The Best Daycare Centers in Medina, ND
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Medina. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Medina
Medina Kid's Club
Medina Public School District
Medina Kid's Club operates as part of the Medina Public School system, providing comprehensive childcare services with a strong educational foundation. The program focuses on school readiness through structured learning activities, homework assistance, and developmental play. Staff are licensed educators and childcare professionals with background checks and ongoing training. The facility utilizes school resources including gymnasiums, playgrounds, and library access. What makes this center stand out is its seamless integration with the local school system, ensuring smooth transitions for children entering kindergarten and elementary grades. The program emphasizes character development, social skills, and academic preparation in a safe, familiar environment.
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Kiddie Kampus Child Care Center
Independent
Located in nearby Jamestown (approximately 30 minutes from Medina), Kiddie Kampus serves families throughout Stutsman County with a comprehensive early childhood education program. The center features a research-based curriculum that incorporates STEM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. Classrooms are organized by age group with low teacher-to-child ratios and degreed lead teachers. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and emergency preparedness protocols. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, dedicated nap rooms, and developmental assessment tracking. What distinguishes Kiddie Kampus is their commitment to individualized learning plans and strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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Little Blessings Childcare & Preschool
Independent
Little Blessings has served the Jamestown area and surrounding communities including Medina for nearly two decades with a reputation for exceptional care and educational excellence. The center offers a balanced curriculum blending play-based learning with structured academic preparation, including phonics, mathematics readiness, and science exploration. Staff qualifications include early childhood degrees, CPR/first aid certification, and ongoing professional development. The facility features secure indoor environments with monitored access, commercial-grade kitchen providing nutritious meals, and outdoor learning spaces with natural elements. What makes Little Blessings exceptional is their focus on whole-child development through music, art, physical education, and character education programs, along with flexible scheduling options for working families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Medina, ND
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Medina, 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. Licensing ensures providers meet state standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and training. For parents in Medina, you can verify a provider's license status and view any past violations through the NDDHS Child Care Finder website or by contacting the Southeast Regional Child Care Resource & Referral agency, which serves Stutsman County. It's crucial to check this, as some smaller, in-home providers may be legally unlicensed if caring for fewer children, but they must still register with the state.
How long are daycare waitlists typically in the Medina area, and what's the best strategy for securing a spot?
Due to the limited number of licensed providers in smaller communities like Medina, waitlists can be significant, often ranging from 6 to 12 months, especially for infant care. It's highly recommended to begin your search and get on multiple lists as early as possible, even during pregnancy. Contact providers directly in Medina and also consider expanding your search to nearby larger towns like Jamestown (about 15 miles away), which may have more options. Be proactive—check in with providers every few months to confirm your spot on the list. Many local providers prioritize siblings of current families, so if you already have a child enrolled, inquire about that policy.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Medina, ND?
Childcare costs in Medina and surrounding Stutsman County are generally lower than national averages but can vary based on the type of care. For a licensed family daycare home, you might expect to pay between $120 to $180 per week for full-time infant or toddler care. A childcare center in a nearby city like Jamestown may range from $160 to $220 per week. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate (e.g., meals, snacks, supplies). To help with costs, North Dakota offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families, which can subsidize a portion of daycare expenses. You can apply through the Stutsman County Social Services office.
Are there any unique seasonal or agricultural considerations for childcare schedules in Medina?
Yes, as a community in an agricultural region, some childcare providers in Medina may have schedules or policies that accommodate farming families. During peak seasons like planting (spring) and harvest (fall), some in-home providers might offer extended or more flexible hours. However, it's also possible that some smaller providers, who may be part of farming families themselves, could have reduced availability during these busy times. It's essential to discuss your family's seasonal needs upfront when interviewing providers. Additionally, many daycare programs follow the local school district calendar for major holidays and snow days, which is important for planning given North Dakota winters.
What resources are available in Medina to help me find and evaluate quality childcare options?
The primary local resource is the Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency for the Southeast region of North Dakota. They serve Stutsman County and offer free, personalized referrals to licensed providers in Medina and the surrounding area. They can also provide checklists for evaluating quality, information on state licensing standards, and guidance on the Child Care Assistance Program. You can contact them online or by phone. Additionally, connecting with other parents through local community groups, churches, or the Medina Public School can provide valuable word-of-mouth recommendations, which are often key in small, tight-knit communities.