Children at daycare

Best Child Daycare & Preschools in Detroit Lakes, MN

Compare 3 child daycare & preschools in Detroit Lakes. Average rating: 3.95/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.

Detroit Lakes, Minnesota at a glance

Programs
3
Avg rating
3.95/5
Parent reviews
47
Top rated (4.5+)
2

Detroit Lakes has 3 licensed child daycare & preschools with 47 parent reviews averaging 3.95/5.Browse all options below to find the right fit for your family.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Detroit Lakes

Ranked using a weighted score that combines Google rating with the number of parent reviews — daycares with more reviews rank higher than those with a high rating but few reviews. Last updated: March 2026.

  1. 1
    Detroit Lakes Head Start Center
    4.4 score
    4.5(20)

    1125 W River Rd, Detroit Lakes, MN · Headstart Programs · Capacity: 60 children

    Reviews praise the facility as a well-maintained community center with diverse amenities including a backyard play area, pool, and fitness equipment. Parents report that children of various ages enjoy the space and stay engaged. One reviewer noted issues with seasonal staff behavior, though this was presented as an isolated concern.

    Clean and well-maintained facilitybackyard play areaswimming poolfitness classes and equipment
  2. 2
    Community Alliance Preschool
    4.35 score
    4.6(7)

    408 W Elm St, Detroit Lakes, MN · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 36 children

    Community Alliance Preschool is primarily reviewed as a church and worship facility rather than a daycare center. Parents praise it as a welcoming community space with good kid and youth ministries. One review mentions improved ventilation and space in the building.

    welcoming communitygood youth ministriesfamily-friendlyimproved ventilation and space
  3. 3
    Mahube Otwa Community Action Partnership INC M/State Learning Center
    4.32 score
    4.4(20)

    900 E Hwy 34, Detroit Lakes, MN · Headstart Programs · Capacity: 40 children

    Parents consistently praise this Head Start center for its exceptional staff and comprehensive support services. Reviewers highlight the organization's helpfulness with housing assistance, energy assistance, school supplies, and referrals to community programs. The facility is noted for its friendly, caring, and patient approach to serving low-income families.

    Friendly and welcoming staffhelpful and supportive serviceshousing and energy assistance programscommunity referrals

Rating Distribution

Based on 4 daycares with Google ratings in Detroit Lakes

4.5 - 5.0
2
4.0 - 4.4
1
3.0 - 3.9
0
Below 3
1

Daycare Types Compared

Average ratings by facility type in Detroit Lakes, based on parent reviews

Child Daycare & Preschools

3.45avg rating
3 daycares · 2 rated

Headstart Programs

4.45avg rating
2 daycares · 2 rated

Facility Sizes

Capacity distribution of daycares in Detroit Lakes (14–60 children)

Small

up to 30 children

2

Medium

31–75 children

3

Large

76–150 children

0

Very Large

150+ children

0

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in Detroit Lakes based on parent reviews

Community Alliance Preschool

4.6(7)

408 W Elm St, Detroit Lakes, MN

Community Alliance Preschool is primarily reviewed as a church and worship facility rather than a daycare center. Parents praise it as a welcoming community space with good kid and youth ministries. One review mentions improved ventilation and space in the building.

welcoming communitygood youth ministriesfamily-friendly

Laker Prep Preschool LLC

2.3

807 13th Ave Se, Detroit Lakes, MN

Map

Daycare types in Detroit Lakes

Child Daycare & Preschools 3Headstart Programs 2

Browse by type in Detroit Lakes

🎨 Preschools 3

Child Daycare & Preschools in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota

There are 3 child daycare & preschools in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, making up 60% of the 5 total childcare facilities in the city. Below you'll find a complete directory to help you compare and choose the right daycare for your child.

Based on Google reviews, daycares in Detroit Lakes have an average rating of 3.95 out of 5 across 4 rated facilities, with 50% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Headstart Programs facilities lead with an average of 4.45 stars. Our analysis covers 47 parent reviews.

When choosing a daycare in Detroit Lakes, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.

All Child Daycare & Preschools in Detroit Lakes

Showing 3 results

Community Alliance Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Community Alliance Preschool is primarily reviewed as a church and worship facility rather than a daycare center. Parents praise it as a welcoming community space with good kid and youth ministries. One review mentions improved ventilation and space in the building.

welcoming communitygood youth ministriesfamily-friendly
Address
408 W Elm St, Detroit Lakes, MN
Phone
(218) 847-2266
Laker Prep Preschool LLC
Child Daycare & Preschools
2.3
Address
807 13th Ave Se, Detroit Lakes, MN
Phone
(218) 844-5600
Kids First Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
912 Lake Ave, Detroit Lakes, MN
Phone
(218) 847-5656

Page 1 of 1· 3 results

Frequently asked questions

There are 3 child daycare & preschools daycares in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, out of 5 total childcare facilities in the city. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.
Based on parent reviews, daycares in Detroit Lakes have an average Google rating of 3.95 out of 5 across 4 rated facilities. About 50% of rated daycares score 4.5 stars or higher.
When choosing a daycare in Detroit Lakes, consider visiting facilities in person and checking:
  • Licensing status with Minnesota's regulatory agency
  • Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in Minnesota)
  • Safety measures and cleanliness
  • Daily routines and educational curriculum
  • Parent reviews and ratings
  • Location and hours that fit your schedule
Detroit Lakes offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools — 3 facilities
  • Headstart Programs — 2 facilities
Each type serves different needs — center-based facilities typically offer structured programs, while head start programs are federally funded for low-income families.
Daycare costs in Minnesota typically range from $200 to $400 per week for full-time care, depending on the child's age, facility type, and location within the state. Infant care tends to be more expensive due to lower staff-to-child ratio requirements. Contact individual facilities in Detroit Lakes for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in Detroit Lakes must be licensed by Minnesota's childcare licensing agency. Licensed facilities are required to meet standards for safety, health, staff qualifications, and staff-to-child ratios. You can verify a facility's license status through your state's licensing database.