St Francis Children's Center

St. Francis Children’s Center is a preschool and comprehensive early childhood services provider in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. Serving children from infancy through age five, the center offers a state-licensed, NAC-accredited Early Childhood Education program with a 5-Star Youngstar rating. It also provides pediatric outpatient therapies, including speech, occupational, and physical therapy, as well as in-home Birth to Three early intervention services and Children’s Long-Term Support coordination. The center supports children with and without special needs, empowering families through inclusive programming, mental health services, and community resources. With over 1,200 children served annually across Milwaukee County, it has been a trusted community resource since its founding in 1968.

For over 55 years, St. Francis Children’s Center has operated as a nonprofit social services agency dedicated to inclusive education and family support. Its Early Childhood Education program offers year-round, full-day care for infants six weeks old through five-year-olds, emphasizing play-based learning, social-emotional development, and individualized support. The center houses on-site pediatric therapy services and employs a team of experienced therapists and licensed professionals, including Dr. Rick Clark, a licensed psychologist who provides psychological evaluations and therapy for children with autism, ADHD, anxiety, learning challenges, and social-emotional difficulties. The Family Activity Center offers free weekly programs such as story time, sensory play, SibShops, and parent support groups, fostering community connection and access to resources.

Located on N Port Washington Road, the center sits just 0.1 miles from the North Shore Public Library and a short distance from Cardinal Stritch University and the Green Tree Road Bridge. It is also within a quarter-mile of North Port Washington Road and less than a half-mile from the North-South Freeway, making it accessible from key regional routes. The facility is situated near St. Francis Children’s Center, a nearby school, and is easily reached from the surrounding neighborhoods of Whitefish Bay.

The center is recognized for its long-standing commitment to inclusive education and family empowerment, serving children and families across Milwaukee County with a proven track record of excellence. Its dedication to early intervention, therapeutic support, and community engagement has solidified its reputation as a vital resource in the region. As a leader in early childhood development and special needs services, St. Francis Children’s Center continues to nurture the growth of children and families in Whitefish Bay and beyond.