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About Us

Bilingual Learning Center (BLC)

Bilingual Learning Center (BLC)

We make this place feel like home!

The Bilingual Learning Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit enrichment program that is uniquely designed to meet the needs of students and parents alike through before and after school programming for students in PreK through 5th grade. Our program works within the city of Minneapolis with public, charter and private schools. Additionally, BLC is a fully bilingual program (English-Spanish) designed to foster a welcoming, multicultural, nurturing and fun environment, while promoting cultural experiences, a love for languages, successful academics, and leadership opportunities for our students. BLC’s core values are our welcoming environment, equity, responsibility and caring. Our programs goals are to decrease the achievement gap within a dual language immersion setting and to support the exploration of interests and the development of skills and creativity. We also support the needs of working families by offering scholarships to low-income students and by bringing awareness and recognition to the many different cultural backgrounds and traditions represented in BLC.

Thank you for all your support! BLC would not be possible without our amazing community. We look forward to another great year full of learning and fun! Sincerely, BLC Staff.

Annual Report

  • Our Vision

    To prepare children from linguistically and ethnically diverse background for success in school and lifelong learning in a global society through after school programming.

  • Our Mission

    The mission of BLC is to foster an enhanced learning environment for children that both honors and celebrates their diversity. Through innovative programming and cultural and language enrichment, BLC provides high quality, nurturing after school enrichment programming for all students.

  • Accreditation

    BLC Bilingual Learning Center is accredited by Minnesota After school accreditation program (MN AEYC -MNSACA) to strengthen and improve the quality after school program for all our children and the community.

  • Program Goals

    • Decrease the achievement gap within a dual language immersion setting to our “at risk” diverse students in grades PreK-5th.
    • Support the Exploration of Interests and the Development of Skills and Creativity.
    • Support the needs of working families and bringing awareness and recognition to their many different cultural backgrounds and traditions.

What parents are saying...

Testimonials

So happy this program is here! I love the fact my son is safe and learning Spanish. The program is also flexible and meets my family’s needs.
Windom/BLC parent
The programs at BLC are amazing opportunities for me to let my kids explore art, music, sports and community. The part I appreciate most about the WERC program is the fantastic staff that treats my kids as individuals and pushes them to be their best.
Lisa NaughtonBLC /Windom Parent
A mi me gusta como enseña, cuida y juegan en el programa de BLC . Tiene muchas ideas para nuestros niños. Muy buen programa y muy buen equipo.
Rocio LópezWindom/BLC parent
The entire BLC staff is very dedicated to providing an atmosphere that promotes friendship and creativity. Perfecto for after a long day of academics!
KaraBLC/Windom Parent
Lo que me gusta de BLC es: las maestras me cuidan y me tartan con respeto, amor y son muy amables. Me encantan mis clases. Muchas gracias por todo.
AndreaBLC/Windom Student
BLC is amazing. The staff really cares about our kids and I love that. I also love that there is this wonderful mixed-age Spanish immersion after school opportunity. And so many great activities to choose from!
BLC/Windom parent
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Who We Are

Staff

Blanca Raniolo
Blanca Raniolo

Blanca Raniolo

Executive Director and founder

Welcome to BLC Bilingual Learning Center!

My name is Blanca Raniolo and I am the executive director and founder of Bilingual Learning Center (BLC) in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which opened in 2011. I also work with Nokomis Heights Lutheran Church as their Children’s Ministry Director.
I am the author of a bilingual children’s book about mindfulness, “The Boy and the Blue Heron,” and I visit schools to encourage children to learn how to explore their emotions through the senses. The book is inspired by Blackhawk Lake in Minnesota, where a blue heron appears each year in a natural autumn landscape.

I earned a BA in Education in 1992 and a master’s in Social Communication with a specialization in social development in 2001, both with honors from Andres Bello Catholic University in Venezuela. In 2005, I received my Master of Education degree from Hamline University with a 4.0 GPA, when I won a scholarship from the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington DC.

My professional history includes working for twenty-four years consistently in the education field, in administration, and as a supervisor. As a leader, I have facilitated workshops for adults with a focus on Latinos in low-income communities. I am the author of two books about education, director of an instructional video on better parenting, and author of multiple articles on education in several Latino newspapers and magazines in the Twin Cities and in my original country, Venezuela. In 2008, I won the 25 On the Rise Award in the Twin Cities, Minnesota. In 2016, I received the Visionary Leadership Award from the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits. I have also worked as a Yoga Calm certified instructor at many dual immersion schools in Minneapolis.

My philosophy of Education is Constructivism. I believe in educating by reflecting on experiences in a learning environment and constructing an understanding of the world we live in. My passion is to work with diverse communities and create a welcome and safe environment in which everybody has the same opportunity to learn.

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Directora Ejecutiva, Fundadora

¡Bienvenidos a BLC Bilingual Learning Center!

Mi nombre es Blanca Raniolo y soy la Directora Ejecutiva y Fundadora del Centro de Aprendizaje Bilingüe (BLC) en Minneapolis, Minnesota desde 2011. También apoyo a la Iglesia Luterana de Nokomis Heights como Directora del Ministerio de Niños.

Soy autora de un libro infantil bilingüe de atención plena, "El niño y la garza azul," y realiza visitas a las escuelas para animar a los niños a aprender a explorar sus emociones a través de los sentidos. El libro está inspirado en el lago Blackhawk en Minnesota, donde una garza azul aparece cada año en un paisaje natural de otoño.

Obtuve una BA en educación en 1992 y una maestría en comunicación social con una especialización en desarrollo social en 2001 ambos con honores de Andrés Bello Catholic University en Venezuela. En 2005, recibí mi maestría de educación de Hamline University con una 4.0 GPA cuando gané una beca de la Organization of American States (OAS) en Washington DC.

Mi historia profesional incluye trabajar veinte cuatro años consecuentemente en el campo de la educación, en administración, y como supervisora. Como líder, he facilitada talleres para adultos con un foco en latinos en comunidades de bajos recursos. Soy autora de dos libros sobre educación, directora de un video instructivo de mejor paternidad y autora de múltiples artículos sobre educación en varios periódicos y revistas latinos en las Ciudades Gemelas y en mi país original, Venezuela. En 2008, gané el premio 25 On the Rise en las Ciudades Gemelas, Minnesota. En 2016, recibí el premio de Visionary Leadership del Minnesota Council of Nonprofits. He trabajado como instructora certificada de Yoga Calm en muchas escuelas de doble inmersión en Minneapolis.

Mi filosofía de educación es constructivismo. Creo en educar reflejando experiencias en un ambiente de aprendizaje y construyendo una comprensión del mundo donde vivimos. Mi pasión es trabajar con comunidades diversas y crear un ambiente acogedor y seguro en el que todos tengan la misma oportunidad que aprender.

Bio
Staff-Adriana
Adriana Morgado

Adriana Morgado

Program Senior Childcare Leader

My name is Adriana Morgado, I am from Veracruz, México, and I am bilingual and bicultural. I have been working at BLC Bilingual Learning Center in the after school program as a cultural cooking instructor and youth leader for many years. I am also the lead teacher during the early program with High Five students from 7:30am-10:30 AM Monday –Thursday in partnership with Windom Dual Immersion School and Joyce Preschool. I believe that every child matters.

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Me llamo Adriana Morgado, nací en México, Veracruz, y soy bilingüe y bicultural. He trabajado como instructora de cocina cultural y apoyo a los jóvenes en el Centro de Enriquecimiento de BLC por muchos años. Además, soy la encargada de enseñar y coordinar el programa de las mañanas de los niños de pre-escolar de 7:30-10:30 AM de lunes a jueves. El programa de BLC tiene convenio y trabaja conjuntamente con Joyce Preschool y Windom School con los niños de pre-escolar que estén inscritos en ambas escuelas. Creo que cada uno de los niños son únicos e importantes.

Bio
Elianna Thorne
Elianna Thorne

Elianna Thorne

Program Manager Assistant

My name is Elianna Thorne, and I am the Program Manager Assistant at BLC Bilingual Learning Center in Minneapolis. I grew up in St. Louis Park, and attended Lawrence University in Appleton, WI. I have a Bachelor of Music Degree in cello performance. For the last three years I have worked in non-profit administration around the Midwest. I write fiction and non-fiction in my spare time. I am excited to have this opportunity to be a part of the BLC program and keep things running with our wonderful staff.

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Me llamo Elianna Thorne, y soy la nueva asistente de programas en BLC. Soy de St. Louis Park, y asistí a Lawrence University en Appleton, WI. Tengo estudios superiores de música y toco el chelo. Hace tres años he trabajado en administración de organizaciones no gubernamentales en el medio oeste. Escribo historias en mi tiempo libre. Estoy emocionada de tener la oportunidad de ser parte del programa BLC, y apoyar con mi experiencia a todos los compañeros maravillosos del programa.

Bio
Nora Hatting
Nora Hatting

Nora Hatting

My name is Nora Hatting and this is my second year working at BLC Bilingual Learning Center. I grew up in Minneapolis, MN and attended elementary school at Windom Dual Immersion School. I am currently studying Environmental Science online at the University of Manitoba. I am super excited to continue working with the amazing students and staff at BLC.

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Me llamo Nora Hatting y es mi segundo año trabajando en BLC Bilingual Learning Center. Crecí en Minneapolis, MN y asistí a la escuela primaria en Windom Dual Immersion School. Actualmente estoy estudiando ciencia medio ambiental en línea en la Universidad de Manitoba. Estoy muy emocionada por continuar mi trabajo con los estudiantes y personal increíble en BLC.

Bio
Ashley Delgado
Ashley Delgado

Ashley Delgado

Academic support Spanish Tutor

Hi, my name is Ashley. I am a sophomore at Macalester College. I am majoring in Psychology and Spanish with a minor in Educational Studies. Last year, I joined BLC as a volunteer and I wanted to come back to support the kids. This year, BLC gave me the opportunity to be a Spanish tutor at Nokomis. I love spending time with the kids and the wonderful BLC staff!

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Hola, mi nombre es Ashley. Estoy en mi segundo año en Macalester College estudiando psicología, español y estudios educacionales. El año pasado empecé como voluntaria en BLC y quise regresar este año para seguir apoyando a los niños. Este año BLC me dio la oportunidad de ser tutora en español en Nokomis. ¡Me encanta pasar tiempo con los niños y el personal de BLC!

Bio
Staff-Yamileth
Yamileth Romero

Yamileth Romero

Childcare Assistant

Hello, my name is Yamileth. I am from Honduras and I have experience working with children of all ages for more than 17 years. In Honduras I worked in a house for orphaned children. It was a very difficult experience, but I learned a lot. In the family home, I started working with 50 children and now there are 150 children! I started volunteering at BLC in September and currently I’m part of the BLC teacher team. BLC is a great program and I feel so blessed to be working with the kids, the families, and the staff.

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Hola, mi nombre es Yamileth. Soy de Honduras y tengo una gran experiencia trabajando con niños de todas las edades por más de 17 años. En Honduras trabajé en una casa hogar de niños huérfanos. Fue una experiencia muy dura pero aprendí muchísimo. Comencé en esa casa hogar con 50 niños y ahora hay 150 niños. En BLC fue voluntaria por muchos meses y ahora formo parte del equipo de maestras de BLC. BLC es un buen programa y me siento muy bendecida trabajando con los niños, las familias y el personal.

Bio
Staff-Linda
Linda Torres

Linda Torres

Child care Assistant

Hi, my name is Linda Torres, and I'm a sophomore at Kennedy High School in Bloomington. I have been at BLC since Kindergarten, and after 5th grade I became a volunteer, working with all the kids after school. I work 3 days per week after school as a Childcare Assistant, and I have also worked at the summer camps. It’s been great to have the chance to get to work with people that I have known for so many years and who are like a second family to me.  I enjoy learning new things every day and getting to experience and make new memories throughout the year with all the kids.

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Hola, mi nombre es Linda Torres y soy estudiante de segundo año en Kennedy High School en Bloomington. He estado en BLC desde Kínder y después del quinto grado me convertí en voluntaria y trabajé con todos los niños después de la escuela. Trabajo 3 días a la semana después de la escuela como asistente de cuidado infantil y también he trabajado en los campamentos de verano. Ha sido genial tener la oportunidad de trabajar con personas que conozco desde hace tantos años y que son como una segunda familia para mí. Disfruto aprendiendo cosas nuevas todos los días y experimentando y creando nuevos recuerdos a lo largo del año con todos los niños.

Bio
Staff-Adriana-Leal
Adriana Leal

Adriana Leal

My name is Adriana Leal and I am an economist and was born in Venezuela. I have spent many years tutoring children in math and reading. I enjoy working at BLC, which I love because it is a quality program where students feel at home and the environment is safe and very fun. The staff and the teachers work together to offer families an integrated, multicultural program.

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Mi nombre es Adriana Leal, soy economista y nací en Venezuela. Tengo muchos años trabajando con niños en tutorías de matemáticas y lectura. Disfruto mucho trabajando en BLC, que personalmente me encanta porque es un programa de calidad donde los niños se sienten como en casa y el ambiente es seguro y muy divertido. El personal y los maestros trabajamos en equipo para ofrecerles a las familias un programa integral y multicultural.

Bio
Staff-Souhail-Danami
Souhail Danami

Souhail Danami

My name is Souhail Danami. I am originally from Casablanca, Morocco and came to the United States when I was two years old. I have a background in working for family courts, banking, and marketing. I have spent the last year with BLC in community outreach and am now leading the Windom elementary site as well. I enjoy the program very much and really want the kids to succeed in a multicultural learning environment. I have an amazing staff supporting me and look forward to learning more!

Bio
Staff-Nate
Nate Revord

Nate Revord

My name is Nate Revord and I graduated from the University of Minnesota in Fall 2023 with a degree in psychology and a minor in Spanish. I have a strong interest in multilingual education and am committed to providing the best services for your child!

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Mi nombre es Nate Revord y me gradué de la Universidad de Minnesota en el otoño de 2023 con una licenciatura en psicología y especialización en español. ¡Tengo un gran interés en la educación multilingüe y estoy comprometido a brindar los mejores servicios para su hijo!

Bio
Staff-Alma
Alma Sanchez

Alma Sanchez

My name is Alma Sanchez, I'm the Communications and Marketing coordinator at BLC and a recent graduate from University of St. Thomas with a minor in Spanish, and a double major in Entrepreneurship and Marketing. I started BLC in 2022 working with the youth at the Nokomis afterschool program and summer camp, now I'm using my skills to support BLC behind the scenes. I believe in making all kids feel heard and leading by example.

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Mi nombre es Alma Sánchez, soy la coordinadora de Comunicaciones y Mercadeo en BLC y recién graduada de la Universidad de St. Thomas con una especialización en Español, y una doble licenciatura en Emprendimiento y Mercadeo. Comencé en BLC en 2022 trabajando con jóvenes en el programa de después de la escuela y el campamento de verano en Nokomis, ahora estoy utilizando mis habilidades para apoyar a BLC desde detrás de escena. Creo en hacer que todos los niños se sientan escuchados y liderar como el ejemplo.

Bio
Staff-Ann
Ann Klaas

Ann Klaas

Hi, I’m Ann! I have always loved kids and have experience working with all ages. I was a Park Leader, Coach, and Staff Manager for Golden Valley Park and Recreation for many years, where I led activities, crafts, and games; coached baseball, t-ball, kickball and other sports; and led and mentored the summer staff. I also spent a year in Breckenridge, Colorado teaching kids to ski, and a year in San Diego, California where I created kids’ programs for visitors and field trip groups for the Flying Leatherneck Marine Aviation Museum. I love camping in the Boundary Waters, baseball, skiing, reading, doing crafts, and spending time with my family – particularly my nephews (6 years old and 9 years old).

I graduated from Bowdoin College in Maine with a degree in anthropology, and, accordingly, I like trying to incorporate different cultures and perspectives into activities at BLC. I love challenging the kids to think creatively and encouraging their curiosity.

 

¡Hola! Mi nombre es Ann. Siempre me encanta trabajar con niños y de todas edades. Fui una líder del parque, una entrenadora, y la gerente de empleados para Golden Valley Park and Recreation por muchos años. Allí fui líder de las actividades, los juegos, y las artesanías; entrené béisbol, T-ball, kickball, y otros deportes; y fui líder de los empleados del verano. También pasaba un año en Breckenridge, Colorado enseñando a los niños como esquiar, y un año en San Diego, California, donde creé programas para los visitantes y los estudiantes en excursiones para el Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum (un museo de los marines). Me encanta acampar en los Boundary Waters, mirar y jugar el béisbol, esquiar, leer, hacer artesanías, y pasar tiempo con mi familia — especialmente mis sobrinos.

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Me gradué de Bowdoin College en Maine con un título en antropología, y, en consecuencia, me gusta tratar de incorporar culturas y perspectivas diferentes en las actividades en BLC. Me encanta desafiar a los niños pensar creativamente y fomentar su curiosidad.

Bio
Our Leadership

Board of Directors

Rodolfo Gutierrez
Rodolfo Gutierrez

Rodolfo Gutierrez

Rodolfo has been serving as executive director of Hispanic Advocacy and Community Empowerment through Research, or HACER, since 2007. He has extensive professional experience in quantitative and qualitative research and evaluation. His research interests focus on education, immigration, health care access, and housing.

Originally from Mexico, Rodolfo carries previous experience in research in Mexico and the U.S., and brings a strong background in quantitative and qualitative research with an emphasis on the Mexican women’s labor force, elderly populations, human rights, and demographic change. Currently Rodolfo serves at different boards for nonprofit organizations,  as well as the MDH, Aurora Charter school.

Email address: rodolfo@hacer-mn.org, gutie102@umn.edu

Bio
Keidy Lora
Keidy Lora

Keidy Lora

Keidy Lora-Palusky is originally from the Dominican Republic and after several years of Minnesota winters, Keidy and her husband and two children have relocated to the Dominican Republic, where she is still active on BLC's board.  She graduated with a B.A. in Marketing from the Universidad Catolica Santo Domingo and is a Certified Medical, Law and Social Services Interpreter.

She has been a very active volunteer in the school system, serving as a PTO Co-chair for four consecutive years at Windom Dual Immersion School, as well as being involved with the Hispanic community, coordinating trainings and parenting education classes through several organizations serving the Latino population.

Currently, she is Family & Communication Liaison of Emerson Dual Language Magnet school in the Minneapolis Public Schools and offers her services as a freelance translator and interpreter to different businesses.

She is married with two wonderful children and has finally embraced the long Minnesota winters!

Email address: keidylora@yahoo.com

Bio
Alicia Juarez
Alicia Juarez

Alicia Juarez

Alicia Juarez is Mexican-American and grew up in both Mexico City and Minneapolis. She is a teacher at Andersen Dual Immersion and her connection to the BLC program began when she served as the summer enrichment program teacher. She joined the board as a way to continue to support BLC as they expand to provide dual immersion enrichment programming to other schools. Alicia believes so much in this program that she has sent her two children to weekly activities through the BLC program. She has witnessed her children’s cultural understanding of the Spanish speaking world expand just as their knowledge and use of Spanish expands. Her hope and desire would be for more children at Windom and beyond to participate in these kinds of enrichment activities.

Bio
Kirstin Buckley
Kirstin Buckley Chair

Kirstin Buckley

Chair

Kirstin Buckley is a 4th grade teacher at Windom Dual Immersion School. Born and raised in Wisconsin, she moved to Minneapolis and joined the BLC team as a volunteer that assisted with students and their activities. The following year she was the Program Assistant and taught some of the enrichment summer camps. Although she has other responsibilities that do not allow her to spend her afterschool time with the BLC students, she is continuing to support BLC by helping on the board. Kirstin has witnessed first-hand the compassion and care that the BLC exhibits everyday towards families and believes in helping BLC become accessible to more families so that more children can experience quality culture-based classes that encourage them to develop their bilingual skills.

Email address: Kirstin.Buckley@mpls.k12.mn.us

Bio
Board-Terrell
Terrell Web

Terrell Web

Speaks English, Portuguese, and Spanish. Youth Worker at la Escuelita after school program.
Equity Specialist, Robbinsdale Area Schools (in Minnesota)
Currently working at Power of You Advisor at MCTC

Education: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Bachelor’s degree, Sociology

Email address: terrell.webb@minneapolis.edu

Bio
Angela Barrera
Angela Barrera Secretary

Angela Barrera

Secretary

Angela Barrera is a Mexican-American artist raised in south Minneapolis. She has an AA in Visual Art from Normandale Community College. She is an active community art educator working with people of all ages and teaching them the beauty of art and expression through it. Currently, she is the secretary of Green Central Magnet School in Minneapolis Public School.

Angela Barrera es una artista mexicano-estadounidense criada en el sur de Minneapolis. Tiene un AA en Artes Visuales de Normandale Community College. Ella es una educadora de arte comunitaria activa que trabaja con personas de todas las edades y les enseña la belleza del arte y la expresión a través de él. Ella trabaja como secretaria de la escuela publica  de Green central Magnet School en Minneapolis. 

Bio
Board-Monica
Mónica Pinto-Moe

Mónica Pinto-Moe

Mónica Pinto-Moe was born and raised in the city of Bogotá, Colombia. She has a BA in Science with a minor in Bacteriology from the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Colombia and has a Master in ESL education from the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota. She has been an educator for 17 years, 4 of those serving as a strong and passionate advocate for equitable bilingual education. She worked 2 years as a Bilingual Coordinator at Emerson Dual Language School, and currently works as the District Multilingual Lead (PreK-12) for Richfield Public Schools, supporting the bilingual program and English programs for multilingual learners. She is now part of the BLC board. Her connection to BLC started as a parent when her only son joined the BLC community in preschool at Windom. Because of the enrichment activities provided, her son was able to experience music, sports, cooking, games and cultural activities. She believes all students should have an opportunity like BLC in their lives. This program highlights the gift of bilingualism and teaches students empathy and love toward other cultures different from their own. Her hope is to see this program reach out to other schools outside the metro area.

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Mónica Pinto-Moe nació y creció en la ciudad de Bogotá, Colombia. Se graduó de Bacterióloga en la Pontificia Universidad Javeriana en Colombia y tiene una maestría en Inglés como segundo idioma de la Universidad de St. Thomas en Minnesota. Ha sido maestra por 17 años, los últimos a los cuales se ha dedicado a abogar por los derechos de los estudiantes multilingües y su pasión por la educación bilingüe. Trabajó por dos años como coordinadora bilingüe en la escuela Dual de Emerson, y actualmente es la Líder Multilingüe (PreK-12) del distrito escolar de las escuelas públicas de Richfield. Su trabajo abarca el apoyar los programas bilingües y los programas de inglés que se proveen a los estudiantes multilingües. A partir de este año hará parte de la junta directiva de BLC. Su conexión con el programa comenzó cuando su hijo hizo parte de este estando en preescolar en la escuela Windom. Algo que siempre le llamó la atención del programa eran las actividades didácticas que se ofrecían que exploraban varios aspectos culturales a través del juego, bailes, arte, música, deportes y culinaria. Para ella este programa no solamente resalta el ser bilingüe, sino que también expone a los estudiantes a la multidiversidad cultural. Su esperanza es poder ver a BLC crecer en otras escuelas que no ofrecen este tipo de servicios más allá de los límites de la ciudad de Minneapolis.

Bio

Work With Us

Want to join our team?

BLC is always looking for staff and volunteers with experience in Spanish and working with kids. Contact us for more information!

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Bilingual and bicultural (Spanish-English) before and after school care to students in PreK through 5th grade, as well as diverse classes and educational summer day camps.

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  • info@blcenter.org
  • (612) 668-3384
  • Cell: (612) 249-3633
  • PO Box 19034 Minneapolis, MN 55419
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