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Rating
5.0 Rating based on 68 Reviews
Contact number 612-843-2500
Ages
Ages: 6 weeks - fourth grade
M-F
6:30am - 6:00pm
Pricing & Availability Contact Us
Overview
  • Programs
  • Our Team
  • Reviews
  • Schedule Options

About Lil’ Explorers in Otsego, MN

Lil’ Explorers Childcare Center is a preschool serving the Otsego area of Minnesota. Established in 2003, Lil’ Explorers Childcare Center continues to provide a safe environment for children ages 6 weeks through fourth grade that is centered on exploration and development.

We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, and develop. Whether you are looking for full-time daycare or a stimulating preschool experience, we provide the perfect environment for kids of all ages.

Our experienced and dedicated staff are committed to nurturing your child every step of the way, ensuring that they receive all of the love, attention, and guidance they need to thrive. With our state-of-the-art facilities and engaging enrichment programs, your little explorer will find everything they need right here in our Otsego preschool and daycare.

We offer a variety of rooms to accommodate the needs and interests of your children. Whether it’s infant, toddler, or preschool time — you’re sure to find what fits them here! Our caring staff will provide an enriching environment that helps prepare kids from every walk of life to enter school ready academically as well behaviorally. This way, your child can excel in their early years while still enjoying some informal playtime.

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. So if you’re ready to help your little one take their first steps towards success, come explore Lil’ Explorers Childcare Center in Otsego today. We can’t wait to meet you!

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Cadence Education Promise

Lil’ Explorers Childcare is part of the Cadence Education network. At Cadence Education, we are committed to providing the highest quality early childhood education and care for your child.

We promise to create a warm, nurturing environment where your child can feel safe to explore and learn. Our experienced and dedicated staff are committed to supporting your child’s individual needs and helping them reach their full potential.

So if you’re looking for a top-quality daycare or preschool in Otsego, Minnesota, look no further than Lil’ Explorers Childcare Center at Cadence Education! With our commitment to your child’s success, we know they will be prepared for kindergarten and beyond.​

Contact our Otsego childcare center today to schedule a tour and learn more about programs.

Our Team

Karlee Johnson

Karlee Johnson

School Director

I first started my journey here with the Lil Explorers family in 2019 at our St. Michael location as a Preschool 1 lead. I then entered the company’s management team March timeframe of 2020 as the Assistant Director in Otsego and was promoted to Center Director March of 2021. Collectively, I’ve been with the company almost 7 years! My true passion is not only working with children, but also getting to know their families and having those relationships grow through out the timeframe they are within our care. In my spare time I love to travel, spend time with my two kids, Liam and Braylynn and am very hands on with the 6 sports my children play year round. I have always loved the competitive aspect it brings to your character and growth as a person.

Chloe Fruit

Chloe Fruit

Assistant Director

Hi, my name is Chloe Fruit, I am the Assistant Director for Lil’ Explorers Otsego center. I live in St. Michael with my husband and two boys. I enjoy crafting, camping, being outside, and spending time with family! I have worked for Lil’ Explorers for three years and have a Bachelors in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Stout.

Reviews from Parents

5.0 Rating based on 68 Reviews Leave A Review
Bryn Boland • Google
I am a nurse, and my husband works in sales - so our schedules are always changing. It was super hard for us to find a daycare that would be flexible with scheduling. They are amazing about working with you in what days you bring your child, and also can add extra days if needed! I didn’t want to bring my infant to daycare 5 days a week, so it was nice they had part time availability! This is our first child and the teachers are so knowledgeable, and they honestly helped out baby learn to crawl. She loves going to daycare here and always has a big smile on her face to see her favorite daycare crew!
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Lorie • Google
First of all, I couldn’t recommend this daycare enough! We toured with Chloe (assistant director?). She answered all of questions/ concerns, and you could tell she was just so passionate about her care for children! I have never met Karlee, (who is the director), but she was so communicative and friendly and always answered in a timely manner/ adjust some schedue changes with ease. When we expressed concern for our son not eating much (at home), I asked if they could update us with how much he did at daycare, and they took pictures and explained how much (like a 1/3 of this or that)! As a first time mom, it can be alot, but they are so willing to go above and beyond. His teachers Allie and Nykayla ensured my son felt comforted and hats off to them for taking care of all the little babies! They have so many fun activities, like dance parties, coloring, gardening the gym! So much to do to keep by little guy busy! Cant recommend this place enough..:) Thank you lil explorers!
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Kallie Kramer • Google
This is the second center that we have had our child at, they have been enrolled here for almost two years, and we truly couldn’t be happier with our experience. From day one, the entire team, from the teachers to the directors, have been incredibly friendly, positive, and genuinely caring. The current teachers we have, Alyssa, Drew, and Zoey have been amazing. It’s clear that they truly enjoy what they do, and that energy carries over into how they care for the kids every day. The facility is always clean and well-maintained, which gives us a lot of peace of mind. The programs are not only structured and educational, but also fun and engaging. We really believe our child has grown and learned so much here, honestly, I don’t think they would be as advanced as they are without their support and dedication. We also really appreciate how attentive the teachers are to individual needs. They consistently follow specific care instructions, whether it’s adjusting nap times, helping with potty training, or anything else we’ve needed along the way. That level of consistency and respect for our preferences means a lot. Communication has been outstanding. Between the app updates, emails, and the multiple pictures we receive almost daily, we always feel connected and informed about our child’s day. It’s so reassuring to see those little moments while we’re apart. On top of all that, the meals they provide are nutritious and well-balanced, which is another huge plus for our family. The cost has also been reasonable and in line with other centers in the area based on our search, especially considering the level of care, communication, and quality they provide. We’re incredibly grateful to have found such a wonderful daycare. It’s made a big difference for both our child and our peace of mind as parents.
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Makayla Newman • Google
This was our first daycare experience and we were so sad to leave due to relocation. Lil Explorers teachers and directors were very kind, attentive to our kiddos needs (hearing impaired) and made sure he was getting what he needed to be successful. We will miss you guys!
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Lil' Explorers Childcare Center

Otsego, 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.