Business Details
44 Years
experience
Hourly Drop-In Child Care in St. Paul
Since 1982, Kids Park has provided flexible, high-quality hourly child care in a supportive community environment. Our state-licensed facility in St. Paul, MN, operates as a parent cooperative, offering affordable care through a unique model that emphasizes family involvement and personalized learning. We maintain low child-teacher ratios to ensure safety and individualized attention, with staff who exceed state qualifications. Our Reggio-inspired curriculum prioritizes outdoor exploration, creative expression, and child-led learning, fostering independence and critical thinking.By requiring member families to contribute time and resources, we create a collaborative community that benefits all children while keeping costs accessible. Our programs serve infants through preschoolers, with structured yet flexible scheduling options tailored to diverse family needs.
Services
Hourly Child Care
Reggio-Inspired Curriculum
Screen-Free Learning
Community Membership
Parent Involvement
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- We are state-licensed with staff exceeding qualifications for early childhood education.
- Our Reggio-inspired curriculum emphasizes outdoor exploration and child-led learning.
- Co-op model reduces costs while fostering community among member families.
- Flexible scheduling available Tuesday-Friday, 9am-3pm, year-round.
- Low child-teacher ratios ensure personalized attention and safety.
Associations and certifications
- Minnesota Department of Human Services
Services
Hourly Drop-In Child Care
Kids Park provides hourly drop-in care for infants to preschoolers with reservations up to one week in advance. Members prepay for hours and adjust schedules as needed, ensuring affordability and flexibility. Our state-licensed facility maintains low child-teacher ratios for personalized attention.
Reggio-Inspired Curriculum
Our Reggio-inspired approach emphasizes child-led exploration through art, music, and outdoor activities. Teachers observe and adapt to individual learning styles, fostering independence and critical thinking. Weekly music classes and off-site adventures enhance developmental opportunities for all ages.
Parent Cooperative Membership
Families participate in co-op responsibilities like maintenance and governance to reduce costs. Members contribute 3+ hours monthly, building a supportive community while shaping program quality. This model creates shared investment in children's growth and program sustainability.
Infant and Toddler Programs
Specialized programs for infants (6 weeks16 months) and toddlers (17 months4 years) feature sensory-rich environments and individualized care. The infant room maintains a 4:1 ratio with dedicated outdoor time, while mixed-age groups encourage social development through structured and free play.
Preschool Adventures Program
Kids Park Rockets preschool (45 years) combines outdoor immersion with community-based field trips. Small class sizes (max 10) allow personalized adventures like theater visits and neighborhood explorations. Curriculum emphasizes independence, creativity, and real-world experiences beyond traditional classrooms.
People
Erica Kragerud-Smith
Executive Director
Erica has led Kidspark Childcare for many years, creating a stable, welcoming program for children and staff. Her leadership focuses on maintaining high-quality care and fostering a collaborative community environment.
Tanya Havens
Lead Teacher, Infant Room
Tanya serves as Lead Teacher in the Infant room, excelling at nurturing relationships with our youngest children. With years of experience, she creates a safe, stimulating environment tailored to infants' developmental needs.
Rachel Boelke
Co-Lead Teacher, Mixed Age Room
Rachel co-leads the mixed age room, bringing energy and creativity to toddler education. She specializes in adapting activities to diverse developmental stages while fostering social skills and independence through play-based learning.
Questions
What ages does KidsPark serve?
KidsPark serves infants aged 6 weeks to preschoolers aged 4–5 years (not yet in kindergarten).
Do you provide meals?
We provide healthy snacks but require parents to send packed lunches or infant milk/formula.
Is KidsPark licensed?
Yes, we are licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services and meet/exceed state requirements.
Can I use KidsPark part-time?
Yes, we offer flexible hourly reservations Tuesday-Friday, 9am-3pm, with no minimum usage requirements.
What is the co-op membership requirement?
Members commit to 3+ volunteer hours monthly (9 quarterly) for reduced-cost care, with options to buy out if needed.
Do you offer music or enrichment activities?
All children participate in weekly music classes, and preschoolers enjoy regular off-site adventures and field trips.
