The Best Daycare Centers in Colman, SD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Colman. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Colman
Little Sprouts Learning Center
Independent
Little Sprouts Learning Center is a highly-regarded childcare facility located just 15 minutes from Colman in Brookings. They offer a comprehensive educational program with a play-based learning approach that incorporates Creative Curriculum elements. The center features state-certified teachers with early childhood education degrees, low teacher-to-child ratios, and secure entry systems. Their facilities include age-appropriate classrooms, indoor gross motor play area, and outdoor playgrounds. The center emphasizes developmental milestones tracking, nutritious meal programs, and strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences. Their preschool program includes kindergarten readiness skills and they offer flexible scheduling to accommodate working families.
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Kiddie Academy of Brookings
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Brookings provides educational childcare services to families in the Colman area with their Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, STEM learning, and literacy. The center features secure keypad entry, comprehensive safety protocols, and certified early childhood educators. Their program includes technology-enhanced learning, music and movement classes, and hands-on science activities. The facility offers modern classrooms, age-appropriate learning materials, and outdoor play spaces. They maintain strong parent partnerships through the Kiddie Academy mobile app for daily updates and photos. The center is known for its structured daily schedule that balances learning activities with creative play and physical development.
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Apple Tree Children's Center
Independent
Apple Tree Children's Center has served the Brookings area and surrounding communities including Colman for over 15 years. They offer a balanced educational approach combining structured learning with child-directed activities. The center features degreed lead teachers, small class sizes, and comprehensive safety measures including secure access and emergency preparedness protocols. Their curriculum emphasizes social-emotional development, early literacy, and mathematical thinking through hands-on experiences. The facility includes dedicated infant rooms, toddler classrooms, preschool learning centers, and secure outdoor playgrounds. They provide nutritious meals and snacks through their in-house food program and maintain strong communication with families through regular newsletters and parent-teacher conferences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Colman, SD
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available in Colman, SD?
In Colman, South Dakota, parents typically have access to two primary types of licensed childcare. The first is licensed family/group family daycare homes, which are smaller, home-based settings often run by a single provider or a small team, caring for a limited number of children. These can offer a more intimate, family-like environment. The second is licensed childcare centers, which are larger facilities, though in a community of Colman's size, these may be limited or located in nearby larger towns like Brookings. All licensed providers in South Dakota are regulated by the Department of Social Services (DSS), which sets standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, and training. Due to the rural nature of the area, many families also utilize legally unregistered, exempt providers (like certain relatives), but for formal care, checking the DSS licensing database for Moody County is a crucial first step.
How can I check the licensing and inspection history of a daycare in Colman?
The South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS) maintains an online portal called "Child Care Services" where parents can search for licensed providers. You can search by city (Colman), county (Moody), or provider name. This public database will show a provider's current license status, capacity, ages served, and any serious licensing violations or corrective action plans from recent inspections. It's highly recommended to review this information and also contact the licensing specialist for the region to ask specific questions. For the most current and personal assessment, always visit the facility in person, ask the provider directly for their latest inspection report, and request references from other Colman-area parents.
What is the average cost for full-time infant or toddler daycare in Colman, and are there financial assistance programs?
Childcare costs in Colman and surrounding Moody County are generally lower than state and national averages but can vary significantly based on the type of care and the child's age. For a licensed family daycare home, you might expect to pay between $120-$180 per week for full-time infant or toddler care. A center-based program, if available locally, may range from $150-$220 per week. Financial assistance is available for qualifying families through the South Dakota Child Care Assistance (CCA) program, administered by DSS. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need (such as employment or education). Additionally, some local employers or community organizations may offer subsidies or flexible spending account (FSA) options. It's important to ask providers if they accept CCA payments.
Are waitlists common for daycare in Colman, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common for licensed childcare in Colman and the broader region due to limited provider capacity in a small, rural community. For infant care spots, which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios, demand often far exceeds supply. It is strongly advised to begin your search during pregnancy, ideally 6-12 months before your needed start date. Contact all licensed providers in Colman and be prepared to expand your search to neighboring communities like Flandreau, Brookings, or Egan. When you find a potential provider, get on their waitlist even if the timing seems early, and maintain periodic contact. Being flexible with your start date or considering a combination of care options (like a nanny share with another local family) can also improve your chances.
What are some local resources or networks for parents to find and vet childcare in the Colman area?
Beyond the state DSS website, several local resources can help Colman parents. First, contact the **Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency for South Dakota**, which serves Moody County. They can provide personalized referrals, information on openings, and guidance on choosing quality care. Second, connect with other parents through community hubs like the **Colman Community Center**, the **Colman-Egan School District** (for preschool-age connections), or local churches, which often have bulletin boards or community knowledge. Finally, trusted online community groups, such as moderated Facebook pages for Colman or Moody County residents, can be valuable for asking for personal recommendations and experiences with specific providers, though you should always verify licensing independently.