Raising Brilliance

Autism-Friendly Daycare and Childcare in Minneapolis

Finding childcare that truly works for an autistic child is one of the harder logistical knots a Minneapolis family untangles — you need care that's reliable, affordable, and genuinely equipped to support your child, and those three don't always line up. The metro has some strong inclusive and therapeutic options, plus legal protections that many parents don't know they have. This page lays out what to look for and where to start.

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Fraser Preschool & Childcare

Inclusive / therapeutic childcare

Minnesota's oldest and largest autism provider runs a preschool and childcare program with sensory-friendly classrooms and embedded speech, occupational, and physical therapy, staffed by people trained in developmental differences. Also provides EIDBI services; expect to inquire about openings.

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St. David's Center for Child and Family Development

Inclusive preschool / autism day treatment

Offers inclusive, nature-based preschool and toddler care where children of all abilities learn together, plus a relationship-based Autism Day Treatment program (Floortime/SCERTS) with therapeutic morning and afternoon sessions and EIDBI funding.

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Center for Inclusive Childcare (Minnesota)

Statewide inclusive-childcare resource

Not a single center but a statewide resource that supports childcare providers in serving children with disabilities well — a useful starting point for finding or vetting inclusive mainstream childcare across the metro.

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10 autism-friendly fall activities, each with who it suits and how to make it work, plus an outing planner. Free PDF, downloaded instantly.

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Free PDF guide

Get our free fall activities guide

10 autism-friendly fall activities, each with who it suits and how to make it work, plus an outing planner. Free PDF, downloaded instantly.

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