About Us

Our Philosophy & Program Plan

Confidence & Self-Esteem Children thrive when they believe in themselves. We design success-oriented activities and offer positive guidance, so each child feels proud to learn and explore — even when they make mistakes.

Respect & Relationships We teach kindness and empathy every day. Through our intergenerational program, children form meaningful connections with our senior neighbors, learning respect and compassion across generations.

Health & Well-Being Healthy bodies support healthy minds! We provide nutritious meals, rest, and daily opportunities for active play both indoors and outdoors.

Diversity & Understanding We celebrate the beauty of differences. Our curriculum helps children understand their community and the world, developing respect and appreciation for others through shared experiences with people of all ages and backgrounds.

Curiosity & Creativity We nurture each child’s natural sense of wonder through hands-on exploration and discovery. With a focus on STEAM learning, music, and imaginative play, children become confident problem-solvers and lifelong learners.

Independence & Growth Childhood is a journey toward independence. We encourage children to make choices, explore freely, and build the confidence to try new things — all with caring support from our teachers.

Our Classrooms

At Riley Crossing, each classroom has its own unique personality — just like the children in it! We provide warm, nurturing spaces designed to meet every child’s developmental needs while keeping class sizes small and teacher-to-child ratios low for quality care and safety.

CLASSROOM	AGE RANGE	LICENSED CAPACITY	TEACHER TO CHILD RATIO
Guppies	6 weeks - 16 months	12	1:4
Goldfish	12 - 24 months	14*	1:4 or 1:7
Tadpoles	18 - 26 months	14	1:7
Speckled Frogs	24 - 36 months	19*	1:7 or 1:10
Ducklings	33 months - 4 years	23	1:10
Mallards	4 - 5 years	24	1:10

Total Licensed Capacity: 106 children
* Goldfish Room: A combination of older infants and younger toddlers. The room follows a 1:4 ratio unless all children are over 16 months, in which case it moves to 1:7.
* Speckled Frog Room: A combination of older toddlers and younger preschoolers. The ratio is 1:7 unless all children are over 33 months, then it moves to 1:10.

Our Curriculum

We combine the best of research-based learning with joyful play:

Early Learning Success — foundational skills for all areas of development
Funny Daffer Curriculum — approved my MN Parent Aware
STEAM — Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math
McPhail Music Curriculum — fostering rhythm, creativity, and joy through music
Ebenezer Intergenerational Curriculum — connecting with our senior friends for shared learning and laughter

Every Day Includes a Mix Of:

Art & dramatic play
Story time & literacy games
Science & sensory exploration
Music & movement
Outdoor adventures, gardening, and nature walks

Children experience a balance of teacher-guided and child-initiated activities that promote growth in every domain — intellectual, physical, emotional, and social.

Intergenerational
Child Care

At Riley Crossing Child Care and Senior Campus, we are fortunate to see both children’s wonder and seniors’ joy every day. Our philosophy centers on learning through play and exploration, in a setting that brings multiple generations together.

Children and older adults share memories, play games, and create together, forming bonds that transcend generations. For children without nearby grandparents, these relationships are especially meaningful, helping them see beyond their own world and develop empathy and appreciation for diversity.

Our campus is designed to encourage daily intergenerational interactions through staff-supervised activities like reading time, gardening, bingo, science programs, music with MacPhail Lifelong Learning, and shared meals and events. These experiences build lasting friendships and a sense of community for all.

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Playtime

Through the support of PLAY, Riley Crossing teachers help children to develop key competency in all developmental areas:

Happiness
Identity
Thinking
Conflict resolution
Creativity
Independence
Consideration for others
Attention
Friendship
Empathy
Well-being
Problem solving
Rules and standards
Planning
Observations
Self-control
Body skills
Communication
Language
Body perception

Family Partnership

We believe that great care begins with strong relationships.

Parent-teacher conferences are held twice a year (or upon request).
Progress reports reflect each child’s growth across all developmental areas.
Daily communication keeps families informed and connected.

We’re here to listen, support, and celebrate your child’s successes together.

Our Commitment

Riley Crossing Child Care is more than a school — it’s a community. Our teachers create nurturing spaces where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to learn. Every classroom is a “home base” for discovery, play, and friendship.

With our one-of-a-kind intergenerational campus, children grow up surrounded by kindness, respect, and joy — learning that every generation has something to teach and share.

See Testimonials

Interested in Learning More?

Contact Riley Crossing to receive more information about our Chanhassen child care services and to schedule a tour of our campus to experience our carefully-designed classrooms and our unique learning environments.