The Best Daycare Centers in Ross, ND
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Ross. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Ross
Little Sprouts Learning Center
Independent
Little Sprouts Learning Center is the closest highly-rated childcare facility to Ross, located approximately 15 miles away in Stanley. This established center offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with a play-based learning approach that emphasizes social, emotional, and academic development. The center features state-licensed teachers with early childhood credentials, low student-to-teacher ratios, and a secure facility with monitored access. Their curriculum includes literacy development, STEM activities, creative arts, and outdoor play in age-appropriate environments. The center provides nutritious meals and snacks and maintains excellent communication with parents through daily reports and regular conferences. Their strong safety record and dedicated staff make them a top choice for families in the Ross area.
Daycare Services:
Kiddie Kollege Early Learning Center
Independent
Kiddie Kollege is a highly-regarded early learning center located approximately 45 miles from Ross in Minot. With nearly two decades of operation, this center has built an outstanding reputation for educational excellence and child development. They employ degreed early childhood educators who implement a structured curriculum focused on school readiness, including phonics, mathematics, science exploration, and social studies. The facility features secure classrooms, age-appropriate learning materials, and dedicated play areas. Kiddie Kollege maintains excellent staff retention rates and provides comprehensive training in child development, safety protocols, and emergency procedures. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, cleanliness, and the genuine care shown by staff members.
Daycare Services:
Magic City Discovery Center
Independent
Magic City Discovery Center serves the Ross community from their Minot location, approximately 45 miles away. This established childcare facility emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning through their discovery-based curriculum that encourages natural curiosity and problem-solving skills. The center features certified early childhood educators with specialized training in developmental milestones and age-appropriate teaching methods. Their comprehensive program includes language development, early math concepts, creative expression, and physical activity in both indoor and outdoor environments. The facility maintains rigorous safety standards with secure entry systems, regular safety drills, and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Magic City is known for its inclusive environment, nutritional meal program, and strong parent partnerships through regular communication and involvement opportunities.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Ross, ND
What are the main types of licensed childcare available in Ross, North Dakota, and how do I find them?
In Ross, ND, and the surrounding Mountrail County area, licensed childcare options primarily include licensed family child care homes (operated in a provider's residence) and potentially licensed child care centers, though centers are more common in larger nearby towns like Stanley or Minot. Due to Ross's small population, in-home providers are often the most accessible local option. To find licensed providers, you should use the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Child Care Finder website or contact the Child Care Aware referral agency for North Dakota. They can provide a current list of licensed providers in Ross and the surrounding region. It's also common to find providers through local community boards, word-of-mouth, and Facebook community groups specific to the area.
What is the average cost of daycare in Ross, ND, and are there financial assistance programs available?
In Ross and rural Mountrail County, the average cost for full-time daycare in a licensed family home typically ranges from $120 to $180 per week per child, though this can vary based on the child's age and the specific services offered. Costs are generally lower than in North Dakota's urban centers. Financial assistance is available through the North Dakota Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which is income-based and helps eligible families pay for childcare so parents can work, attend school, or participate in training. Eligibility and application details can be found through the Mountrail County Social Services office or the state HHS website. Additionally, some providers may offer sibling discounts.
Are there long waitlists for childcare in Ross, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Given the limited number of providers in a small community like Ross, waitlists can be common and sometimes lengthy, especially for infant care. It is highly recommended to begin your search as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or several months before you need care. Contact all licensed providers in the area to inquire about current openings and waitlist procedures. Be prepared to put your name on multiple lists. Building a relationship with local providers and being flexible with your start date can improve your chances. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby communities such as Stanley or New Town, but factor in the additional commute.
What are North Dakota's key licensing requirements for childcare providers that I should verify for my child's safety?
All licensed providers in Ross must comply with North Dakota HHS regulations. Key safety requirements parents should verify include: 1) **Staff-to-Child Ratios and Group Sizes:** For example, for children under 2 years, the ratio is 1 staff to 4 children. 2) **Background Checks:** All staff must have cleared state and federal criminal history record checks. 3) **Health and Safety Training:** Providers must complete training in CPR, first aid, and safe sleep practices for infants. 4) **Annual Inspections:** Licensed homes and centers undergo annual unannounced inspections for health, safety, and program standards. You can ask any provider for their most recent licensing report or view compliance information through the state's online Child Care Finder tool.
What questions should I ask a potential in-home daycare provider in Ross, given the unique aspects of a rural setting?
When interviewing an in-home provider in Ross, beyond standard questions about curriculum and daily routines, consider asking these location-specific questions: 1) **Emergency Protocols:** What is your plan for emergencies, medical issues, or severe weather common to North Dakota (like blizzards), and how will you communicate with me? 2) **Transportation:** Do you provide any transportation for school-age children to/from the local Ross School, and what vehicle safety measures are in place? 3) **Backup Care:** What is your plan if you, as a sole provider, are sick or have a family emergency, given there may not be substitute staff readily available? 4) **Outdoor Play & Safety:** How do you manage outdoor play with the local environment (e.g., proximity to agricultural fields, rural roads, or wildlife)? 5) **Community Involvement:** How do you incorporate local community events or resources into the children's experiences?
Childcare Insights for Ross
Finding reliable, flexible childcare can feel like a constant puzzle for busy families in Ross, North Dakota. When you search for "drop off daycare near me," you're likely looking for more than just a location; you're seeking a trustworthy solution for those days when your regular schedule shifts, you have an appointment, or you simply need a few hours to manage life's demands. In our close-knit Ross community, the concept of drop-in care is particularly valuable, offering the flexibility that parents in smaller towns often need without the commitment of a full-time enrollment.
Understanding the childcare landscape in Ross and the surrounding Mountrail County area is the first step. While dedicated drop-in daycare centers are less common here than in larger cities, several excellent options exist. Many licensed home-based providers and local daycare centers in Ross may offer occasional or part-time care if they have availability. Your best approach is to think locally and personally. Start by asking for recommendations from neighbors at the Ross Market or other parents at community events. Often, the most trusted care comes from providers who are already woven into the fabric of our town and understand the rhythms of family life here.
When you contact a provider, be clear that you are inquiring about occasional, drop-off care. It’s helpful to have a potential schedule in mind, even if it’s variable. Ask key questions about their policies: Is advance notice required? What are their hourly or daily rates for occasional care? What should you pack for your child, and what is provided? In a rural setting like ours, it’s also wise to discuss their plan for outdoor play and how they handle the beautiful, but sometimes harsh, North Dakota weather. A good provider will welcome these questions and put your mind at ease.
Building a relationship with a local provider is perhaps the most important tip. Consider arranging a short visit with your child before the first actual drop-off day. This allows your little one to become familiar with the new environment and the caregiver, making the transition smoother when you need it most. In a community like Ross, where people know each other, this personal connection is invaluable. It transforms a service into a supportive partnership.
Finally, remember that your network is a powerful resource. Connect with other Ross parents to see if they have a trusted sitter or know of a provider who welcomes flexible arrangements. Sometimes, the perfect solution is a small, licensed home daycare that prefers to operate under the radar, known only through word-of-mouth. Finding drop-in daycare in Ross requires a blend of local knowledge and proactive communication, but the peace of mind it brings—knowing your child is safe and happy just minutes from home—is well worth the effort. By tapping into the strength of our community, you can find the flexible support your family needs to thrive right here in North Dakota.