Penfield Children's Center

Early Education and Care

Penfield’s mission is to create a positive start in life for infants and children, many of whom have developmental delays or disabilities by providing early education, health services, and family programming. Through our holistic model, the Early Education and Care Program contributes to Penfield’s mission by fostering children’s cognitive, motor, social, emotional, behavioral, and communication skills during the most critical period of early brain development.  Additionally, the Early Education and Care program empowers parents, many from disadvantaged circumstances, with the skills and knowledge to support their children’s development, navigate complex health care and school systems, and connect to community resources. 

Penfield’s Early Education and Care Program includes:

• Early literacy lessons – such as story time, alphabet activities, and vocabulary games – that expand each child’s language base and communication skills.
• Music and art activities that foster creative expression and problem-solving skills.
• Dramatic play, which helps children learn by acting out real-world situations and taking on the roles of different characters.
• An indoor play space and an outdoor playground for children of all abilities.
• Family programming including community resources, webinars, and free books that promote early literacy, parent engagement, and healthy child development.

Our Early Education and Care Program promotes academic milestones, social-emotional development, and healthy lifestyles for children ages four weeks to six years. Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, Penfield’s program is awarded the top score by YoungStar, Wisconsin’s rating structure for child care programs. The program serves approximately 120 children annually (numbers have been lower during COVID), 70% of whom are economically disadvantaged.