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
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 Licensing
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 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
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!
MN DHS Licensing
Caring for Children 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 childcare center at Richfield United Methodist Church, an inclusive Christian community, and students can participate in prayers, songs and Bible stories. 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 – and all means all.
Children’s Church is on Tuesday mornings and led by Rev. Hope.