An early learning center for all!
Caring For Children early learning center is a nonprofit program of Richfield United Methodist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. We serve families of ages six (6)-weeks Infant Care through five (5) years old in Pre-Kindergarten. Our mission is to provide a loving, nurturing early childhood education center filled with developmentally-appropriate learning, positive relationships, and a faith-based setting where both spirituality and a life-long love for learning may thrive.
For, openings call, 612-866-1632. For employment, click here.
Quick Facts
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday
6:30am-5:30pm
Licensed by the State of Minnesota Department of Human Services
Seven (7) classrooms licensed for up to 78 children total
Proud recipient of the “Parent Aware” 4-Star Rating, their highest rating possible
Secure code-entry building
Brightwheel Mobile app
Parent-Teacher Conferences twice per year to discuss child’s development and wellbeing
Family Events
Open 51 weeks per year with ~9 days closed for holidays and Staff Development
CFC accepts children regardless of race, sex, religion, or national origin
Ages & Stages
Infants:
6 weeks to 9 months
Infants 2:
9-16 months
Mobiles:
16-26 months
Twos:
24-33 months
Preschool:
31 months – 4 years
Pre-Kindergarten:
4 years – Kindergarten
Curriculum
Your child’s early years are a time for remarkable physical, intellectual and emotional development.
Our classroom curriculum includes a variety interests and activities in both indoor and outdoor settings. Curriculum includes art, literacy, music, math, science, social studies, and technology.
Creative play and fun combine with structured learning activities which appeal to both children and their parents and guardians.
Your child with embark on a journey of learning and exploration in our early academic program fueled by The Creative Curriculum. This is intentionally constructed by using age-appropriate lessons to provide your child with a variety of academic experiences structured to promote problem-solving abilities, persistence, and a passion for lifelong learning. Our teachers track your child’s progress through our child assessment system and daily communication.
Meet Director Kathy Newbauer
Kathy is the CFC director since January, 2021, having previously been the assistant director for nearly two years and a child care center director previously. Her experience, rapport, and care with the teaching staff, parents and guardians, and especially the children is key to CFC success!
Reach out by email or phone (612.866.1632) to learn about openings, securing a spot on a waiting list, and new employment opportunities.
Spotlight: Brightwheel, Meals, and COVID-19 Response
The Brightwheel mobile app makes it simple for families to connect with CFC and see their child’s progress. Our excellent chef staff prepares nutritious and delicious meals. And we are responding to COVID-19 with partnerships across the state.
Brightwheel Mobile App
As seen on Shark Tank!
Real-time feed of activities throughout the day.
Photos: Watch your child’s day unfold with snapshots delivered to your mobile device.
Security provided through a parent check in and check out system.
Digital Check-in for parents to provide safety and security.
Paperless Billing: Digital payments directly auto payed from your bank account.
Parent Portal for easy access to weekly statements.
A Wonderful Menu of Meals
Caring For Children offers delicious and nutritious meals for our children with a variety of healthy, fresh ingredients that kids want to eat and which meet recommended dietary guidelines.
Each meal is prepared with love and care by our full-time, on-site chef. This ensures your child receives the nourishment and energy they need to learn and grow while in our care. Families are sent a weekly menu.
Richfield United Methodist Church has as full commercial kitchen and is inspected regularly as part of the licensing process.
In non-pandemic times, there are many family gatherings with lots of amazing food for all!
COVID-19 Response
Richfield United Methodist Church and Caring For Children work with the Minnesota Department of Health Services, the Minnesota Department of Health, and the Center for Disease Control for the latest information and safeguards to keep people who interact on campus as safe as possible. We get the latest information from the Minnesota Children’s Cabinet as new stats, safety measures, and procedures become available.
Some CFC programs are on hold and/or continue to return in these evolving times of public health, thanks for understanding.
You can read more about the church’s overall COVID-19 response at richfieldumc.org/statements.
Special Programming
Supplemental special programming can enhance your child’s growth and development. Some are automatically incorporated into the weekly curriculum while others are options with increased tuition expense. Please note: not all programs are available during this season of COVID-19.
Grow with Music
Growing with Music’s instructors teach music classes that introduce musical concepts and encourage overall childhood development. Through song, dance and play, age-appropriate activities focus on developing both musical and non-musical skills. Classes include vocalization (singing), movement and instrument play – encouraging and developing children’s natural creativity and interest in music.
Growing with Music is back for 2023!
Soccer Shots
Soccer Shots is an engaging children’s soccer program with a focus on character development. Children are introduced to fundamental soccer principles such as using your feet, dribbling, passing, shooting, and the basic rules of the game.
Through fun games, songs and positive reinforcement, children will begin to experience the joy of playing soccer and being active. A positive character trait is focused on in each session, such as respect, teamwork or appreciation.
Children's Church
Caring For Children is a Christian childcare center where students participate in prayers, songs and Bible stories. The children also attend Children’s Church once a week. We are committed to loving your children in the same way God loves each and every one of us.
Children’s Church is on Tuesday mornings and led by Rev. Hope.
Accreditation and Awards
Caring For Children is committed to providing only the best for children and their parents, and strives to meet the highest standards of childcare quality. Accreditation offers assurance to parents who are making one of the most important decisions in their children’s lives! Our programs provide a safe & healthy environment for children, and accreditation ensures teachers are well trained and have access to a curriculum that is developmentally sound.
Parent Aware
Sadly, many children are not fully prepared for kindergarten. CFC has a four-star rating (the highest rating possible) from Parent Aware. This means we excel in the best practices that prepare children for kindergarten, and we go above and beyond health and safety requirements. Additionally, CFC’s four-star rating means we have been proven to:
Volunteer for extra, in-depth training
Devote ourselves to strong, caring relationships with each child
Adopt the latest approaches to keeping children’s learning on track
Commit to daily activities and routines that help children learn
NECPA
The National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA) requires providers to meet rigorous early childhood education standards and guidelines for high-quality care. Pursuing accreditation is voluntary and demonstrates an ongoing commitment of meeting quality standards through excellence in education. The accreditation process is comprised of a rich self-assessment process involving parents, staff, and program management to reach for a higher level of quality in early education.
NECPA Standards:
Teacher/ Child Interaction
Health and Safety
The Physical Environment
Parent & Community Relationships
Program Administration
MN DHS
CFC is licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
For more information visit Child Care Center Licensing Rules or the MN DHS Child Care Program Requirements.
NECPA Accreditation means CFC:
– Provides a high quality learning environment for children that exceeds the threshold of quality set by licensing requirements.
– Enhances credibility and loyalty amongst the school and your family.
– Offers families an objective look at all aspects of your child’s school.
– Has local and national recognition as a school.