Gaetz Kiddie Kove

Gaetz Child Care, Inc. has been a cornerstone of early childhood education in the St. Cloud since 1974. As a proud family-owned and operated center, we are committed to providing top-quality, center-based care. Our state-licensed facility is always smoke-free, ensuring a healthy environment for your child.

We are proud to have achieved a Four-Star Parent Aware Rating, a testament to our dedication to school readiness best practices and our commitment to preparing children for kindergarten. You can find more information about the state rating program here.

Our program operates year-round and is designed for three distinct age groups: Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers. Each group benefits from a specialized curriculum and lesson plans that promote developmentally appropriate learning through a variety of engaging activities.

  • Family Owned

    Gaetz Kiddie Kove is a family-owned center dedicated to the well-being and development of children. With the founders actively involved in daily operations, we foster a nurturing environment that reflects our family values. Our decisions prioritize creating a safe and enriching atmosphere, rooted in a commitment to community care and support.

  • Brightwheel Communication App

    At Gaetz Child Care, Inc., we use the Brightwheel app to enhance communication between caregivers and families. This platform provides real-time updates on daily activities, meals, and nap times, keeping guardians informed. We also share photos and videos, allowing families to see their child's experiences. Brightwheel facilitates easy messaging between staff and parents, strengthening our partnership and supporting each child's development.

  • 4-Star Parent Aware Rated

    Gaetz Kiddie Kove is proud to be a 4-Star Parent Aware rated center, showcasing our commitment to high-quality early childhood education. This rating reflects our adherence to rigorous standards in staff qualifications, curriculum, and family engagement, ensuring a safe and enriching environment for every child's growth and development.

Our Philosophy

Our philosophy emphasizes each child's uniqueness in a loving, respectful environment where they feel accepted. We promote responsibility, creativity, and self-sufficiency through play and exploration. With a diverse staff and strong family communication, we focus on the child's overall well-being and encourage growth to reach key milestones in a supportive, family-oriented setting.

 FAQs

  • We care for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years, organized into three distinct age groups:

    • Infants: 6 weeks to 16 months

    • Toddlers: 16 to 33 months

    • Preschoolers: 33 months to 5 years

  • Kiddie Kove is licensed to accommodate up to 59 children, including 30 preschoolers (10 of whom can be school-age), 21 toddlers, and 8 infants.

  • We promote a holistic education approach that nurtures the whole child—physically, intellectually, socially, and emotionally. We are a non-denominational daycare center and accept children without regard to race, color, creed, or national origin.

  • Our program, created by a qualified teacher, is reviewed and updated annually, focusing on age-appropriate goals and objectives to support each child’s development.

  • Daily activities include circle time, art projects, and other engaging experiences that promote intellectual, physical, social, and emotional growth, while respecting each child's cultural background.

  • We complete progress reports twice a year and offer parent conferences to discuss each child's development across intellectual, physical, social, and emotional domains. These reports are maintained in the child's file.

  • Our daily schedule balances indoor and outdoor activities, providing a mix of quiet and active play, with opportunities for both teacher-directed and child-initiated activities.

  • Children have access to a variety of equipment, including a fenced outdoor playground with biking areas, climbing equipment, swings, grassy areas, and indoor activities like playdough, dramatic play, and multicultural toys.

  • Program details are available to parents upon request and can be reviewed at any time.