How do I choose the right daycare in Elk River?

When choosing a daycare in Elk River, 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

Child Daycare & Preschools in Elk River, Minnesota (7 Results)

Q: What is the average cost of daycare in Minnesota?

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 Elk River for current pricing.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Elk River

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.

First Step Preschool & Childcare LLC

4.74 score

5(14)

555 Railroad Dr, Elk River, MN · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 65 children

First Step Preschool & Childcare in Elk River has received perfect 5/5 star ratings from parents who praise the caring, invested staff and positive learning environment. Parents report their children have thrived academically and socially, with staff helping with transitions like potty training and new siblings. Communication with parents through the Brightwheel app and strong safety practices are consistently highlighted.

caring and dedicated staffchildren thriving and learningsmall class sizesclean facility

Little Lambs Christian Learning Center

4.69 score

5(11)

1103 School St, Elk River, MN · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 164 children

Little Lambs Christian Learning Center receives consistently positive feedback from parents who praise the caring, passionate staff and nurturing environment. Parents highlight excellent communication through daily updates, quality in-house meals, and well-maintained facilities with age-appropriate spaces. Children reportedly enjoy attending and show enthusiasm for learning and development.

Kind and attentive staffdaily communication via Brightwheel appin-house mealsseparate playgrounds for age groups

Dawn Of Discovery

4.6 score

4.9(10)

19280 Evans St Nw, Elk River, MN · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 116 children

Dawn of Discovery is a highly-regarded family-owned center in Elk River with consistently positive feedback. Parents praise the caring, knowledgeable staff at all levels, strong curriculum, and excellent communication. Children show significant academic progress and emotional attachment to the facility.

Caring and passionate staffstrong curriculum and learning outcomesexcellent parent communication through multiple channelsclean and well-maintained facility

Appletime INC

4.07 score

4.1(15)

11078 170th Ave Nw, Elk River, MN · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 96 children

Parents consistently praise Appletime Inc (also referred to as Creative Kids Academy) for exceptional, caring staff and a safe, nurturing environment. Children show significant developmental progress in academics, social skills, and emotional learning. The facility receives universal positive feedback with strong parent satisfaction across all age groups from infants through preschool.

Caring and dedicated teacherssafe environmentstrong child development and learning outcomessocial-emotional learning curriculum

Child Daycare & Preschools in Elk River, Minnesota

There are 7 child daycare & preschools in Elk River, Minnesota. Below you'll find a complete directory to help you compare and choose the right daycare for your child.

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

Frequently asked questions

There are 7 child daycare & preschools daycares in Elk River, Minnesota. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.

When choosing a daycare in Elk River, 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

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 Elk River for current pricing.

Yes, daycare centers in Elk River 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.

7 Child Daycare & Preschools in Elk River, Minnesota

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Elk River

Top Rated

First Step Preschool & Childcare LLC

Little Lambs Christian Learning Center

Dawn Of Discovery

Appletime INC

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