Best Daycares in Forest Lake, MN — Independent Quality Ratings
Of Forest Lake's 37 daycares, 24 (65%) hold a 4 or 5 star rating from Childery, below Minnesota's statewide rate of 77%. Locally, providers average 5.0 stars on Process inputs (state QRIS, NAEYC and other accreditation, federal Head Start CLASS scores) and 4.0 stars on Structural inputs (state regulatory baseline plus provider-level licensing data), compared with Minnesota averages of 4.5 on Process and 4.2 on Structural.
The local market includes 27 centers and 10 family child care homes, a lower home-based share than Minnesota's average of 63%.
Listed alphabetically below are some of the highest-rated providers in Forest Lake. Childery ranks providers using publicly auditable inputs: state QRIS scores, NAEYC-aligned ratios and group sizes, and federal CCDBG training coverage. See the Minnesota methodology page for the full breakdown.
Rating Distribution in Forest Lake
Mean rating across all displayed daycares in Forest Lake: 4.1 (Sample of 37).
Process rating across all displayed daycares in Forest Lake: 5.0 (Sample of 8).
Structural rating across all displayed daycares in Forest Lake: 4.0 (Sample of 37).
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Frequently Asked Questions
- How many licensed daycares are in Forest Lake?
- There are 37 licensed child care providers in Forest Lake.
- What percentage of Forest Lake daycares have high quality ratings?
- 65% of Forest Lake daycares hold 4 or 5 stars on Childery's composite rating, compared to 77% statewide in Minnesota.
- What types of childcare are available in Forest Lake?
- 27 center-based, 10 home-based providers operate in Forest Lake.
- How do Forest Lake daycares score on teaching quality compared to the rest of Minnesota?
- Forest Lake daycares average 5.0 out of 5 stars on Childery's Process score (teaching quality, QRIS ratings, and accreditations), compared to a Minnesota statewide average of 4.5.
- Is there financial help for childcare in Minnesota?
- Minnesota offers childcare subsidies and assistance programs for income-eligible families. See income limits, waitlist status, and how to apply.Childcare subsidies in Minnesota
All 37 Daycares in Forest Lake
- Lake Area Discovery Center @ Faith Lutheran Church
- Lake Area Discovery Center at Hosanna
- Lakes Head Start
- LILA Explorer Club Program
- LILA Little Explorers Program
- Little Explorers Preschool Care Program
- Little Ranger Preschool with Parent at Central Lea
- Little Rangers- Central Learning Center
- Little Rangers-Columbus Elementary
- Little Rangers-Forest View Elementary