Coon Rapids
Early Learning Center
Coon Rapids Early Learning Center has proudly served children and families in Coon Rapids, MN and the surrounding communities since 1969. As a nonprofit childcare center, we provide a safe, welcoming, and nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive.
Our Classrooms
Infant
Our infant program provides a safe, loving, and nurturing environment where your baby can learn, grow, and feel secure. Our caring teachers build strong relationships with each child while following their individual feeding, sleeping, and care schedules.
Age 6 weeks - 16 months
Infants enjoy age-appropriate activities that encourage:
• Social and emotional development
• Language and communication skills
• Sensory exploration
• Fine and gross motor development
• Music, movement, and outdoor experiences
We work closely with families to provide consistent care and share important updates about your baby’s day. At Coon Rapids Early Learning Center, every infant receives the individualized attention, comfort, and encouragement they need to thrive.
Toddler
Age 16 months - 2 years
Toddlers are busy discovering the world around them! Our toddler program gives children plenty of opportunities to move, explore, make choices, and practice new skills. Teachers provide predictable routines and patient guidance as toddlers become more independent.
Each day includes:
• Lots of creative art and hands-on projects
• Sensory activities and learning through play
• Stories, songs, music, and dancing
• Opportunities to build friendships and practice sharing
• Indoor and outdoor active play
• Language-building and early communication activities
• Practice with self-help skills, including eating and handwashing
Our classroom encourages curiosity, creativity, confidence, and independence while allowing every toddler to learn and develop at their own pace.
Each day includes:
• Lots of art and creative projects
• Learning colors, shapes, numbers, and letters
• Stories, songs, music, and movement
• Sensory activities and imaginative play
• Indoor and outdoor physical activities
• Opportunities to practice sharing, taking turns, and expressing emotions
• Encouragement with self-help and toilet-learning skills
Our teachers offer patient guidance and positive encouragement while helping each child develop confidence, friendships, communication skills, and a love of learning.
Two Year-Old
Age 2 years
Two-year-olds are full of curiosity, energy, and growing independence! Our program provides a fun and structured environment where children learn through hands-on activities, creative play, and daily routines.
Each day includes:
• Early learning activities with letters, numbers, colors, and shapes
• Lots of art and creative projects
• Stories, songs, music, and movement
• Science experiments and sensory exploration
• Imaginative play and classroom learning centers
• Fine and gross motor activities
• Indoor and outdoor active play
• Opportunities to practice sharing, teamwork, and problem-solving
Our caring teachers encourage children to become more confident and independent while helping them develop friendships, express their emotions, and grow at their own pace.
Pre-School
Ages 3-4 years old
Our preschool program provides a fun, welcoming environment where children can explore, create, and develop a love of learning. Through play and hands-on experiences, children build the skills they need for Pre-K and beyond.
Each day includes:
• Early reading, writing, math, and science activities
• Letter and number recognition
• Creative art and hands-on projects
• Stories, music, movement, and imaginative play
• Fine and gross motor development
• Opportunities to practice teamwork and problem-solving
• Social-emotional skills, including expressing feelings and resolving conflicts
• Indoor and outdoor active play
Our teachers provide a supportive and encouraging classroom where every child can explore, ask questions, and grow at their own pace while getting ready for kindergarten.
Pre-Kindergarten
Age 4-5 years
Our Pre-K program helps children build the confidence, independence, and skills they need for a successful transition to kindergarten. Children learn through engaging, hands-on activities while developing friendships and a love of learning.
School-Age Kids
Kindergarten - Age 10
Our school-age program provides a fun, safe, and welcoming environment where children can relax, spend time with friends, and stay active outside of school. Children have opportunities to make choices and participate in activities based on their interests.
Our program includes:
• Creative art and hands-on projects
• Indoor and outdoor active play
• Games, puzzles, and building activities
• Reading and quiet-time opportunities
• Group activities that encourage teamwork
• Time to build friendships and practice problem-solving
• Fun summer activities and special events
Our teachers provide encouragement and supervision while helping children develop confidence, independence, responsibility, and positive friendships.
Our Heart & Philosophy
At Coon Rapids Early Learning Center, we believe that children thrive when they feel safe, loved, and supported by trusted caregivers. Our philosophy is rooted in nurturing the unique growth of every child, fostering a lifelong love of learning through exploration and meaningful relationships.
We also believe in taking care of our staff by offering competitive wages and support. As a result, your children will receive consistent care from people who are truly dedicated to their work and this organization.
Our Dedicated Teachers & Staff
Our experienced staff are at the heart of our center. Many team members have been with us for 10 years or longer, with some serving our families for more than 30 years.
Our teachers take the time to understand each child’s individual development, strengths, and needs. They use positive behavior-guidance strategies to help children express their feelings, solve problems, build friendships, and learn appropriate behaviors.
Our Curriculum
We use Creative Curriculum, a hands-on, investigation-based approach that supports the development of the whole child. Our full, age-appropriate curriculum is designed for infants through Pre-K and encourages children to learn through play, exploration, creativity, and meaningful experiences.
Our curriculum supports each child’s social, emotional, physical, language, and cognitive development while helping build confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.
Located within Coon Rapids United Methodist Church, we have a very unique building. Parents love our shaded, outdoor playground as well as our indoor gym. This means that no matter the weather, all children can engage in active play every day. In the summer months, children are able to grow gardens with the help and partnership of Spirit of Matthew 25 volunteers.
We provide a safe and stimulating environment designed to nurture curiosity and physical development.
All entrances are monitored and kept secure at all times.
Our Facilities
