Licensed Daycare in Spencer, South Dakota
1 licensed daycares in Spencer, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official South Dakota licensing records.
Spencer listings updated August 2026 from official South Dakota records.
Daycare in Spencer: what parents should know
Families in Spencer can choose from 1 licensed childcare provider, with Child Care Center the most common type (about 100% of local listings). Every provider here holds a current South Dakota license at indexing time, sourced from South Dakota DSS — Child Care Services.
Combined, Spencer's licensed centers hold about 99 licensed seats — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.
Spencer childcare by the numbers
Childcare costs in Spencer
ChildCare Aware reports the South Dakota average full-time cost at $840/month for infant care and $660/month for preschool. City-level prices in Spencer 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. South Dakota families may also qualify for South Dakota CCAP (intake: (800) 227-3020).
Full South Dakota licensing & cost overviewQuick facts
- State regulator
- South Dakota DSS — Child Care Services
- Infant ratio
- 1:5
- Toddler ratio
- 1:5
- Preschool ratio
- 1:10
- Avg capacity
- 99 kids
What will daycare actually cost you in Spencer?
Estimate your monthly cost by age and program type, then see which subsidies and tax credits you may qualify for.
ZIP codes covered
Program types in Spencer
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 Spencer
By licensed capacity on file — bigger programs often mean more openings and age groups. Always verify the current license before enrolling.
No openings near Spencer? 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 Spencer? 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 Spencer licensed centers
Page 1 of 1Each listing links to the full state-record details, including last inspection date if reported.
Parent-asked basics on licensing, ratios, and waitlist timing for this area.
How many licensed daycare centers are in Spencer, South Dakota?
What's the average daycare cost in Spencer?
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Spencer daycares?
Are subsidies available for daycare in Spencer?
How do I verify a Spencer daycare's license?
Where to get childcare help in Spencer
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 programSouth Dakota CCAP can cover most of your childcare cost by income.
(800) 227-3020 · 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 South Dakota DSS — Child Care Services.
Official license searchChildcare resources for Spencer
Data and guidance on this page draw on official government and nonprofit sources.
How this data is sourced. Listings for Spencer, South Dakota are compiled from official South Dakota DSS — Child Care Services 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
Nearby cities in South Dakota
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Free, no signup, verified directly with South Dakota DSS — Child Care Services.