About Us
Owner & Provider
Program Philosophy
Program Philosophy
I am Stefanie Berge, the proud owner and operator of Tender Heart Childcare. Tender Heart Childcare is not just a business—it represents the fulfillment of a nearly 30-year dream to nurture and inspire young minds during their crucial developmental years. My journey began with a CPR and childcare safety course through the Red Cross, which
I am Stefanie Berge, the proud owner and operator of Tender Heart Childcare. Tender Heart Childcare is not just a business—it represents the fulfillment of a nearly 30-year dream to nurture and inspire young minds during their crucial developmental years. My journey began with a CPR and childcare safety course through the Red Cross, which sparked my passion and guided my studies throughout high school and college.
Professional growth and excellence have always been cornerstones of my childcare philosophy. In 2008, I was honored to receive the Childcare Provider of the Year Award from the Minnesota Licensed Family Child Care Association (MLFCCA), a prestigious recognition based on parent nominations and awarded only once in a lifetime.
At Tender Heart Childcare, I am committed to fostering a safe, creative, and enriching environment where children can thrive.
Program Philosophy
Program Philosophy
Program Philosophy
As a family childcare provider, my mission is to create a nurturing, safe, and stimulating environment where children can thrive and develop to their fullest potential. I believe in fostering a sense of curiosity and a love for learning through play-based and hands-on activities that cater to each child's unique interests and development
As a family childcare provider, my mission is to create a nurturing, safe, and stimulating environment where children can thrive and develop to their fullest potential. I believe in fostering a sense of curiosity and a love for learning through play-based and hands-on activities that cater to each child's unique interests and developmental stages.
My approach is centered around the belief that every child is a unique individual, deserving of respect, encouragement, and personalized attention. I strive to build strong, trusting relationships with each child and their family, recognizing the importance of open communication and collaboration in supporting a child's growth and well-being.
I am committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere where diversity is celebrated, and every child feels valued and understood. Through positive reinforcement and gentle guidance, I aim to instill confidence, independence, and social skills, preparing children for future academic and life successes.
In my care, children will enjoy a balanced routine that promotes physical, emotional, intellectual, and social development, all while feeling like they are part of a loving and supportive community. My ultimate goal is to provide a home away from home where children feel happy, secure, and excited to explore the world around them.
Program Highlights
Program Philosophy
Program Highlights
At Tender Heart Childcare, the foundation of our program lies in a well-rounded philosophy that blends the structured curriculum of a daycare center with the nurturing, personalized care of a home-based setting. While maintaining a clean, cheerful, and efficient environment is essential, the true heartbeat of our program is the meaningful
At Tender Heart Childcare, the foundation of our program lies in a well-rounded philosophy that blends the structured curriculum of a daycare center with the nurturing, personalized care of a home-based setting. While maintaining a clean, cheerful, and efficient environment is essential, the true heartbeat of our program is the meaningful and engaging learning experiences we provide.
We proudly implement the 123 Learn Curriculum, which emphasizes theme-based learning. This approach is enriched by hands-on, experiential activities that engage children in creative exploration and discovery. Our graduates consistently perform well on kindergarten readiness assessments, entering elementary school confidently prepared for success. Additionally, our program is adaptable to meet the needs of children with special requirements.
To enhance our daily curriculum, I incorporate supplementary educational and creative activities. One of our program highlights is a weekly music lesson taught by a professional instructor from Growing with Music, offering children an opportunity to explore rhythm, melody, and self-expression.
At Tender Heart Childcare, family involvement is a cornerstone of our success. Parents receive daily activity sheets and face-to-face updates to stay informed about their child's experiences. I also share a monthly newsletter and email updates to ensure consistent communication.
Our program goes beyond the classroom with events that celebrate and strengthen our community. From our annual preschool graduation ceremony—complete with a full program, catered dinner, and dessert—to family fun nights throughout the year, we value the partnership and connection we build with our families.
Parent Testimonials
***LOVE*** is the first thing that comes to mind when I think of Stefanie and Tender Heart Childcare. There is no In-Home or Childcare Center as great as her. We have had our 2 year old daughter with Stefanie for almost a year and we are amazed at the things she has learned. Stefanie is the most personable, professional and compassionate person I have met. She truly cares for the children as if they were her own. She has different activities planned each day with the kids that help them with spelling, counting, reading, potty training, consequences and so much more, all while having a great time. We receive monthly newsletters that inform us of what the kids will be focusing on so we are always informed. She is very special to us and is considered to be part of our family. My daughter asks every night and every morning if she is going to “Stefi’s”. I drop my daughter off every day knowing she is being loved, safe, cared for, learning, eating right and much more. I cannot say enough great things and have a friendship for life!
Anna C.
It was a happy accident that we discovered Stefanie and Tender Heart Childcare had an opening at the precise moment we were looking. After interviewing a couple other in-home daycares for our son, who was 9 months at the time, Stefanie was by far the best choice. In the 9 months since then, we've become only more grateful to have found her. We trust her implicitly to take great care of our son by keeping him safe and healthy. In addition to that most important requirement, Stefanie goes above and beyond by providing education, fun art activities, and things like weekly music class. Not only is she very knowledgeable about child development, as she attends continuing education to further her expertise, you can also tell she has a passion for what she does. I would highly recommend Tender Heart Childcare.
Chelsea T.
We have been thrilled with childcare provided by Stefanie! Outside of providing a great curriculum Stefanie truly cares for each child as an individual and is always compassionate and loving towards them. Stefanie also recognizes the importance of play alongside curriculum, a trait you won't always find in a center childcare environment. We cannot speak highly enough of how fortunate we are to have our children in Stefanie's care. We continue to be impressed more and more by her!
Casey S.
Stef has been a part of our family for many years. She was my younger brother's provider & now is our daughter's provider. Her wonderful curriculum and food programs ensure us, as parents, that we have made the right choice as to who teaches and loves our child while we are not there. We love Stef and everything that she does. Her hard work & love for kiddos is shown every day!
Tiara E.
Our twins have been with Stefanie since they were 8 months old. We couldn't be more pleased with her role in our life...but especially in the lives of our "littles." She has been incredibly intentional about nurturing their social, emotional, spiritual and intellectual development--keeping record of their "early childhood indicators of progress," celebrating their successes and offering advice in areas where they require development. At their 3-year well-check, their pediatrician was blown away by their ability to identify letters on the vision chart, and to articulate their favorite foods and activities. Importantly, Stefanie identifies the need for "kids to be kids." To that end, she creates an in-home care and learning environment that provides plenty of time for the playful-ness and silly-ness that should FILL a charmed childhood!
Becky D.
...since the early days at daycare, we've seen and heard all about the amazing things our kids have learned from Stefanie...sign language, music, how to pronounce their "t's", "please and thank-you's", how to get dressed (which is especially awesome in the winter months in Minnesota!:), "how to help"--you name it...Stefanie is unbelievable...so, let me just take this moment to say...thank you, thank you, thank you, Stefanie...for teaching our kids, for loving our kids like that...I am impressed and inspired...you're the "+1" to my wife and I, you're the best around...
Dave D.
Stefanie,
There are a lot of things you have done and continue to do every day for our kids. We could talk about the games, curriculum, the great peer group of kids, the class, the discipline, the stories, the treats, the toys, the parties, the graduation ceremonies, the music, the Stef-isms and so very much more. The most important thing, however is not what we can see or touch but what we can’t.
You give our kids undeniable, irreplaceable, unconditional love that gives them confidence to be themselves no matter what the situation. You teach them letters, sounds, numbers and colors, but you also teach them strength, perseverance, respect and kindness. You teach them to be productive, patient, healthy and worth-while children. You teach them they are valuable. Without these things, we believe, children cannot grow into productive, healthy and happy adults.
You make all the difference in the world to our children and to us. Your support is always stellar and beyond the call of duty.
Thank you for loving us and more importantly for loving our kids! We are incredibly blessed to you, not to mention work with you.
You have so much to be proud of; so many hearts and lives changes because of what you do. As your t-shirt says,” I’m a preschool teacher. What’s your super power?”
Love you!
The Spotts