The Best Daycare Centers in Sharon, ND
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Sharon. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Sharon
The Goddard School of Fargo
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Fargo offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their state-licensed teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low student-to-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and modern classrooms with interactive technology. They emphasize STEAM learning, character development, and social-emotional growth through structured curriculum and enrichment programs including yoga, music, and foreign language exposure.
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KinderCare Learning Center at West Fargo
KinderCare Education
This NAEYC-accredited KinderCare center provides comprehensive early childhood education with research-based curriculum focusing on literacy, math, science, and social skills. Their team includes credentialed early childhood educators who receive ongoing professional development. The center features secure keypad entry, commercial-grade air purification systems, and age-separated learning environments. Their approach includes hands-on learning centers, regular developmental assessments, and family communication through daily reports and parent-teacher conferences. They offer nutritious meals and snacks following USDA guidelines.
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Little Red Hen Child Care & Preschool
Independent
Little Red Hen is a locally-owned childcare center known for its nurturing environment and play-based curriculum that incorporates Montessori and Reggio Emilia influences. Their certified teachers create individualized learning plans and maintain small class sizes. The facility includes secure access controls, outdoor nature exploration areas, and dedicated art/music rooms. They emphasize whole-child development through sensory activities, emergent curriculum based on children's interests, and strong parent partnerships. The center provides organic meal options and maintains rigorous health and safety protocols with regular staff training.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Sharon, ND
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Sharon, North Dakota, and how can I verify a provider's license?
In Sharon, ND, all childcare providers caring for more than five children must be licensed by the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Child Care Licensing Program. This includes family child care homes and child care 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 "Find Child Care" search tool on the North Dakota HHS website, which lists licensed providers, their inspection history, and any licensing actions. For very small, legally license-exempt care (like caring for only children from one other family), it's crucial to ask about their safety practices and references directly.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers or in-home providers in the Sharon area, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to Sharon's small, rural nature, licensed childcare options are extremely limited, and waitlists can be long, often several months to over a year. It's common for spots to become available only when an older child moves to preschool or a family moves away. To secure a spot, start your search as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy. Contact every licensed provider in Sharon and nearby towns like Gackle or Napoleon. Get on multiple waitlists and check in politely every 4-6 weeks. Also, explore alternatives like licensed family child care homes in neighboring communities or forming a nanny-share with another local family, which is a creative solution in areas with scarce formal options.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare in Sharon, ND, and are there any state assistance programs to help with the expense?
In Sharon and surrounding rural areas of North Dakota, full-time childcare costs are generally lower than state averages but can vary. For a licensed family child care home, you might expect $120-$180 per week per child. For a spot in a center (if available in a nearby town), costs could be $150-$220 per week. The North Dakota Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) provides financial help to eligible low- and moderate-income families. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (work, school, etc.). You apply through your local county social services office (likely in Jamestown, the county seat for Stutsman County). Even with lower costs, this assistance can be vital for working families in the region.
Are there any part-time or drop-in childcare options available for parents in Sharon who don't need full-time care?
Formal part-time or drop-in childcare is very rare in a small community like Sharon. Most licensed providers prioritize full-time enrollments to maintain stable income and staffing. However, some licensed family child care homes may offer part-time slots if their schedule allows, so it's always worth asking. Your best bet for irregular care is to network within the community. Connect with other parents through local churches, community centers, or school events to find a trusted, experienced individual who provides occasional babysitting. Some parents also coordinate informal "parent co-ops" where they take turns watching each other's children.
What should I look for when visiting a potential in-home daycare provider in a rural setting like Sharon?
When visiting a family child care home in Sharon, look beyond the basic licensing compliance. First, ensure the home is childproofed, especially for hazards common in rural areas (e.g., secure storage for cleaning supplies, tools, or firearms; safe outdoor play areas away from farm equipment or unfenced ponds). Ask about their emergency plan for severe weather common to North Dakota (blizzards, tornadoes) and their proximity to medical services. Observe the provider's interaction with children and ask about their daily routine, including outdoor play and educational activities. Given the isolation, inquire about backup plans if the provider is sick. Finally, ask for references from current or former clients—in a small town, a provider's reputation is paramount.