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, 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.
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!
Location & Contact Info
Location
911 Lafond Ave.
Saint Paul, MN 55104
Hours
Monday–Friday
7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Phone
651-280-2600
Fax
651-280-3600
Stay Connected
Follow & Leave a Review on Facebook
For Enrolled Families
Make a Payment
Our Classrooms
Toddlers
Penguins
Butterflies
Dolphins
Coming from another childcare center, our child has improved in his behavior, communication, and speech. The individual and group time with him shows when we are interacting with him as a family. He's a lot calmer and listens more. His improvements helps us as a family to bond more, rather than spending time redirecting his behavior!
About the Center
Get to know Wilder Child Development Center, the different classrooms for different ages, what a typical day will look like, and our community of teachers and staff.
Enrollment
We are now enrolling children in all classrooms and accept applications throughout the year. Ready to get started? Request a tour and start your enrollment process today.
Tuition & Financial Assistance
Let's work together. We want to make sure you have all the information you need before deciding on a plan for childcare that best fits you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply?
We accept applications at any time throughout the year. However, we invite you to first see our Child Development Center by taking a tour.
What does the weekly child care tuition cover?
Weekly child care tuition includes healthy breakfast, lunch and snacks made fresh in our cafeteria as well as field trips, parent education and family support.
How can I pay for my child(ren)'s tuition?
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!
How will I know how my child(ren) are doing?
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.
What are the classrooms and teachers like?
Learn more about our classrooms and our teachers. Don't forget to follow us on Facebook.
What other resources will I have access to?
You will 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.
Support Early Childhood Education & Care
Volunteer
Email volunteers@wilder.org to ask about volunteer opportunities.
Work with Us
Visit our careers page to find out more about openings at the Child Development Center.
Food Shelf
Contribute to our food shelf. Email Kati Halliday and Angie Clair for information about current needs.
Nearly 75 % 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
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 »
*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.