Families at the Wilder Child Development Center

Your Support Ensures Access to Early Childhood Education for More Children and their Families!

Early learning and development is critical to the growth of every child. At the Wilder Child Development Center, the devoted team works to provide children and parents with high-quality early childhood education that supports the whole family. 

Help us raise scholarship funds for families unable to afford high-quality childcare. These funds help families weather financial shortfalls or crises and fill gaps in eligibility for Child Care Assistance Program. Wilder serves children ages 16 months to 5 years, and our teachers are focused on providing culturally affirming, developmentally appropriate care that nurtures both the child and the family. The Center remains an anchor for families in Saint Paul.

Consistent, high quality care is tied to better developmental and school readiness outcomes for young children. Your support is critical in making quality early education accessible to more families.

Our family-centric approach goes beyond the basics with additional supports like trauma-sensitive care and the new R.A.W. (Reading, Arithmetic, and Writing) Library, offering preschoolers invaluable early exposure to literacy tools. 

Author Thuba Nguyen reads to children at the R.A.W. library inside the Child Development Center."This library has definitely instilled the love of reading and then not just that, the love of self. When I see a lot of the books that are African American children, I'm like 'Wow this is you, this is me!'" -Shamara Butler, mother of a CDC student

Watch WCCO's story about the R.A.W. Library

Learn more about Wilder's whole family approach

Support the Judy Ohm Scholarship Fund

Scholarships ensure continuity and consistent access to high-quality education, regardless of the challenges a family faces. Families receive support through limited-time, partial tuition scholarships.

Our scholarship fund was established in memory of Judy Ohm, who served as the Wilder Child Development Center Director from 1980-2020.

"Our philosophy is to partner with our parents and establish a trusting, respectful relationship between parents, students, and teachers." 

- Judy Ohm

Judy's unwavering passion for children and families was her life's true purpose. She firmly believed that all children should have access to quality and affordable education, regardless of their family's circumstances. You can contribute to extending this legacy of support for young children and families in our community by making a donation to the Judy Ohm Scholarship Fund.

Read more about kindergarten readiness and Alanna's family.