EARLY CHILDHOOD

•         YOU are your child's first and most important teacher and we want to partner with you throughout your child's first five years as you prepare them for school success. Use this guideline:
  From birth-3 years old:
  • Join an ECFE class! These classes will support you as a parent, offer parenting tools and a chance to network with other parents. Classes are offered day and evening throughout the school year and new sessions start in September and January. ECFE classes are held at Nyquist Elementary.
•         At 3 years old:
  • Early Childhood Screening checks your child’s growth, development, and possible health or learning concerns in order to offer you additional support and resources if needed. 
  • Have your child screened around the age of three and a half years of age. It is required to attend Kindergarten but we have resources and support to help your child be ready for kindergarten. 
  • Consider enrolling in our 3 year old preschool program. This program meets 2 half days per week (Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00-11:00).
•         At 4-5 years old:
  • Enroll your child in a preschool class for additional social-emotional and academic development the year before Kindergarten. This program meets 3 days per week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:00-3:00pm
  • Learn about general expectations for entering Kindergarten. The best way to prepare your child is to read daily, give them chores and consistent expectations and limit screen time to one hour or less.
•  Preschool Screening-by appt only (in October and March)
  • Screening is a simple check of a child's development to help identify children who may benefit from resources to help in their development.
  • In Minnesota, all children complete Early Childhood Screening prior to entering kindergarten or within 3 months of enrolling in preschool.
  • Screenings are a FREE service to all children age 3 to 5.