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Childcare & Preschool

Early childhood education with preschool and care for children ages 16 months to five years

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It's always an incredible day at the Wilder Child Development Center!

With full-time childcare and preschool right here in Saint Paul, Minnesota, parents and guardians can expect the highest quality learning and care for their children ages 16 months to 5 years with year-round enrollment. Our community of staff and teachers continually recognize and strive to meet the diverse needs, abilities, interests and cultures of children and their families, where each person is valued and respected as a contributor in our classroom environment. (See our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion at Wilder).

The Wilder Child Development Center is a Head Start co-location siteNAEYC accredited and has the highest rating of ★ ★ ★ ★ 4-Stars by Parent Aware. This means that parents and guardians can expect incredible childcare, learning that prepares children for kindergarten and life, and support for the whole family!

Contact:
Phone: 651-280-2600 | Fax: 651-280-2600 | Email: childcenter@wilder.org

Location: 911 Lafond Ave., Saint Paul, MN (Find & review us on Google Maps)
Take a Tour of the Wilder Child Development Center

Hours: 
Monday–Friday 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Social: 
Follow & review us on Facebook 

Want to get involved at the Child Development Center?

 

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An Early Childhood Education Center Where Children Learn and Engage

Minnesota Children's Book Author and Artist, Nancy Carlson, visited the Wilder Child Development Center for a book reading and drawing lesson.

Our full-time, NAEYC accredited and 4-Star Parent Aware rated Child Development Center:  

  • Provides early childhood education through child care and preschool with social and emotional learning using The Incredible Years® curriculum
  • Focuses on getting kids ready for kindergarten
  • Supports individualized learning with classrooms by age
  • Engages parents and families to take part in their child's learning
  • Connects families with community services, resources and supports  

A child’s early years are important and set the stage for future success. 
At Wilder's Child Development Center, we foster a nurturing and creative environment where toddlers and preschoolers are valued. Along with reading and math lessons, children learn how to share, play with others and understand their feelings through the Incredible Years curriculum

Wilder Child Development Center provides classrooms that engage toddlers and preschoolers
Large classrooms provide space for group time and one-on-one learning.
Wilder's Child Development Center provides music lessons from MacPhail Center for Music
Child Development Center students are part of an innovative music program with MacPhail Center for Music.
Wilder Child Development Center cafeteria, preschool lunch time
Child Development Center students gather in the cafeteria to eat healthy meals and snacks that are prepared on-site.
Wilder Child Development Center gym
An indoor gym is available on days when weather doesn't permit children to play outside.
Wilder Child Development Center climbing wall
The Child Development Center gym features a climbing wall.
Two playgrounds are available at Wilder Child Development Center.
Wilder Child Development Center offers two playgrounds for children
Child Development Center students have two secure outdoor playgrounds.

Classrooms and Teachers Organized by Children's Ages

Each of our classrooms is staffed by a lead teacher and one or more assistant teachers who are excited about helping children learn. 

 

Information on Child Care and Preschool Enrollment and Tuition

We accept enrollments to the Wilder Child Development Center throughout the year. Parents and guardians can also make payments online using our safe and secure system.

Step 1: Take a Tour

Start the process by taking a tour of our center and facilities. During the tour, you can observe our classrooms and ask questions. We’ll also have tuition information available.

Request a Tour

Step 2: Complete an Application

Once you tour and decide to enroll your child, complete an application and submit it in-person, mail or email:

Address:
Wilder Child Development Center
911 W. Lafond Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55104

Email:
childcenter@wilder.org

Step 3: We'll Call You

If we have a spot open, we’ll schedule a meeting with you to go over additional paperwork.

If we don’t have a spot available, we’ll add you to our waiting list.

Questions? Speak to our school staff at 651-280-2600.

How much is the tuition at the Child Development Center?

Tuition is a flat, weekly rate (5 full weekdays) that includes healthy breakfast, lunch and snacks made fresh on-site, community field trips, and family support including parent advisory groups and parent education classes. We offer full-time childcare from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and do not have half-day child care and preschool options at this time. Children ages 16 months to 5 years are accepted. We do not offer infant or school-aged care.

Maximum Tuition Costs:

  • Toddlers: Ages 16 months to 32 months | $462* per week
  • Preschoolers: 33 months to 5 years | $398.40* per week

*Your weekly tuition payment can be lowered with child care assistance programs or early learning scholarships to help you pay for child care. 

Child Care Assistance and Resources for Parents, Guardians and Families

How can you pay for child care?

We understand that it is not always easy to afford care for your child(ren). Parents, guardians and families have flexibility in how they choose to pay for child care and can get financial help using Minnesota’s state and county child care assistance programs and early learning scholarships. Remember, you can make payments to us at the center or pay your bill online.

We have a parent calendar for our parents to download and reference throughout the year. All dates and information are subject to change due to program needs. If a change is made we will communicate the change as soon as possible through email, text and written notice.

FAQ for Deciding Parents & Guardians

Here are some general questions that we can answer for parents and guardians who are considering enrolling their child(ren) at the Child Development Center.

Support Early Childhood Education & Care

Nearly 75 percent of the families whose children attend the Wilder Child Development Center rely on the Child Care Assistance Program and early learning scholarships to pay tuition. Your generosity helps provide quality learning, child care and community support for children and their families right here in Saint Paul!

 

Related Stories and Research

Preschool-age boy wearing blue graduation cap and gown

The McKinney family chose the Child Development Center for its diversity and focus on kindergarten readiness in a supportive environment

When Lawrence and Charmaine McKinney started looking for child care for their oldest child, they wanted to find something near their neighborhood. They also wanted an opportunity to interact with a racially and ethnically diverse group o...More about this story »

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This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant to the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a special legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.