Welcome
Parenting is hard, let us help! Explore our library of blog posts, video and how-to guides to support your family’s journey.
Penfield Children’s Center, with support from Kohl’s, works to provide comprehensive educational and developmental services to help children of all abilities reach their full potential.
For nearly 60 years, Penfield Children’s Center has been helping children grow, learn, and thrive. Founded by renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Wilder Penfield, our organization was built on a deep understanding of how early experiences shape a child’s future — and the belief that every child deserves the chance to reach their full potential.
Today, Penfield is recognized as a leader in early childhood development, combining decades of experience, research-based practices, and compassionate care to help families nurture their children’s growth. Based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Penfield supports more than 1,500 children and mothers each year through programs that include high-quality early education and care, therapy services, early intervention, mental health support, and prenatal programming.
The first three years of life represent one of the most critical periods in a child’s development, a time when more than 80% of the brain’s structure is formed. During this window, a child’s experiences lay the foundation for how they learn, grow, and interact with the world throughout their lifetime.
Our therapists bring years of hands-on experience working with infants and young children, helping families navigate every stage of development — from first words to first steps and beyond. What we’ve learned through decades of supporting children and families is now shared with you, so you can feel confident nurturing your child’s growth at home.
Penfield is also home to the Behavior Clinic, a nationally recognized program and leader in mental health care for children ages 0–6. In partnership with Marquette University, Penfield developed the Early Pathways treatment model — an evidence-based approach that helps families address behavioral and emotional challenges through practical, compassionate, and research-driven support.
Our licensed family counselors are experts in early childhood mental health, with deep knowledge of child development, family systems, and trauma-informed care. For years, they’ve worked directly with young children and families in Milwaukee, helping caregivers understand emotions, build positive routines, and strengthen healthy relationships.
Now, they’re sharing what they’ve learned with you. The same trusted professionals who guide families are offering practical, research-based resources to help you support your child’s emotional well-being— with compassion, understanding, and confidence.
At Penfield, we know that parenting is hard, but we are here to help! Whether your child needs a little extra help reaching milestones or you’re looking for trusted resources to guide their development, Penfield Building Blocks is here to walk alongside you.
With 60 years of expertise and a commitment to compassionate, evidence-based care, Penfield Building Blocks is your trusted partner in helping every child reach their full potential.
Better Together
Through generous support from Kohl’s Cares, the Penfield Building Blocks Program supports children and families throughout Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. For over 30 years, this partnership has provided essential early intervention services, giving children in need access to critical educational programs, developmental services, and specialized equipment.
Along with local support, Kohl’s Cares helps fund the Penfield Building Blocks online resources, providing parents and caregivers across the country with practical tools and guidance to support their child’s early development. These resources include informational videos, activity guides, and expert blogs created by Penfield’s team of therapists and educators, sharing decades of experience in early childhood intervention. Whether you’re looking for strategies to encourage communication, motor skills, or social-emotional growth, the Penfield Building Blocks, sponsored by Kohl’s Cares, online resources make expert guidance accessible to families wherever they are.
