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Rating
5.0 Rating based on 14 Reviews
Contact number 612-851-6300
Ages
Ages: 6 weeks - 4th grade
Monday - Friday
6:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Pricing & Availability Contact Us
Overview
  • Programs
  • Our Team
  • Reviews
  • Schedule Options

Lil’ Explorers Preschool in Albertville

Lil’ Explorers Childcare Center is a preschool and daycare serving the Albertville area of Minnesota. Established in 2003, Lil’ Explorers Childcare Center continues to provide a safe environment for children – centered on exploration and development. Our Albertville location is the newest of the Lil’ Explorers Preschools in Minnesota.

Our expansive facilities offer plenty of room for your children to learn, grow, and develop, while our caring staff provides a nurturing and enriching atmosphere. Each facility features Infant Rooms, Toddler Rooms, Preschool Rooms, and dedicated Pre-Kindergarten Rooms, along with a large gross motor room inside each location.

It is the mission of our childcare staff to provide top-notch service for all families and provide an enjoyable and exciting time for all children in our care.

The Ascend Curriculum

Ascend Curriculum LogoWe believe that every student is a unique individual who deserves to be treated with respect. The flexibility built into our Ascend Curriculum allows us to create individualized learning experiences for each child and our teachers focus on developing new skills in subjects such as Literacy, Baby Signs, Spanish, Art, Science & Sensory, and Technology every month. Activities can be modified to match the interests and current skill level of every child and we teach through play so our students treasure these first learning experiences and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Cadence KickStart™ Soccer

Big Fun. Little Players. Growing Confidence.

Cadence KickStart™ Soccer is a high-energy enrichment program designed to build confidence, coordination, and teamwork through fun, age-appropriate soccer play. Led by the teachers your child already knows and trusts, it’s seamlessly built into the school day.

Program Highlights:

  • Designed for ages 3–5
  • 12-week program (once per week)
  • 40–50 minute sessions
  • Builds balance, coordination, and motor skills
  • Encourages listening, teamwork, and confidence
  • No prior soccer experience needed
  • Integrated into your child’s daily schedule

Talk to your School Director today to learn more and enroll.

Kind Child

We nurture friendships, cultivate positive character traits, and strengthen social skills through our Kind Child culture. Kind Child is an integral part of our Ascend Curriculum and we focus on social and emotional skills every month and the development of a new character trait such as Friendship, Empathy, and a Positive Self-Image every two months. The result is a positive and supportive preschool environment where every child feels welcome.

Kids Café Preschool Cooking Program

Cooking Up Confidence, One Recipe at a Time

Kids Café is a hands-on cooking program where children explore new foods, build confidence, and develop essential life skills through fun, guided kitchen experiences.

Program Highlights:

  • Designed for ages 3+
  • Weekly sessions over a 12-week program
  • Hands-on cooking activities and kid-friendly recipes
  • Builds teamwork, sharing, and communication skills
  • Encourages problem-solving and following directions
  • Supports early math, literacy, and critical thinking
  • Includes a take-home cooking kit for continued fun

Talk to your School Director today to learn more and enroll.

Our Team

Allison McKellips

Allison McKellips

Director

My name is Allison, and I am the School Director at Lil’ Explorers Childcare in Albertville. I’ve been part of the Lil’ Explorers family since high school, and after returning post-college with my bachelor’s degree, I’ve proudly served in many roles—from teacher to Assistant Director, to now Director. With over 8 years of experience in early childhood education, I’ve grown alongside the everchanging world of childcare and continue to be inspired by its energy and unpredictability. One of the things I love most about this position is that no two days are ever the same. Whether it’s supporting our teachers, connecting with families, or watching our little learners explore and grow, each moment brings something new and meaningful.

Kara Thoeny

Kara Thoeny

Teacher of the Year

Hi! My name is Kara, and I am an infant teacher here at Lil Explorers Childcare in Albertville. I am proud to say that I have been with this school since the day the doors opened, and love being a founding member for our school. I have over 2 years of hands-on experience in nurturing infants, and love to create a safe space where your babies can grow, explore, and begin building their first connections to the world around them.

Reviews from Parents

5.0 Rating based on 14 Reviews Leave A Review
Megan Skinner • Google
We have been sending my almost 2-year-old daughter to the daycare for a little over six months. Her learning has progressed so much under the care of her teacher teachers. We are truly so lucky to have this school in our community. Ms. Sophie & Ms. Lexi have provided our little with so much love along with the administration and staff. Would recommend to everyone.
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Casi Gries • Google
Our son is currently in the infant class at Lil Explorers and they have exceeded our expectations! Waylon has learned so many skills & benefits from the socialization, along with all the fun doing art projects. You can tell the staff care about their impact on all the kids. We appreciate & love all the teachers & administrators!
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Kelsey LaValle • Google
I cannot say enough amazing things about Lil Explorers! My son Madden attends here, and the care, love, and attention he receives every single day is truly unmatched. His teachers, Sophie, Lexi, Tracy, and Jen Jen, are absolutely incredible. They are kind, patient, attentive, and genuinely invested in the kids. It’s so clear how much they care, and it means everything to know my son is surrounded by such amazing people while he’s there. The Director and Assistant Director, Allison and Hillary, are just as wonderful. They are always attentive, welcoming, and truly know every child and family that walks through the door. That personal touch makes such a difference. I always feel completely at ease dropping my son off, knowing he is safe, happy, and in the best hands. The entire staff creates such a warm, loving environment—and the best part is, my son absolutely LOVES going to school! If you’re looking for a daycare where your child will be cared for like family, Lil Explorers is it. I’m beyond grateful for them!
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Maddie Sullivan • Google
We have had our daughter enrolled since she was an infant and have had such a great experience! The toddler program is amazing, and all of the teachers do such a wonderful job! They care for my daughter like she is their own. She has learned so much there and looks forward to going everyday. It is always clean and the communication is excellent. Would recommend to any parent looking.
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Lil' Explorers Childcare Center

Albertville, MN

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Childcare Schedule Options That Work With Your Life

Every family’s routine is unique — and your childcare should be too. With Cadence Education, our Family of Schools may offer various schedule options designed to fit your life.

Each of our school’s are unique, and may not offer all of the options listed below. Talk with your School Director to learn what options are available for your family.

 

 

 

FlexiPass — New Flexible Care Option!

When schedules change, or the grandparents cancel, or life just gets busy, FlexiPass gives you five prepaid days of care that you can use whenever* you need them, one at a time or all at once. No registration fees. No ongoing tuition. Just dependable care when you need it most.

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Preparing Your Child To THRIVE

Your child is unique, and we are happy to provide an educational, fun, and nurturing environment where each child can develop and thrive in order to build a bright future with unlimited possibilities.