Childcare & Preschool
Early childhood education with preschool and care for children ages 16 months to five years
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 site, NAEYC 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!
Good to know for deciding parents and guardians:
- We accept applications at any time. However, we invite you to first see our Child Development Center by taking a tour. (Watch our video to get a sneak-peak!)
- 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 government programs and early learning scholarships like Think Small. You can also make online payments safely and securely!
- You'll be connected with teachers on a daily basis through safe, secure apps who will share your child's updates, pictures and moments so you don't miss a beat.
- You also have access to free parent education groups, family resources, the Direct Housing Assistance Program that helps you pay your rent or mortgage and other Wilder programs and services.
- Read about our classrooms and our teachers, and don't forget to follow us on Facebook.
Health & Safety at the Child Development Center During Covid-19:
- Drop-off is from 7:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
- Daily health and temperature checks for all staff and students at drop-off.
- Parents are asked to drop their children off at the front door with staff to maximize the safety of children.
- 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
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.
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)
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.
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.