Penfield Children’s Center

Specialties

Penfield Children s Center is a nonprofit organization providing child care services. It offers a behavioral clinic providing treatment for several behavior-​related problems, including aggression, temper tantrums, hyperactivity and physical self-​abuse. The clinic s staff provides counseling, education and psychology programs. The center offers services for children up to 3 years old that include diagnosing cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, respiratory disorders, hydrocephalus, and sight and hearing impairments. The center s early childhood enrichment program is approved by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs. It also provides various family services, such as parental education workshops on toilet training, children dealing with behavioral problems and toy making. It also organizes family events, including parties, cultural celebrations, holiday gatherings and field trips. Penfield Children s Center offers a special care nursery and outpatient therapy clinic. The center is located in Milwaukee.

History

Established in 1968.

In 1967, the Via Marsi Montessori School for Exceptional Children was founded as a not for profit organization to serve children in the Milwaukee community with developmental delays. In 1974, the school moved to it’s present location and was renamed Penfield Children’s Center in honor of world renowned neurologist Dr. Wilder Penfield who was a strong advocate of early intervention services for children with special needs. His quote, «never underestimate the capacity of the very young, and never, never let them down,» is the foundation of Penfield’s mission.

In addition to serving children with special needs in the Birth-​to-​Three program and Special Care Nursery, Penfield also offers a superior child care program, accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and rated 5 stars by YoungStar, the program developed by the State of Wisconsin to improve care for children.