About FCDC
We engage the whole child through programing that’s age-appropriate, accredited and supported by teams of experienced teachers – it’s an approach driven by our mission and values.
Family Child Development Center originally started as an outreach program for St. Mary of the Lake Church in 1970. In 1990, the program outgrew its home inside of the church and the teachers, families and community members formed a non-profit organization to continue the mission to serve children and families. The mission statement at that time was based on “A Vision for Our Children” by the Carnegie Counsel on Children which details goals for a better society where we put children first.
Today, FCDC remains committed to doing what is best for children and families. We make decisions that are best for people, not for profit. When you visit our school, you will notice that it feels different here. Our classrooms have lower child-to-teacher ratios than the state of Minnesota requires. Families are valued partners and communication between families and staff is open and honest.
Staff members have longevity here because they love what they do and feel supported doing it. FCDC is a great place for children, families and teachers and we invite you to join our community!
LIVING OUR VALUES
Activities & Events
Building a trusting relationship with each child
Strong focus on social/emotional development
Providing responsive, individualized care
Creating environments that encourage exploration and discovery
Ensuring children’s safety and health
Developing partnerships with families
Documenting children’s development to plan for each child
Appreciating cultural, family, and individual differences
Building a foundation for lifelong learning
On-site Meals
Our Kitchen Manager prepares nutricious meals on -site to meet the USDA Food Program guidelines. During the Summer months, children are able to grow and harvest their own vegetables in our garden.
They enjoy sampling these fresh tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers at snack time!
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
(2) fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
“We have been with FCDC for the last four years with our two kids. FCDC, like all things, went through a lot of changes through the pandemic years, but one thing has always remained, the dedication and love the teachers have for the kids. Especially under the leadership of the director for the last two years, Dom, the center is well organized, well staffed, and has the most welcoming atmosphere. The curriculum is centered around learning through play and peer interactions, with lessons that focus on the seasons and kids' inherent interests, and always with time to get outside. We love the teachers here, the amount of communication we get, the diversity, and the focus on love and acceptance of all people (big or small)..”
—Amy L.