Find a daycare in Minneapolis, MN

Find daycares in Minneapolis, MN

Find daycares in Minneapolis, MN

Share a few details and we'll show you the best daycares in your area.
Zip code

Age of child(ren)

Find daycares in Minneapolis, MN

Share a few details and we'll show you the best daycares in your area.
Zip code

Age of child(ren)

Top 10 daycares in Minneapolis, MN

Parents agree: these Minneapolis daycares are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
The Felix School

The Felix School

New on TrustedCare
Serves Minneapolis, MN
Hello! My name is Chenaill and I own The Felix School. I have over 20+ years of early childhood education and experience. the curriculum is Montessori based education where there is guided play with a strong emphasis on self-sufficiency pride. Safety is the first and foremost priority of my classrooms and the child to teacher ratio is very small so each little one will have more one-on-one care. I just love watching little one grow and hit new milestones as well as forming new bonds with each family that walk through my door. I want to foster a close community of families within The Felix School, so the environment feels like a home away from
Lorene's Learning Loft

Lorene's Learning Loft

New on TrustedCare
5+ years in business
Serves Minneapolis, MN
Jackson Whitney Lorene is a trusted and licensed home daycare situated in Minneapolis, MN. They offer a nurturing group environment for up to 10 children at a time. Located conveniently in the Willard-Hay area, their services are widely accessible to families in Minneapolis and surrounding regions. For further inquiries about prices and availability, feel free to reach out to Jackson Whitney Lorene.
Tender Heart Childcare & Pre-K

Tender Heart Childcare & Pre-K

New on TrustedCare
20+ years in business
Serves Minneapolis, MN
Tender Heart Childcare & Pre-K founded in 2004, provides top-quality child care and early education services in Bloomington, Minnesota and surrounding areas. The business focuses on creating a nurturing environment for young children, fostering both creative and interactive learning. With a two decade-long track record of service to the community, Stefanie Berge continues to positively impact crucial developmental years in a child's life.
Little Inspirations Childcare Center

Little Inspirations Childcare Center

New on TrustedCare
11+ years in business
Serves Minneapolis, MN
Little Inspirations Childcare, founded in 2013 and located in Oakdale, Minnesota, is a woman-owned daycare center licensed to care for up to 59 children ranging from 6 weeks to 6 years old. The center not only offers childcare services but also a bi-weekly themed curriculum to prepare children for kindergarten, incorporating music, reading, play, sensory activities, puzzles, dramatic play, puppets, and art.
New Horizon Academy (Minneapolis Marquette)

New Horizon Academy (Minneapolis Marquette)

New on TrustedCare
Serves Minneapolis, MN
New Horizon Academy, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a family-owned childcare program that has been nurturing children since 1971. With a focus on cultivating a healthy sense of self in each child, they strive to equip them with skills necessary for school and beyond. The academy offers high quality care and education, including a comprehensive curriculum that features character development, STEAM learning, and more, all aimed at building confident learners.
The Cradle Club

The Cradle Club

New on TrustedCare
38+ years in business
Serves Minneapolis, MN
The Cradle Club, founded in 1986, is a family-owned childcare company located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and surrounding areas. Known for providing excellent care and early childhood education, it caters to children from 6 weeks to 12 years of age. With a passion for fostering development through exploration and education, their innovative, theme-based programs are offered at three locations - Edina, Maple Grove and Minneapolis. The Cradle Club prides itself on promoting kindergarten readiness and extending quality full-time and part-time childcare options.
Circulo De Amigos Child Care Center

Circulo De Amigos Child Care Center

New on TrustedCare
Serves Minneapolis, MN
Founded in 2011, Circulo De Amigos Child Care Center, located in Minneapolis and the surrounding areas, offers a nurturing, high-quality, and safe learning environment. The center provides a Spanish immersion program and a state-of-the-art childcare service. The curriculum emphasizes natural connections and meaningful learning experiences through nature. Catering to a broad age range, from infants to pre-kindergarteners, children are engaged in a variety of activities, including art, music, meditation, and yoga, all within a home-like atmosphere.
Agape 24 Hour Child Development Center

Agape 24 Hour Child Development Center

New on TrustedCare
Serves Minneapolis, MN
Agape Child Development Center, founded in 2008, is a dedicated childcare provider located in Minneapolis, Minnesota and its surrounding areas. It is known for its exceptional 24-hour service and a curriculum designed to foster self-esteem and identity in children. The center encourages exploration and play-based learning, providing care for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers alike. By choosing Agape, you're ensuring your child's development is in capable and caring hands.
New Horizon Academy (Minneapolis-Lake Street)

New Horizon Academy (Minneapolis-Lake Street)

New on TrustedCare
Serves Minneapolis, MN
New Horizon Academy, located in Minneapolis, Minnesota and surrounding areas, is a family-owned and operated institution renowned for over 50 years of excellent child care and early education. Catering to children aged 6 weeks to 10 years, they offer a diverse range of programs including infant, toddler, preschool, pre-kindergarten, school-age, and summer camp. They are committed to nurturing a healthy sense of self in each child and equipping them with skills for success in both school and life. Their high-quality services have earned them a four-star rating through MN Parent Aware and NAEYC accreditation.
Center Of Excellence Preschool And Learning Center

Center Of Excellence Preschool And Learning Center

New on TrustedCare
Serves Minneapolis, MN
Center of Excellence Preschool and Learning Center, founded in 2017 and based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, provides high-quality, licensed child care and preschool services for children aged 6 weeks to 10 years old. With well-qualified teachers committed to early education, small class sizes, and individual learning goals for each child, they prioritize social, emotional, and educational development. They've been recognized by Hennepin County as a Strong Beginnings site, illustrating their dedication to setting children up for success from the start.

Your Daycare questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on TrustedCare.

How much does daycare cost?

Daycare costs depend on the child’s age group, the type of daycare, and where you live. Infant daycare is typically the most expensive, ranging from $650 to $1,500 per month. Infant daycare requires higher ratios of caregivers to children, which increases costs. Babies require more individualized attention, including diaper changes, feedings, and naps. As the child ages and becomes more independent, this ratio decreases along with daycare costs.

Traditional daycare centers tend to charge higher rates than home-based family daycare centers or co-ops. However, they usually have lower child-to-caregiver ratios, offer a wider range of amenities and activities, and have stricter qualifications for staff. Church-based, YMCA, or other non-profit child care centers offer lower rates, while home-based daycare is typically the cheapest option due to the low overhead costs.

In urban areas with a higher cost of living, daycare costs tend to be higher to cover the cost of higher rent and teacher salaries. Suburban and rural daycare centers have lower overhead costs, which often translates to more affordable daycare.

Is daycare tax deductible?

No, you cannot directly deduct daycare expenses on your federal tax return. However, if you qualify, there's a tax credit designed to assist with daycare costs, known as the Child and Dependent Care Credit.

The Child and Dependent Care Credit enables you to claim a percentage of your eligible childcare expenses. It ranges from 20% to 35% of allowable expenses, capping at $3,000 for one qualifying child and $6,000 for two or more qualifying children (applicable to the 2023 tax year). Consult a qualified tax professional to confirm if your eligibility.

Can a daycare charge you when they are closed?

Some daycares may charge a reduced fee or no fee at all during certain closures, while others may maintain regular charges. The terms in your daycare contract or agreement should outline whether or not you are charged when they are closed. It's common for daycares to have specific policies regarding fees during closures, such as holidays or other scheduled breaks.

If you're unsure, reach out to the daycare directly to clarify their billing practices during closures.

How do I look up daycare violations?

To look up daycare violations, start by contacting your state’s licensing agency for childcare facilities. You can usually find this information through your state’s Department of Health and Human Services online database.

Another option is to reach out to community resources such as local parenting groups, forums, or social media groups. Other parents may share their experiences or provide information about daycare violations in your area. Finally, consider a visit the daycare center directly and ask for information about any past violations. Daycare centers are often required to make this information accessible to parents.

How do I choose a daycare?

When picking a daycare, trust your instincts and choose a daycare that aligns with your child's needs, your values, and provides a safe and nurturing environment for their development. Follow these additional suggestions to find the best fit for you and your child:

  • Get recommendations from other parents, friends, and pediatricians to start your search.
  • Visit in person to make sure the spaces are clean, safe, and friendly.
  • Ask about caregiver qualifications, such as CPR training, early childhood education background, and experience with children of a similar age.
  • Understand the daycare's approach to early education, discipline, feeding, and soothing methods.
  • Choose a daycare that is licensed and accredited to meet government-set health and safety standards.
  • Check if parents are encouraged to participate in the program and if there are opportunities for parental engagement.
  • Contact current and former clients for feedback on their experiences with the daycare.
  • Consider making unannounced visits to get a true sense of the daycare's daily operations
  • Look for a daycare with a suitable curriculum, flexible schedules, and activities that fit your preferences.
  • Visit the daycare with your child and see how they react to the space, teachers, and other children.
  • Secure a spot on the waiting list as early as possible, especially for sought-after infant programs.

What questions should I ask when evaluating potential daycare centers?

Gather as much information as you can to find the daycare that best fits your family’s needs. Be prepared with a list of questions when visiting daycares, including:

  • Is your daycare licensed and accredited to meet safety standards?
  • Are teachers credentialed and trained in CPR/First Aid?
  • What are the class sizes and student-teacher ratios for each age group?
  • What are the daycare's hours of operation and rates?
  • How does the daycare handle discipline?
  • Will the daycare assist with potty training?
  • How much time do children spend in free-play and outdoors?
  • Are meals and snacks provided by the daycare?
  • How are food allergies handled by the daycare?
  • What enrichment programs and activities are available?

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