Merry Moose Childcare and Preschool

Exceptional Childcare & Development for Infants through School-Age Children

When you enroll your child at Merry Moose Childcare and Preschool, it isn’t just your little one who becomes a part of our village – you do too!

We build strong and lasting relationships with our families because we know how important the teacher/parent partnership is to your child’s development. Our number one focus is your kiddo’s success. Our professional care team will get to know your child and make sure they have the love, support, structure, and resources they need to become the very best learner they can be. We are excited to enter the endeavor of co-parenting your child!

Who Has 7 Centers With 4 Stars? WE DO!

Every one of our five centers has a 4-star Parent Aware rating, which is the highest rating awarded to childcare providers demonstrating best practices in Early Childhood Education.

FROM THE MERRY MOOSE VILLAGE

"Mande and her team have been such a blessing to team up with to care for my kiddos! She has a lifetime of experience in quality child care, and it’s very apparent. She cares so deeply for all the kids in all her locations and her communication is top notch. We are very fortunate to have her and her employees love my kids."
Amanda F.

Exceptional Professional Childcare Team

The teachers and staff at Merry Moose Childcare and Preschool have chosen Early Childhood Education as their career because they love what they do. They are personable, professional, and passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of our children, our families, and our communities.

Our staff and our facilities fulfill all of the qualifications of Rule 3 set forth by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). All team members hold current CPR and First-Aid certifications.

Mande Hatten, Owner/Director

Hi there, I'm Mande.

As Owner of Merry Moose Childcare and Preschool, I like to say my role is a bit like being a duck—calm and steady on the surface while moving quickly behind the scenes to keep everything flowing smoothly. It’s a fast-paced role, but one I truly love.

With more than 28 years of experience providing licensed childcare in Stearns County, I’ve had the privilege of supporting countless children and families—along with raising five children of my own. My passion lies in creating nurturing, high-quality environments where children can thrive socially, emotionally, academically, and physically. At our centers, we believe in a whole-child approach that celebrates every child’s unique strengths rather than a one-size-fits-all model.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education Leadership, an Associate of Applied Science in Child Development, and recently earned my Master’s degree from Grand Canyon University. Beyond the classroom, I’m proud to serve our community as a member of the United Way Childcare Advisory Board, SCTCC Child Development Advisory Board, Central MN Crisis Nursery Advisory Board, and the Minnesota Child Care Association Board. Additionally, I contribute to Parent Aware as both an Ambassador and Reliability Observer.

What makes me most proud, however, is the dedicated team of teachers I work alongside and the strong relationships we build with families. I invite you to schedule a tour and experience firsthand the care, passion, and professionalism that make our centers a special place for children to grow.

Schedule a tour and come see for yourself. I know your family will love becoming part of our village.

Get Your Family Started

Schedule a tour today!