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Logo for Golden Days & Little Rays
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Childcare, Office Space & Fitness Near Rochester, MN

Welcome to Core 824, your all-in-one community hub serving Rochester, Minnesota, and the surrounding Goodhue County area. Nestled in the beautifully restored historic school building in Wanamingo, Minnesota, our facility brings together three essential services under one roof: licensed childcare, professional office rentals, and year-round fitness opportunities. Whether you're a parent seeking quality early childhood education, an entrepreneur looking for affordable office space, or a family wanting to stay active, Core 824 is designed with your needs in mind.

We believe that community, work, and play should coexist seamlessly, and our innovative approach to facility design makes that possible for Rochester-area families and professionals.

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An indoor playground

Licensed Childcare Services: Nurturing Young Minds

At Core 824, we operate Golden Days & Little Rays Daycare, a fully licensed childcare provider dedicated to supporting families with infants through school-age children (6 weeks through 12 years). We understand that finding quality childcare near Rochester is one of the most important decisions parents make, which is why we've built our program on a foundation of warmth, professionalism, and educational excellence.

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Infant and Toddler Care

Our infant care program provides a nurturing, attentive environment for the youngest learners. We recognize that infants require responsive caregiving and consistent routines, so our staff maintains low student-teacher ratios and implements individualized care plans. Parents working in Rochester's robust healthcare and business sectors can feel confident knowing their infants are cared for in a licensed, secure facility just minutes from their workplace.

Toddler programs at Core 824 focus on exploration, early language development, and social interaction. Our toddlers engage in age-appropriate activities that build confidence and curiosity while maintaining the structure and security that young children need.

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Preschool Programs with Frog Street Curriculum

Our preschool classes utilize the Frog Street Curriculum, an evidence-based educational approach that combines play-based learning with structured skill development. This curriculum prepares children for kindergarten success by building literacy, numeracy, social-emotional skills, and creative thinking. Parents seeking preschool near Rochester will find our program strikes the ideal balance between fun, exploration, and academic preparation.

The Frog Street Curriculum emphasizes:

  • Thematic learning units that engage children's natural curiosity

  • Language and pre-literacy skill development

  • Math and number recognition through play

  • Social-emotional learning and character development

  • Creative expression through art, music, and movement

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Practical Support for Working Families

We know that busy families need flexibility and reliability. Core 824 provides:

  • Flexible scheduling options to accommodate varying work schedules

  • Meals and snacks provided daily (no need to pack lunches)

  • Summer programming for school-age children

  • Licensed care standards that meet Minnesota requirements

  • A warm, secure environment where children thrive

Many parents working in Rochester's healthcare industry, Mayo Clinic system, and downtown businesses rely on Core 824 for dependable childcare that doesn't compromise on quality.

A Historic Building with a Modern Mission

Built in 1902, our century-old school building has been lovingly restored to serve a new generation. After generations of students walked these halls and created memories in the gymnasium, Core 824 continues the building's proud legacy of nurturing growth, learning, and community connection. The transformation from traditional school to multi-purpose community center reflects our commitment to breathing new life into Rochester's regional heritage while meeting the practical needs of today's busy families and working professionals.

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Our location in Wanamingo places us perfectly positioned to serve Rochester and surrounding communities. Just a short drive from Rochester's thriving downtown and major employers, Core 824 offers convenient access for parents working in the city and professionals seeking an escape from the hustle of traditional office parks. The restored historic character of our building, combined with modern amenities and infrastructure, creates an inspiring environment where children learn, businesses grow, and families thrive.

A rock-climbing wall in the corner of a gym-like room
An indoor playground next to a row of tricycles in a gym-like room
An activity room with an indoor playground in a gym-like space

Professional Office Space for Remote Workers and Entrepreneurs

Core 824 isn't just for families. We recognize that the landscape of work has transformed dramatically in recent years. Our professional office rentals serve entrepreneurs, remote workers, small business owners, and professionals seeking affordable, quiet workspace near Rochester without the overhead of traditional office parks. The quiet, secure environment at Core 824 eliminates the distractions of home while offering more affordable rates than traditional commercial office space in Rochester. Many professionals find that having dedicated workspace significantly improves focus, productivity, and work-life balance.

Move-In Ready Office Suites

Our office spaces for rent near Rochester come fully equipped and ready for immediate occupancy. Whether you need a small private office or a larger suite, our professional environment supports focused, productive work. Located in the heart of Goodhue County with easy access to Rochester, our office rentals offer the perfect alternative to crowded coffee shops or dedicated home offices that blur the boundary between work and life.

Complete Amenities Included

Every office rental at Core 824 includes:

  • High-speed internet connectivity

  • All utilities (heating, cooling, water, electricity)

  • 24/7 monitored security and surveillance

  • Secured entrances for professional environment

  • Simple, transparent monthly pricing with no hidden fees

  • Parking available

  • Professional atmosphere conducive to client meetings

Ideal for Various Professional Needs

Our office spaces serve many types of professionals and businesses:

  • Digital marketers and consultants

  • Virtual assistants and customer service teams

  • Software developers and IT professionals

  • Therapists and wellness practitioners

  • Accountants and bookkeepers

  • Sales representatives needing a professional base

Year-Round Family Fitness and Recreation

Core 824's open gym creates an affordable, family-friendly space for active recreation and community connection. We believe that staying healthy and active should be accessible to every family in the Rochester area, which is why we offer reasonable membership rates and a welcoming environment for all fitness levels and ages.

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Facilities and Activities

Our gymnasium features:

  • Full basketball courts

  • Volleyball nets and setup

  • Tot time for young children with age-appropriate equipment and activities

  • Open gym hours accommodating family schedules

  • A climate-controlled, indoor space perfect for year-round recreation regardless of Minnesota winters

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Community-Focused Approach

Unlike large, impersonal fitness chains, Core 824's gym membership emphasizes community connection. Families see familiar faces, children make friends, and parents can engage in recreational activity while their kids play safely nearby. The affordability of our flat-fee membership ensures that cost is never a barrier to family wellness.

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Year-Round Accessibility

Minnesota winters can be long and challenging for families seeking outdoor recreation. Core 824's indoor gym provides a solution, keeping families active and engaged throughout the year. Whether it's a snowy January or a humid July, families can rely on Core 824 for consistent fitness opportunities.

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Careers at Golden Days & Little Rays

We’re always looking for passionate childcare professionals to join our team. If you’re interested in working in a supportive, community-focused environment, explore our open positions.

Serving Rochester and Goodhue County

While Core 824 is located in Wanamingo, we proudly serve Rochester, Minnesota, and surrounding communities throughout Goodhue County. Rochester's strong economy, anchored by Mayo Clinic and numerous other employers, creates unique needs for families and professionals. Our facility is positioned to meet those needs by providing convenient access to quality childcare, affordable office space, and family fitness just minutes from Rochester's downtown and major employment centers.

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The Rochester area's growing population includes young families relocating for employment, remote workers choosing to base themselves in the region, and established residents seeking quality services. We are happy to welcome everyone and provide the infrastructure to support successful families and thriving businesses.

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Frequently Asked Questions
  • Golden Days & Little Rays Daycare offers flexible scheduling to accommodate working families. We provide infant, toddler, and preschool programs with flexible hours. Pricing varies based on age group, hours, and enrollment type. We recommend contacting us directly for current rates and to discuss your family's specific scheduling needs. All rates include meals and snacks.

  • We work with families utilizing various childcare assistance programs. Please reach out to discuss your individual situation and how we can work together to make quality childcare accessible and affordable for your family.

  • The Frog Street Curriculum combines research-based educational practices with play-centered learning. It emphasizes skill development in literacy, math, social-emotional areas, and creativity while keeping learning joyful and developmentally appropriate. Children progress at their own pace while building confidence and independence. Teachers receive specialized training in the curriculum's implementation.

  • Absolutely. We encourage prospective families to visit Core 824 and meet our teaching staff. Tours allow you to see our classrooms, meet our team, and get a feel for our warm, caring environment. Please contact us to schedule your visit at a convenient time.

  • Yes. While we've preserved the character and charm of this 1902 building, our renovation included all modern safety systems, accessibility features, utilities, and building codes compliance. The facility includes secure entrances, 24/7 monitoring, and all safety features required for childcare, office, and recreational use. Children and families are completely safe in our thoughtfully restored space.

Map Section

At Core 824, we are proud to serve Rochester and its surrounding areas. Please refer to the map below for our service area.

Need Childcare, Office Space & Fitness Near Rochester, MN?

Core 824 offers everything your family and business needs under one historic roof. We invite you to experience the Core 824 difference: a restored 1902 school building transformed into a vibrant community hub where childcare excellence, professional workspace, and family wellness coexist harmoniously.

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Whether you're seeking licensed preschool programs using the research-based Frog Street Curriculum for your young learner, affordable office space with high-speed internet and included utilities for your business, or year-round family fitness activities to keep everyone active, Core 824 welcomes you.

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Contact us today to learn more about enrollment, office rentals, gym memberships, or to schedule a facility tour. Discover why Rochester-area families and professionals choose Core 824 as their trusted partner for quality childcare, flexible workspace, and healthy family recreation.

We look forward to welcoming you and your family to our community hub.

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