Shavaughn Perkins has sent her children to Northside Child Development Center since her 16 year old was six weeks old. She lived next door when Northside was built and immediately felt comfortable when she visited.

“At Northside they welcome you, and they care about what’s going on both inside and outside the center,” Perkins said. “They go beyond their job.”

Perkins now has six children, and her 19-month-old twins Torrence and Terrence are the latest additions to the Northside family. The boys learn words, colors and shapes and enjoy reading and playtime outside.

“I notice it in their better eating and manners at home,” Perkins said. “They use utensils and can eat without throwing food.”

Northside offers five age-specific programs for children ages six weeks to 16 years. Perkins’ sons attend the “Strong Beginnings” program, offered in conjunction with Hennepin County. Its students consistently score higher on kindergarten tests than their peers.

Perkins said she recommends Northside to all her family and friends. Her sister Tinesha sends her four children to Northside and said the educational aspect sets Northside apart from other childcare providers.

“It’s a learning center,” Tinesha said. “They come and learn instead of just playing all day.”

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