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Wilder Research provides the services and insights you need to make data-informed decisions.

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Wilder walks alongside families throughout their journey—providing care, connection, and support along the way.

Advocating for systemic equity and opportunities for all Minnesotans.

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Together, we create pathways to well-being, opportunity, and a stronger community for all.

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Wilder has worked alongside communities to break down barriers and create pathways to lasting change.

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Preschool & Early Childhood Education

Enrollment is now open!

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An Exceptional Start to Lifelong Learning

Inspiring Young Minds Every Day

At the Wilder Child Development Center, we nurture bright beginnings with trusted care, joyful learning, and whole-family support for children ages 16 months to 5 years. Rooted in our community, NAEYC-accredited, and top-rated by Minnesota’s Parent Aware, we offer an exceptional start to lifelong learning.

Let your children build skills, discover interests, and develop confidence in classrooms designed to spark creativity, care, and curiosity. Guided by thoughtful education plans, enriching environments, and a comprehensive approach to your child’s development, our daycare and preschool programs provide exceptional learning experiences – from early childhood education through school readiness.

Located in the heart of Saint Paul’s Frogtown neighborhood, our campus offers a welcoming, community-centered setting where kids and families feel connected, supported, and confident during these important early years.

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Cubs & Bears (16 - 33 months)

Ages

16 - 33 months old

Teacher to Child Ratio

Cubs Classroom 2:8

Bears Classroom 2:12

Toddlers learn key skills like:

  • Putting toys away.
  • Verbalizing the need to use the bathroom.
  • Matching familiar objects.
  • Recognizing body parts.
  • Going up and down stairs.
  • Potty training.
Penguins (2.5 - 3.5 years old)

Ages

2.5 - 3.5 years old

Child to Teacher Ratio

2:18

Children build important skills like:

  • Following classroom rules and routines.
  • Expressing themselves using feeling words.
  • Recognizing individual names.
  • Performing many self-care tasks independently.
  • Counting to 20 in English.
Butterflies (3 - 4 years old)

Ages

3 - 4 years old

Child to Teacher Ratio

2:20

Partnerships with Saint Paul Public Schools and Minnesota Reading Corps help children build early literacy skills and prepare for kindergarten.

Children build on skills like:

  • Sitting, listening and participating during large group activities.
  • Using words to resolve conflict.
  • Making phonic sounds for the letters of the alphabet.
  • Using body coordination to move easily.
  • Using words and senses to observe and explore.
  • Recognizing and naming all letters of the alphabet.
Dolphins (4 - 5 years old)

Ages

4 - 5 years old

Child to Teacher Ratio

2:20

Through partnerships with Saint Paul Public Schools and Minnesota Reading Corps, children strengthen early literacy skills and prepare for kindergarten. 

Children focus on skills like:

  • Following directions.
  • Recognizing and naming most letters of the alphabet.
  • Writing first names and recognizing last names.
  • Recognizing and producing rhyming sounds.
  • Mastery of self-help skills.
  • Beginning to identify different characteristics of people.
"We see a difference in our child's learning abilities, courage and emotional intelligence. Coming from another childcare center, our child has improved his behavior, communication and speech. He is a lot calmer, listens more, and the improvements help us as a family to bond more."
— Wilder CDC Parent
"From the first visit, the staff made us feel welcome. Wilder is a clean environment, and full of engaging activities for the children. The teachers are so kind, patient, and truly seem to care about each child’s development and well-being.”
— Wilder CDC Parent
"Wilder has great communication—whether it’s through daily reports, or just a quick chat at pick-up time, I always feel informed about my child’s day. My favorite thing about Wilder is that they offer a variety of enrichment activities that keep things fresh and stimulating.”
— Wilder CDC Parent
"The staff all take the time to get to know every child as an individual, and they thoughtfully plan ways to help them grow according to their developmental level and needs. They also do a great job of collaborating with ECSE for children with disabilities. My son has grown so much in the last year and absolutely adores his teachers!
— Wilder CDC Parent

Wilder
Child Development Center

Get Directions
  • 911 Lafond Ave, St. Paul, MN 55104
  • 651-280-2600
CONTACT US TODAY

Discover a Place of Growth and Care

Looking for the best care for your children? Schedule a tour today and see why families love the Wilder Child Development Center in Saint Paul.

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What makes the Child Development Center Special?

Nationally Recognized Early Education Program
  • NAEYC accredited.
  • 4-Star rating from Minnesota’s Parent Aware.
  • Social and emotional learning using The Incredible Years® curriculum.
  • Focused on getting kids ready for kindergarten.
  • Large classrooms with space for group time and one-on-one learning.
  • Two secure outdoor playgrounds, a nature area, and an indoor gym.
  • Healthy breakfast, lunch, and snacks.
Community Partnerships and Resources
  • Head Start co-location site for families who qualify.
  • Saint Paul Public Schools partnership for early childhood screening, individualized education plan services, and assistance enrolling in kindergarten.
  • Minnesota Reading Corps curriculum helps build math and early literacy skills.
  • Innovative music learning program with MacPhail Center for Music.
Whole Family Involvement and Support
  • Parent-teacher conferences to reinforce lessons and strengthen bonds between children and families.
  • Parent education classes to develop positive parenting strategies.
  • Parent advisory group to seek feedback about the center, curriculum, and activities.
  • Family fun nights to bring together children, families, and staff.
  • On-site Family Services Coordinator to connect families with community services, resources, and supports.

Ready to Get Started?

Wilder accepts applications throughout the year. Request a tour and start your enrollment process today.

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Tuition & Financial Assistance

Quality early education is within reach. Affordable tuition and financial assistance are available to support your family.

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COMMUNITY VOICES

What Our Families Say

We are proud to have a 4-star rating from Minnesota’s Parents Aware. Read why our families love how Wilder inspires confidence, curiosity, and growth in their children.

We’re All in This Together: JoAnna’s Story of Resilience and Support
“The Center has been great, my daughter loves her teachers and classmates. Since she’s been here her confidence is much better.”
— Wilder CDC Parent

Wilder Child Development Center Joins “Day Without Child Care”
“I’ve seen so much improvement in my daughter’s social skills, speech and how she interacts with her teachers & peers.”
— Wilder CDC Parent

Supporting Families Beyond the Classroom
“As a parent, it’s important to feel confident and comfortable leaving my child in someone else’s care, and Wilder has surpassed all of my expectations.”
— Wilder CDC Parent
View All Stories
here for you every step of the way

Beyond Early Childhood Education

Discover the full scope of Wilder’s commitment to your family’s success.

Mental Health Services

Personalized therapy that supports emotional wellness across all ages and life stages.

Meals on Wheels

Weekday meal pickup for those with limited mobility who have trouble cooking or getting food.

Housing Assistance

Connecting individuals and families with safe, affordable housing and rent support.
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Smart Foundations for Lifelong Learning

Explore how our curriculum, grounded in research, supports every stage of early growth.

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