About Us

Founded in 1998 by Cheryl Mikel, Rainbow Child Development Center is licensed for 63 children. As a working mother with experience as an in-home child care provider, preschool teacher, and family advocate, Cheryl saw firsthand the need for high-quality, full-time child care in St. Paul.

Since 2010, Maria, Cheryl’s daughter, has been the Director of Rainbow Child Development Center, continuing our mission that every child deserves access to excellent early learning experiences. 

Yellow outline star decorations on a black background.

Our Mission:

To provide excellent early childhood education opportunities for children, a supportive environment for families, and a fulfilling professional experience for teachers

Our Vision:

For every child to have access to inspiring early learning experiences in classrooms filled with creativity, friendship, and fun

Our Philosophy:

To celebrate and support the uniqueness of each child, family, and educator


More on Our Philosophy:
  • Children: Nurture the uniqueness of each child through the promotion of kindergarten readiness skills in the areas of physical, intellectual, social and emotional development.

  • Families: Build strong relationships to provide early childhood education in a manner consist with the child’s cultural background. Advocate with families to address systemic challenges in early childhood such as equitable education outcomes and family affordability.

  • Educators: Hire and develop outstanding educators who love working with children and connecting with families. Teachers participate in ongoing learning and reflection to improve their teaching overtime.

Start the adventure today.

A woman with long black hair hugging a young boy with short black hair, who is holding a colorful toy. In the background, a girl with a pacifier in her mouth is sitting in a padded seat on a colorful blue and green patterned carpet, with white walls and a whiteboard behind them.
Three children standing in a classroom, holding a blue plastic container filled with toy cars, smiling at the camera. The background includes a whiteboard and colorful circular carpet patterns.

Contact Us