Licensed Daycare in Saint Paul, Minnesota
24 licensed daycares in Saint Paul, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official Minnesota licensing records.
Saint Paul listings updated August 2026 from official Minnesota records.
Daycare in Saint Paul: what parents should know
Families in Saint Paul can choose from 24 licensed childcare providers, with Before & After School Care the most common type (about 21% of local listings). Every provider here holds a current Minnesota license at indexing time, sourced from Minnesota Department of Human Services — Licensing Division.
For age coverage, 3 centers in Saint Paul report infant care (roughly 13% — infant slots are the scarcest and fill fastest, so start early), and 3 offer preschool programs for ages 3–5. 2 are Head Start programs, free for income-eligible families.
Licensed care in Saint Paul spans 8+ ZIP codes, so families can usually find an option within a short commute. About 17% are family child care homes — typically smaller group sizes and 10–30% cheaper than centers, a good fit for infants and toddlers.
Combined, Saint Paul's licensed centers hold about 1,487 licensed seats — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.
Saint Paul childcare by the numbers
Childcare costs in Saint Paul
ChildCare Aware reports the Minnesota average full-time cost at $1,380/month for infant care and $1,020/month for preschool. City-level prices in Saint Paul vary by ZIP code and program model — Head Start sites are free for eligible families, family daycare homes typically run 10-30% below center rates, and accredited centers run above the average.
The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 max) reduce effective cost regardless of program. Minnesota families may also qualify for Minnesota Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) (intake: (651) 431-3809).
Full Minnesota licensing & cost overviewQuick facts
- State regulator
- Minnesota Department of Human Services — Licensing Division
- Infant ratio
- 1:4
- Toddler ratio
- 1:7
- Preschool ratio
- 1:10
- Avg capacity
- 61 kids
What will daycare actually cost you in Saint Paul?
Estimate your monthly cost by age and program type, then see which subsidies and tax credits you may qualify for.
What to pack for the first day
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Dishwasher-safe ones survive daily bottle washing; paper labels peel within a week.
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Ask the center first — many supply cots but require your own fitted sheet.
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Two full changes per day for potty-training age, one for older kids.
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Most centers ask for one clearly named bottle a child can open alone.
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Needed if the center does not provide meals; look for one that fits an ice pack.
Browse options on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices are the same for you. Full list by age in our daycare supply checklist.
Largest licensed centers in Saint Paul
By licensed capacity on file — bigger programs often mean more openings and age groups. Always verify the current license before enrolling.
No openings near Saint Paul? Widen the search
Waitlists are normal in high-demand areas. Centers one ZIP code over often have space, and part-time or in-home options may open sooner — start by checking nearby ZIP codes.
Found a center in Saint Paul? Here is what to pack
Bottles, name labels, nap bedding and spare clothes — our checklist by age covers what centers ask you to bring, and what they ask you not to send.
All Saint Paul licensed centers
Page 1 of 1Tap any card to view the full listing including the state license number, capacity, and inspection history when available.
Quick answers about subsidies, costs, and how to vet a provider in this area.
How many licensed daycare centers are in Saint Paul, Minnesota?
What's the average daycare cost in Saint Paul?
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Saint Paul daycares?
Are subsidies available for daycare in Saint Paul?
How do I verify a Saint Paul daycare's license?
Where to get childcare help in Saint Paul
Free, official channels for finding licensed care, checking quality ratings, and applying for assistance — no account or fee required.
Child Care Resource & Referral counselors help you find vetted local options.
1-800-424-2246 · Find yoursUnited Way's free, confidential line connects you to local childcare, food, and family aid.
Call 211 · 211.orgFree early education for income-eligible families and pregnant women.
Find a programMinnesota Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) can cover most of your childcare cost by income.
(651) 431-3809 · How to applyCheck NAEYC accreditation and your state's quality-rating (QRIS) for any provider.
Find quality careConfirm any provider's current license & inspection record with Minnesota Department of Human Services — Licensing Division.
Official license searchChildcare resources for Saint Paul
Data and guidance on this page draw on official government and nonprofit sources.
How this data is sourced. Listings for Saint Paul, Minnesota are compiled from official Minnesota Department of Human Services — Licensing Division licensing records and cross-checked for current license status — not paid placements or user star-ratings. Rankings never depend on advertising. Provider details change often, so always confirm directly before enrolling. Reviewed by the DaycareHub editorial team · August 2026 · methodology
Search 24 Licensed Centers in Saint Paul
Free, no signup, verified directly with Minnesota Department of Human Services — Licensing Division.