeley, or even Jamestown (about 30 miles away), which may have childcare centers. Due to limited slots in this rural region, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant care. It's common to encounter waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer. We strongly recommend contacting providers as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy—to secure a spot. Networking with other parents and checking with local churches or community boards can also help find smaller, unlisted in-home providers.
What should I look for when visiting a potential daycare home in Marion, especially regarding safety and preparedness for rural living?
When visiting a family daycare home in Marion, first confirm their NDDHS license is current. Key safety items specific to a rural setting include: secure fencing for outdoor play areas away from farm equipment or rural traffic, well-maintained play equipment, and clear protocols for severe weather (like tornadoes and winter storms). Ask about their emergency plans for power outages or road closures, and how they handle health emergencies given the distance to a hospital (likely in Jamestown). Also, observe cleanliness, ask about their sick-child policy, and check that all cleaning supplies and medications are locked away. A quality provider will happily discuss their daily schedule, discipline philosophy, and how they incorporate learning activities suitable for mixed-age groups common in home settings.
Are there any part-time, drop-in, or after-school childcare options available for school-age children in the Marion area?
Structured part-time or drop-in care is very limited in Marion due to its size. The local school district, LaMoure Public School, may offer after-school programs or activities, but dedicated childcare for school-age children often relies on the same family daycare homes that serve younger children. Some providers offer before- and after-school care, including transportation from the school bus drop-off. For occasional drop-in needs, your best bet is to network with other parents for babysitting swaps or inquire if a licensed home provider has occasional flexibility. For more consistent part-time care, you may need to seek options in LaMoure or Edgeley, where some providers might offer half-day or school-year contracts.