Department of Early Childhood Education

In the Department of Early Childhood Education we aim to broaden your knowledge of the young children’s cognitive, linguistic, physical, social and aesthetic development and how this development relates to their learning skills. We undertake to provide you with a range of learning opportunities and knowledge through a variety of open distance learning programmes that incorporate cutting-edge learner support systems and approaches, innovative research initiatives, and responsive community engagement interventions.
Join us for a very exciting, rewarding and challenging experience.

The Wilder Child Development Center is no ordinary year-round preschool and child care center. Alongside lessons in reading and math, children ages 16 months to five years learn critical life skills such as how to share, work together and manage their feelings. We recognize the vital role families and communities play in each child’s success and have programs in place to strengthen and support those connections. 

Students in the Dolphin room learn about the seasons during "circle time," and puppets like Dina the Dinosaur helps teach children about self-control.

A Place for Children to Learn

​Our educators focus on the unique needs of each child. Small class sizes and excellent teacher/student ratios enable us to provide large group, small group and individualized learning. 

Physical development is important too. We have two secure outdoor playgrounds, a nature area and an indoor gym. Our healthy meals are prepared on site and approved by a licensed dietitian.

Commitment to Quality

 

• We consistently deliver high-quality child care, a fact that has earned us national recognition as a NAEYC accredited facility, and the top 4-STAR rating from Minnesota’s Parent Aware system
• We are also a Head Start co-location site, enabling us to offer additional services to qualified families

A True Community Center

As a part of the Wilder Foundation, we bring the resources of the community together to enrich the lives of our children and their families. Among our community programs:

• Music educators from MacPhail Center for Music bring their expertise into our classrooms each week
• Minnesota Reading Core specialists provide additional one-on-one literacy coaching
• Twice monthly field trips enhance our classroom lessons
• Monthly intergenerational programs with seniors from Wilder's Adult Day Health program bring young and old together
• Volunteers from corporate and educational institutions regularly add to our learning opportunities

Family Involvement

We know learning continues when your child walks out our door. That’s why we meet regularly with families to discuss their child’s progress and share ways to reinforce classroom lessons at home.

Monthly Family Fun Nights give parents and children a chance to learn and play together, and provide an opportunity for families to connect and support one another.

We also value our parents’ feedback. Our monthly Parent Advisory Group meetings enable parents to be involved in decision-making for our program. It’s a time for us to discuss policy changes and enables parents to share their ideas on ways to improve our program.