Childcare
Centaur Beginnings
Centaur Beginnings is a DHS-licensed child care center that offers a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment for our youngest learners. Serving children ages 6 weeks to 3 years, our program is thoughtfully designed to support each child’s growth through play-based learning, sensory exploration, and caring relationships.
Our experienced and compassionate staff create a warm and welcoming atmosphere where children can build trust, develop independence, and begin to explore the world around them. Daily activities include hands-on experiences that encourage language development, motor skills, social-emotional learning, and early cognitive growth—all through routines that provide structure and comfort.
We are open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on regular school days and most teacher duty days, providing families with consistent, high-quality care they can count on.
At Centaur Beginnings, we’re committed to partnering with families to ensure every child has a strong start.
Centaur Preschool
Centaur Preschool offers a full-day, DHS-certified program designed to provide 3-year-old scholars with a strong foundation for school success. Through an engaging, play-based curriculum, children explore the world around them with curiosity, creativity, and confidence. Our program blends preschool learning, child care support, and social-emotional development to meet the needs of both children and families.
Centaur Preschool operates as a combined classroom, where 3 to 5-year-old students learn and grow together in a supportive, inclusive setting. This model allows for peer learning, leadership opportunities for older students, and individualized support for each child based on their developmental stage. Full-day childcare for 3-4 year olds, and half day child care for those enrolled in Pre-K.
Please note: Half-day child care is only available for children enrolled in Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK/Pre-K).
Centaur Preschool is open from 7:30am - 2:30pm on all school days. After school childcare is available through our Centaur Plus program.
Age Requirements:
- School-Year Program: Children must be 33 months old by September 1st to enroll.
- Children who are 4 years old by September 1st must be enrolled in our Pre-K program.
If you have questions about age eligibility or placement, please email us at childcareprograms@bccs286.org.
Centaur Plus
Centaur Plus is a DHS-certified, fee-based child care program designed to support families with school-age children by offering a safe, structured, and engaging environment outside of regular school hours. We serve students in Preschool through 5th grade at Brooklyn Center Elementary School.
Our program runs year-round and includes care during:
- After-school hours: 1:30pm-5:00pm
- Non-school days: 7:30am-4:00pm
- Summer break: 7:30am-4:00pm
Children in Centaur Plus participate in a variety of enriching activities that promote creativity, teamwork, and physical activity. Daily programming may include arts and crafts, science experiments, outdoor play, group games, and quiet time for reading or homework. Our experienced staff work to build strong relationships with each child, helping them feel welcomed, supported, and excited to attend.
Centaur Plus is a great option for working families seeking reliable child care that blends fun, learning, and friendship in a consistent and caring setting.