About Us
About Us – Our History/Timeline
About Us
TenderCare is a christian child care ministry of the historical Capitol Drive Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. We first opened our doors in 1979.
The organizers of TenderCare wanted to be a viable part of the community. So, they began serving families who needed high quality yet affordable child care.
Our name, TenderCare, comes from the song, “Away in a Manger”. This song mentions tender care in the last verse.
Over 40 years later, we’re still thriving as an integral and active part of the Milwaukee community.
Accreditation
We take great pride in accomplishing a 5 star rating under the YoungStar rating of Wisconsin.
We also have national accreditation (NAC) through the Association of Early Learning Leaders.
Both accreditation systems promote early learning outcomes and happy healthy children.
Within the high standards of the accreditation systems TenderCare implements its educational philosophy.
Philosophy
The TenderCare philosophy is based on the child development model. The child development model incorporates key experiences and discovery.
Our curriculum is designed to focus on the creative, emotional, intellectual, physical and social growth of each child.
Learning through play is viewed as the cornerstone of the curriculum. Our teachers provide protection, security, stimulation, support, limits, and affection.
Children are respected as individuals within a child-oriented program rather than a teacher-directed program.
Safety and Security
Our primary goal is for children to feel safe and secure. Prior to being independent, a child must know that he or she can depend on adults and a predictable environment.
Children are treated with respect and kindness. We recognize that children develop at different rates and have different interests.
Small group size and appropriate teacher-child ratios allow for meeting the individual safety needs of each child.
Our History/Timeline
1979
Starting off
TenderCare Christian Child Care was created as a ministry of the Capitol Drive Lutheran Church.
1987
Accreditation
TenderCare Christian Child Care upholds national accreditation (NAEYC)
1996
Partnership
SDC Head Start partnered with TenderCare to provide early childhood start option (ECHO)
2009
Local Funding
TenderCare was awarded a sizeable grant from the Brinn Foundation for a state of the art security system
2021
Federal Funding
TenderCare was accepted in Early Reading First Project – (EMERGE) through UW-Milwaukee and UW-Madison
Address
5229 W Capitol Dr, Milwaukee, WI, 53216, US