Bianca Banuelos, Center Director
Ages: 6 weeks to 5 years
Open:
Neighborhood:
Southeast Minneapolis Neighborhood
Elementary Schools Bussed To:
Not available.
Our center is accredited by NAEYC.
Welcome to University KinderCare
Welcome to University KinderCare! We are located in Minneapolis near the beautiful East Bank campus at the University of Minnesota. Young, energetic, and highly qualified employees and great ties to our surrounding community invigorate our location. We reciprocate the friendly energy the community emits. We give our all to make any family or child feel like they're at home in our center, from the first moment they enter KinderCare until the last goodbye.
Our classrooms are places to thrive!
In our safe and healthy classrooms, your child will be engaged in learning experiences that meet them where they are, both socially and academically. With fun daily activities, passionate teachers, and great friends, a lifetime of confidence starts here. Contact the center director to learn more about our child care options and schedule a tour!
Meet Bianca Banuelos, Our Center Director
At KinderCare Since: 2022
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education and Human Performance, Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education
Favorite Children's Book: Oh, the Places You'll Go!
Meet Bianca Banuelos-Robinson! She is the Center Director at University KinderCare in Minneapolis, MN. Bianca attended Southern Utah University where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education and Human Performance, and Arizona State University where she earned a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education. She joined KinderCare this year, and before that she was a teacher. Outside of work, Bianca enjoys having movie nights with her family. Her favorite quote is, "It takes a big heart to shape little minds."
AMERICA’S MOST ACCREDITED
We’re so proud!
Nationally only 10% of daycares are accredited - nearly 100% of our learning centers are. That’s a big difference, and that means KinderCare kids are getting the very best. Here’s why.
SCHOOL-READY
What Learning Looks Like
Our talented early-childhood teachers set kids down the path toward becoming lifelong learners in a positive, safe, and nurturing environment.
University KinderCare Programs
Infant Programs (6 weeks–1 year)
Leaving your baby in someone else’s care is a big step. Everyone at our centers—most importantly, our naturally gifted infant teachers—will work with you to make sure the transition goes smoothly. When you step into our infant classroom, you’ll see how much we want your infant to feel safe, loved, and ready to explore their world.
Toddler Programs (1–2 Years)
Everything in our toddler classroom is designed for little explorers. That’s because a lot is going on at this age. When your child is wandering all over the place, that means they’re learning and discovering new things every day. We’ll help them explore their interests (and find new ones!) as they play and learn.
Discovery Preschool Programs (2–3 Years)
This age is filled with so much wonder and curiosity. That’s why we offer a ton of books and toys and bring artwork down to kids eye level. Children in discovery preschool also begin to learn how we all work together in a classroom. Simple math and science, pretend play, and group play help them get used to a more structured school setting.
Preschool Programs (3–4 Years)
This age is all about expression, when kids really start to form their own ideas about what they want to play and how they want to create. Every day in our preschool classroom, your child will explore science experiments, create artwork, and play pretend—all the skills needed for their big next step: kindergarten!
Prekindergarten Programs (4–5 Years)
When you walk into one of our pre-K classrooms, you’ll see artwork and writing displayed around the room. Labels are everywhere to help kids connect letters with words. You’ll also see pictures on the walls that reflect the families in our community. Your child will also deepen their knowledge in language, math, science, Spanish, and social skills.
Participating Child Care Aware Center
KinderCare partners with Child Care Aware® of America to offer fee assistance for Active Duty military families and flexible support to fit their needs when care at a Child Development Center on the installation is not available.
Learning Adventures - Enrichment Program
Cooking Academy™ (3 – 12 Years)
In Cooking Academy, kids learn new recipes from cultures around the world and develop a healthy relationship with food. They’ll whip up everything from Southwest rainbow lettuce wraps to pumpkin muffins, building their skills in STEM, communication, and more along the way. And yes—little chefs get to eat their culinary creations!
Music Explorers™ (2 – 4 Years)
KinderCare families are already giving a standing ovation to our newest Learning Adventures program: Music Explorers! Kids will learn to sing, move, listen, play instruments, and even create their own tunes. Our original curriculum blends math, science, social studies, literacy, and mindfulness (think yoga!) for a uniquely KinderCare way of learning the foundations of music.
Phonics Adventures® (2 – 4 Years)
Learning how to read is a whole lot of fun at KinderCare! We help kids grow to love books and words (and get ready for kindergarten) in our Phonics Adventures program. From discovering the basics of vowels to practicing poetry, kids learn all about letters and sounds in small-group lessons made just for their age group. (Bonus: Kids who attend our phonics program are more prepared than their peers for school—and we have the data to prove it.)
STEM Innovators (3-8 Years)
You’ve probably heard a lot about how important STEM education is for your child, but what does that really mean? Our STEM Innovators program takes kids’ natural ability to make sense of the world and applies it to robotics, chemistry, coding, geology, and more. While your child experiments, they’ll discover how to use technology to do amazing things!
Soccer (summer months)
Our Teachers
We're the only company in early childhood education to select teachers based on natural talent. Being a great educator isn't enough though. KinderCare teachers are also amazing listeners, nurturers, boo-boo fixers, and smile-makers. Put more simply, we love our teachers and your child will, too.
Meet just a few of our amazing KinderCare teachers!
A KINDERCARE TEACHER WITH
An Artist's Heart
"My classroom is full of art!” says Mary Annthipie-Bane, an award-winning early childhood educator at KinderCare. Art and creative expression, she says, help children discover who they really are.
We put our best-in-class teachers in a best-in-class workplace. We're so proud to have been named one of Gallup's 37 winners of the Great Workplace Award. When you put great teachers in an engaging center, your children will experience an amazing place to learn and grow.
Family Stories
Don't take our word for it. Hear what our families have to say about our amazing center!
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We have two children at the University KinderCare location. Our children are excited to go to school. They teach us new songs and games all the time. The center is filled with energetic teachers passionate about working with young children. We and our children are happy to have KinderCare in our lives!
”Chris and Ryan C. - KinderCare Parent
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Leaving my son after maternity leave in the care of others was difficult for me. I wanted to care for him, but knew it was time to get back into my career. The staff at KinderCare eased my worries immediately. From the very first week, I was amazed at how much they knew about my child and had already grown to care about him. Every day I pick him up and he has the biggest smile on his face. The teachers are loving, intelligent and reflective. I learn new things about my child almost every day based on their observations throughout the day. I really feel like the center cares about my son, and my family. They do fun events throughout the year, and even plan little breakfasts for parents every now and then (always seem to be on a day when I needed a little pick me up on the way to work!). They are such a great resource to have in a young child's life and I'm so grateful for them.
”Lindsey L. - KinderCare Parent
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It's the little things. Every day when I drop my son off I do not think about if he will go to the bathroom or not. I don't even think much about him eating his whole lunch. It's the little things on the [daily] report that let me know if he had a good day. Did he like bubbles today? Did he make a friend? Did he try something new and how did he react? These are the things I miss during the day and want to hear about. I think Ms. Kayla does a great job at this and it makes me feel like I'm not missing so much.
”Jeff E. - KinderCare Parent
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We have had a fantastic experience at this daycare center. We currently have 3 children there, and have been at the center for 4.5 years now. The staff is very engaged, with positive attitudes. The management team is fantastic! They are extremely responsive and communicate updates frequently. They plan great activities and keep the kids engaged all day. Our kids have learned a lot and have made wonderful friends. The curriculum is fantastic. Can't say enough good things about this center!
”Ingrid S. - KinderCare Parent
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This is THE perfect place for our kids for daycare. The staff care about our kids so much. It makes being away from them during the day a little bit easier knowing that their teachers give them hugs and cuddles throughout the day as they play and learn. The staff is always looking for fun activities for the kids and even many extra ones for the parents and families too. The hours are great. The center is clean and organized. We are very satisfied!
”Kate S. - KinderCare Parent
Who Are KinderCare Families?
They hail from hundreds of cities across the country from countless backgrounds, and proudly represent every walk in life. What our families have in common, though, is the want to give their children the best start in life. We are so proud to be their partner in parenting.
Hear from just a few of our amazing KinderCare families.
A Globe-Trotting Family Finds A
Home in Houston
Four young children, four different passports, two languages, two full-time jobs…oh, and a few triathlons thrown in for good measure. Meet the globe-trotting Colettas—a family on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions
What accreditations does KinderCare have?
We are your trusted caregiver. Our centers are state-licensed and regularly inspected to make sure everything meets or exceeds standards, including child-to-teacher ratios and safe facilities. Our centers aren’t just licensed—most are accredited, too! Find out more.
Do you offer part-time schedules at University KinderCare?
Everybody’s schedule is different. We’re happy to offer quality, affordable part-time and full-time childcare. Drop-in care may also be available. Reach out to your Center Director to learn more.
How does naptime work at University KinderCare?
Our teachers meet every child’s needs during naptime. Our teachers know how to get babies to nap. In fact, they are pros at getting children of any age to nap. Visit our article on "10 Ways We Help Kids Get a Great Daycare Nap" to learn more.
Do you support alternative diets?
We strive to be as inclusive as possible. To that point, we provide a vegetarian option at mealtime, take care to not serve common allergens and can adapt menus based on your child’s food sensitivities. If your child has additional needs, we’ll work with you to figure out a plan.
Are meals included in tuition? Can I choose to send my child with lunch?
We provide nutritious meals and snacks developed by a registered dietician to meet the needs of rapidly growing bodies and minds. If your child has special dietary requirements and you would prefer to bring in their lunch, please make arrangements with the center director.
Does my child need to be potty-trained?
Every child begins toilet learning at a different age. Until your child shows an interest in toilet learning, we’ll provide diaper changes on an as-needed basis. When your child shows an interest, we'll discuss how to work together to encourage toilet learning.