Childcare & Preschool
Enriching the lives of children and their families at the Wilder Child Development Center in Saint Paul
With full-time child care and preschool at the Wilder Child Development Center 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 staff and teachers continually recognize and strive to meet the diverse needs, abilities, interests, and cultures of children and families, where each person is valued and respected as a contributor in our classroom environment.
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
Good to know for parents and guardians deciding on child care and preschool:
- With year-round enrollment, we accept applications at any time. However, we invite you to first see our Child Development Center by taking a tour.
- Weekly child care tuition includes healthy breakfast, lunch and snacks made fresh in our cafeteria, field trips, parent education and family support.
- You can choose to pay your child's tuition privately and/or use child care assistance programs and early learning scholarships.
- You also have access to our programs and services, including the Direct Housing Assistance Program that provides financial relief to help you pay your rent or mortgage.
- Meet our teachers (virtually), read about our classrooms or check us out on Facebook.
- New parent education group coming back soon!
Health & Safety at the Child Development Center During Covid-19:
- Daily health and temperature checks for all staff and students
- Parents are asked to drop their children off at the front door with staff
- Tours for deciding parents and guardians will be virtual
Contact:
Phone: 651-280-2600 | Fax: 651-280-3600 | Email: childcenter@wilder.org
Location: Take a Tour of the Wilder Child Development Center
911 Lafond Ave., Saint Paul, MN (Find & review us on Google Maps)
Hours:
Monday–Friday 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Social:
Follow & review us on Facebook
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. It's always an "Incredible Day" at the Wilder Child Development Center!
Growth and Learning in a Safe, Fun Place for Children
- Large classrooms with space for group time and one-on-one, individualized learning
- Two secure outdoor playgrounds, a nature area and an indoor gym
- Fresh and healthy meals (breakfast and lunch) and snacks made onsite
- National accreditation by NAEYC and a top 4-STAR rating from Minnesota’s Parent Aware
Community Partnerships and Resources for Families
- Innovative music learning program with MacPhail Center for Music
- 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
Family Involvement & Support Beyond the Class
- 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 in decisions about the center, curriculum and activities
- Family fun nights to bring together families, children and staff (monthly)
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!
Nurturing Kindergarten Readiness With Social-Emotional Development
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.