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- Overview
- Programs
- Our Team
- Schedule Options
About Lil’ Explorers, Buffalo Preschool
Lil’ Explorers Childcare Center is a preschool serving the Buffalo area of Minnesota. Established in 2003, Lil’ Explorers Childcare Center continues to provide a safe environment for children ages 6 weeks through Pre-K that is centered on exploration and development. With highly qualified teaching staff, Lil’ Explorers offers a preschool curriculum that helps children develop a love for learning.
Our expansive facilities offer plenty of room for your children to learn, grow, and develop, while our caring staff provides a nurturing and enriching atmosphere. Each facility features Infant Rooms, Toddler Rooms, Preschool Rooms, and dedicated Pre-Kindergarten Rooms, along with a large gross motor room inside each location.
We believe in a partnership where parents and caregivers work together with teachers to promote the best possible outcome for every child.
At Lil’ Explorers, we strive to provide the best preschool and daycare for Buffalo, MN families. Our extensive facilities and curriculum are designed to help children thrive in an enriching learning environment that is also safe and nurturing. It is the mission of our childcare staff to provide top-notch service for all families and provide an enjoyable and exciting time for all children in our care.
We Are Proudly Part of Parent Aware!
The Ascend Curriculum
We believe that every student is a unique individual who deserves to be treated with respect. The flexibility built into our Ascend Curriculum allows us to create individualized learning experiences for each child and our teachers focus on developing new skills in subjects such as Literacy, Baby Signs, Spanish, Art, Science & Sensory, and Technology every month. Activities can be modified to match the interests and current skill level of every child and we teach through play so our students treasure these first learning experiences and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Kind Child
We nurture friendships, cultivate positive character traits, and strengthen social skills through our Kind Child culture. Kind Child is an integral part of our Ascend Curriculum and we focus on social and emotional skills every month and the development of a new character trait such as Friendship, Empathy, and a Positive Self-Image every two months. The result is a positive and supportive preschool environment where every child feels welcome.
Kids Café Preschool Cooking Program
Cooking Up Confidence, One Recipe at a Time
Kids Café is a hands-on cooking program where children explore new foods, build confidence, and develop essential life skills through fun, guided kitchen experiences.
Program Highlights:
- Designed for ages 3+
- Weekly sessions over a 12-week program
- Hands-on cooking activities and kid-friendly recipes
- Builds teamwork, sharing, and communication skills
- Encourages problem-solving and following directions
- Supports early math, literacy, and critical thinking
- Includes a take-home cooking kit for continued fun
Talk to your School Director today to learn more and enroll.
A Loving and Supportive Environment For Little Ones
The Lil’ Explorers Childcare team is passionate about providing a warm and loving environment where Buffalo families feel confident that their child is safe and nurtured. Our experienced staff members are CPR, and First Aid certified, so you can rest assured that your little one is in good hands.
Additionally, our Buffalo daycare and Buffalo preschool programs are designed to encourage holistic development in young children. Our teachers work hard to create a supportive environment where every child feels valued and special.
If you’re looking for a Buffalo daycare or Buffalo preschool that puts your child’s needs first, look no further than Lil’ Explorers Childcare Center!
Cadence KickStart™ Soccer
Big Fun. Little Players. Growing Confidence.
Cadence KickStart™ Soccer is a high-energy enrichment program designed to build confidence, coordination, and teamwork through fun, age-appropriate soccer play. Led by the teachers your child already knows and trusts, it’s seamlessly built into the school day.
Program Highlights:
- Designed for ages 3–5
- 12-week program (once per week)
- 40–50 minute sessions
- Builds balance, coordination, and motor skills
- Encourages listening, teamwork, and confidence
- No prior soccer experience needed
- Integrated into your child’s daily schedule
Talk to your School Director today to learn more and enroll.
Preparing Your Child For Kindergarten
The Lil’ Explorers curriculum is designed to get your child ready for kindergarten and beyond. The curriculum focuses on the whole child, with an emphasis on social-emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
Through hands-on activities, and skills-based learning, your child will develop the skills they need to succeed in school and in life. With a strong foundation in literacy, math, science, and social studies, your child will be well-prepared for kindergarten and beyond!
Growth & Development Partner For Buffalo, MN Families
Whether you are looking for Buffalo daycare or Buffalo preschool programs, Lil’ Explorers Childcare Center has something to offer your family. Contact us today to schedule a tour of our center or learn more about our program offerings!
Programs Offered
Infant Care
Our infant care program invites children starting at the age of six weeks up to 18 months. Though leaving your little one for the first time is a big step, our nurturing environment is designed to feel just like a home away from home. Choosing our program ensures your baby receives personalized attention that supports their earliest developmental milestones.
Toddler Care
Our toddler care program invites children starting at 12 months up to 3 years old. Though toddlers are full of boundless energy, our environment is designed to channel that curiosity into safe exploration. Choosing a program that balances hands-on learning with guided play is a key step in fostering your child’s emerging independence.
Preschool
Our preschool program invites children starting at 3 years up to 5 years old. Though we introduce early academic concepts, we believe that learning happens naturally through open-ended play. Choosing our preschool environment helps build the essential “I can do it” confidence that serves as a foundation for their future education.
Pre-Kindergarten
Our Pre-Kindergarten program invites children starting at 4 years up to 5 years old. Though the focus shifts to kindergarten readiness, we ensure the preparation remains engaging and stress-free. Choosing our specialized curriculum ensures your child is academically and socially prepared for a smooth transition to elementary school.
Our infant care program invites children starting at the age of six weeks up to 18 months. Though leaving your little one for the first time is a big step, our nurturing environment is designed to feel just like a home away from home. Choosing our program ensures your baby receives personalized attention that supports their earliest developmental milestones.
Our toddler care program invites children starting at 12 months up to 3 years old. Though toddlers are full of boundless energy, our environment is designed to channel that curiosity into safe exploration. Choosing a program that balances hands-on learning with guided play is a key step in fostering your child’s emerging independence.
Our preschool program invites children starting at 3 years up to 5 years old. Though we introduce early academic concepts, we believe that learning happens naturally through open-ended play. Choosing our preschool environment helps build the essential “I can do it” confidence that serves as a foundation for their future education.
Our Pre-Kindergarten program invites children starting at 4 years up to 5 years old. Though the focus shifts to kindergarten readiness, we ensure the preparation remains engaging and stress-free. Choosing our specialized curriculum ensures your child is academically and socially prepared for a smooth transition to elementary school.
Our Team
Rebecca Hediger
School Director
Rebecca Hediger attended Rasmussen University in St. Cloud, MN where she studied Early Childhood Education. Here and in her continued education throughout the years, she has focused on child development, inclusive practices, family engagement, and supporting young children’s learning and growth. From starting her career in 2004 as a classroom aid, Rebecca has progressed to an assistant teacher, lead teacher, assistant director, and now school director. Through each position she has grown professionally, developed her leadership abilities, and deepened her passion for supporting children, families, and educations in early childhood programs.
The most rewarding part of early childhood education for Rebecca has been watching children learn, grow, reach new milestones, and seeing their excitement when they learn something new or accomplish a goal they have been working toward. She assists children achieve this by helping them build confidence, develop new skills, and develop their unique strengths. Her hobbies and interests include spending time with her children, traveling, exploring new places, watching movies, and enjoying outdoor activities. She loves making memories with family and friends, discovering new experiences, and finding opportunities for personal growth. Whether it’s a road
trip, a family adventure, or simply relaxing together, she values quality time with the people she cares about most.
Elisa Grangroth
Teacher of the Year
I currently live in Howard Lake with my husband, Zach, and daughter, Violet. I have been working in childcare since 2016 and joined Lil Explorers in September 2022. I have a passion for teaching young minds, especially toddlers. I love making wonderful connections with families and setting kids up for success at such a young age. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and traveling.
Childcare Schedule Options That Work With Your Life
Every family’s routine is unique — and your childcare should be too. With Cadence Education, our Family of Schools may offer various schedule options designed to fit your life.
Each of our school’s are unique, and may not offer all of the options listed below. Talk with your School Director to learn what options are available for your family.
FlexiPass — New Flexible Care Option!
When schedules change, or the grandparents cancel, or life just gets busy, FlexiPass gives you five prepaid days of care that you can use whenever* you need them, one at a time or all at once. No registration fees. No ongoing tuition. Just dependable care when you need it most.
