At WeeFolks, our values guide everything we do. We believe in nurturing each child’s growth through loving, responsive relationships and a developmentally rich environment. We value curiosity and the joy of learning, while fostering kindness, cooperation, and respect for others. We honor parents as a child's first and most important teachers. We strive to create strong and supportive connections with every family. We believe our work with children and families today impacts the future of each life we touch and thereby, the future community in which we will all live.
We are here to give your child an enriching experience that sets them up for success for years to come. No matter how they learn, our teachers can personalize the curriculum to meet the academic needs of your child. Our program enables parents and family member to go to work, knowing that their children are in a safe, stimulating environment.
WeeFolks is a nurturing, play-based early learning program rooted in strong relationships, joyful exploration, and commitment to each child’s growth. For generations, families in the Grand Rapids area have trusted WeeFolks as a place where children feel safe, known, and inspired to learn. Our staff creates developmentally rich experiences that foster curiosity, confidence, and kindness, while honoring parents as partners in their child’s journey. At WeeFolks, we believe childhood is precious, and we’re dedicated to providing a warm, stable, and enriching environment where every child can thrive.
To help meet the varying needs of familities, our preschool program offers a part-time, 3 day per week option with enrollment available on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday. Part-time preschoolers enjoy the same full-day experience as our full-time students, including intentional learning activities, social-emotional growth opportunities, ample playtime, and provided meals and snacks. Tuition for the part-time preschool program is $185/week.
Registration Fee: A one-time, non-refundable fee of $30 per child, or $45 for families with two or more children.
Families may qualify for Minnesota Child Care Assistance to help offset the cost of care. To determine eligibility and apply for state assistance, click here. Please note: the enrollment fee and the first week of tuition are required at the time of enrollment.
Families who do not qualify for Minnesota Child Care Assistance may be eligible for YMCA Financial Assistance. Applications are available in both childcare offices or online.
Sarah oversees both WeeFolks locations and works closely with each site director to ensure a consistent, high-quality learning experience for every child. She is passionate about the lasting impact of early childhood experiences and considers it a privilege to support the team entrusted with nurturing the community’s littlest learners — our future. Sarah lives in Grand Rapids with her husband and is grateful to be mom to two grown sons and a daughter-in-law.
Rochelle has been part of the Grand Rapids community since 2019 and has proudly served the YMCA family ever since. She loves creating a warm, nurturing, and inclusive environment where every child feels safe, valued, and excited to learn. Outside of WeeFolks, Rochelle enjoys crafting, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.
Born and raised in Deer River, Minnesota, April has always appreciated home, even after traveling to many places. She is a proud mom of two active boys, and her family enjoys summer lake time, soaking up the sunshine, and making lasting memories. Since joining the Itasca County Family YMCA WeeFolks program in 2014, April has been dedicated to fostering a nurturing, engaging environment where children can learn, explore, and thrive.
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