Mission and History
Our Mission
At Family First Childcare, our mission is to nurture self-esteem and unlock potential for children,
families, and employees by delivering and continuously improving the best child
development programs possible!
Our History
2010s
Family First Childcare is proud to partner with the Partnership for a Healthier America, pioneering a farm-to-table program for early childhood education.
At Family First Childcare, we integrate STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) into our curriculum to foster creativity and critical thinking.
2000s
Our dedication to quality continues.
Family First Childcare schools are proudly accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Family First Childcare schools proudly hold the highest ratings from Parent Aware.
1990s
Family First Childcare proudly expands its commitment to excellence with the acquisition of several schools in Idaho and the operation of 47 schools in Minnesota.
Family First Childcare is proud to care for over 5,000 children across Minnesota and Idaho.
Our Vision
At Family First Childcare, we create the best early childhood experiences, building confidence and resilience
in young learners. Beyond our classrooms, we are dedicated to ensuring all children have access to
high-quality early learning during their critical brain development years.
Our Core Values
Our Story
Family First Childcare, a Minnesota family-owned and operated childcare company, has been dedicated to serving young children since 1971. Founded by Sue Dunkley, an elementary school teacher, Family First Childcare was created to provide a nurturing environment where children could build self-belief before stepping into the larger world of school. This vision remains at the heart of our mission today.
Today, Chad Dunkley, Sue’s son and one of Family First Childcare’s first students, serves as our Chief Executive Officer. Chad upholds the commitment to excellence that his mother, Sue, established in the early years of New Family First Childcare Center. The mission, philosophy, and practices of Family First Childcare continue to be built upon the same strong foundation, ensuring a healthy sense of self and a commitment to excellence for every child in our programs.
Driven by our deep love, belief, and dedication to children, Family First Childcare has flourished into one of the nation’s most successful and respected providers of childcare and early education.
Our Family Welcomes Your Family
At Family First Childcare, our mission, philosophy, and practices are centered around a commitment to excellence and fostering a healthy sense of self in every child enrolled in our early education and childcare programs.
At Family First Childcare, our family is thrilled to welcome yours. While childhood may be brief, we are dedicated to creating lasting memories that your family will cherish for a lifetime.
