Minnetonka Preschool & ECFE 2023-24

Welcome to Minnetonka Preschool and ECFE

Minnetonka Preschool is a part of the Minnetonka School District, and shares the commitment to world class, child-centered excellence. We understand the importance of the early years in a child's development and strive to partner with families to help children succeed. Minnetonka Preschool offers class options for children beginning at 31 months and focuses on preparing children for kindergarten by following Minnesota’s Early Learning Standards and implementing research-based curriculum and assessment. Minnetonka Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) is where you can explore new experiences, meet other families, grow and learn together with your child. ECFE serves all families with children ages birth to kindergarten.

Contact Us

Molly Bahneman................................................... (952) 401-6830

Preschool, ECFE & Junior Explorers Coordinator

Dorothea McCabe (952) 401-6812 Preschool & ECFE Office Assistant

Junior Explorers (952) 401-6838

Attendance Line .................................................... (952) 401-6813

Child & Family Support Program............... (952) 401-6820

Early Childhood Screening .............................. (952) 401-6840

Health Office........................................................... (952) 401-5993

HUG/Home Visit ................................................... (952) 401-6815

School Readiness/Scholarships ..................... (952) 401-6815

Youth Enrichment & Recreation ................... (952) 401-6800

Minnetonka Preschool & ECFE

Cancellations & Refunds

Full refunds are given when Minnetonka Preschool & ECFE cancels a course you are registered for (you will be notified via email). If you need to withdraw from a class, the request must be submitted via email to Dorothea.McCabe@MinnetonkaSchools. org. Please include your child’s name, name of the class and the last day attending in the email.

For ECFE families, refund requests must be received 5 business days before the first day of class for a full refund minus a $20 cancellation fee. No refunds are given for missed classes. No refunds are issued when requests are received less than 5 business days before the first day of class.

For Minnetonka Preschool families, your first month's tuition and $100 deposit are non-refundable. Tuition is due at the first of the month and all payments are done electronically. There is a $20 charge for any payment that does not process. No refunds are given for missed classes or when you withdraw within the month.

For Lunch Bunch families, refund requests must be received 5 business days before the first day of class for a full refund minus a $20 cancellation fee. No refunds are issued when requests are received less than 5 business days before the first day of class.

For Summer Programming, refund requests must be received 5 business days before the first day of class for a full refund minus a $20 cancellation fee. No refunds are issued when requests are received less than 5 business days before the first day of class

Choose Minnetonka Preschool

Teachers & Staff Make the Difference

Minnetonka Preschool teachers are licensed in Early Childhood Education and have extensive knowledge of essential learnings for preschoolers. All early childhood teachers and staff love children and are trained in child development, certified in CPR and First Aid and are skilled at providing individualized learning.

Engaging Environments

Warm and welcoming classrooms are essential for your child to learn, grow and make friends. Intentional interest areas include dramatic play, blocks and construction, art, sensory play, music and movement and literacy. The preschool day consists of discovery time, small group, large group/circle, snack and outdoor/gym time.

Individualization & Inclusion

Each child is unique. Minnetonka Preschool celebrates this and strives to enhance each child’s experience. Staff differentiate and enrich curriculum and instruction to engage and challenge children at their individual learning level.

Parents as Partners

Your Minnetonka Preschool teachers welcome questions and conversations. Partnerships between home and school contribute to learners’ success. Join Minnetonka Preschool PTO to meet other parents and support volunteer activities.

Creative Curriculum

Focusing on key components of how children learn, Creative Curriculum promotes the development of cognitive, fine/ gross motor, language, literacy, math and social/emotional skills. It guides developmentally appropriate, high-quality instruction.

GOLD Assessment

GOLD Assessment is an authentic and comprehensive assessment tool aligned with state and national standards. It is designed to monitor the growth of all learners. The assessment data informs teachers’ planning and instruction and also evaluates preschoolers’ development and learning.

Parent Aware Four-Star Rating

Parent Aware helps parents identify early education programs that implement best practices in preparing children for kindergarten. Attributes of a Four-Star Program include:

• Facilitating ongoing assessment of a child’s progress.

• Continually adapting lesson plans and goals to meet individual student needs.

School Readiness & Tuition Assistance

Children who are three by September 1, 2023 and meet eligibility guidelines, pay for tuition on a sliding fee scale. For more information regarding School Readiness and tuition assistance, please contact the School Readiness Liaison at 952-401-6815 or Jennifer.Wenner@MinnetonkaSchools.org.

Learning Through Play

Children practice and reinforce their learning through play. We create intentional learning environments and provide ample opportunities for play each day.

Scan the QR code to watch the video

Hear from Preschool, ECFE & Junior Explorers Coordinator, Molly Bahneman

Preschool

Preschool - Pre-3s

Must be 31-35 months old by Sept. 1, 2023

This course is perfect for children ready for some independence and peer interaction. We will focus on the development of social emotional skills such as playing with peers, participating in a group and emotional regulation all through play-based learning.

Mon./Wed. 9:15-11:15 am Section 417-1* $248/month

Tues./Thurs. 9:15-11:15 am Section 417-2* $248/month

Preschool - Age 3

Must be 3 years old by Sept. 1, 2023

The most important work we do in three year old preschool is developing strong social emotional skills such as self-regulation, social problem solving and learning to be in a group. We incorporate literacy, math, cognitive and language into play. We also teach students selfhelp skills to gain independence in taking care of themselves and their belongings.

Tues./Thurs. 8:30-11 am Section 418-2* $248/month

Tues./Thurs. 9-11:30 am Section 418-3 $248/month

Mon./Wed./Fri. 8:30-11 am Section 418-4* $337/month

Mon./Wed./Fri. 9-11:30 am Section 418-5 $337/month

Mon.-Thurs. 8:45-11:15 am Section 418-6 $425/month

Mon.-Thurs. 9-11:30 am Section 418-7 $425/month

Mon.-Thurs. 12:30-3 pm Section 418-8 $425/month

Nature Adventure Preschool

Must be 4 years old by Sept. 1, 2023 Take your traditional Minnetonka Preschool class outdoors! This course will spend at least half of the class time outside daily (weather permitting) in our Outdoor Learning Center (OLC) and exploring the wooded area behind MCEC. Outdoor play and learning allows your child the opportunity to develop their brain, body and social-emotional intelligence through discovery, while also developing respect and appreciation for our natural world. The class will focus on nature related thematic units including insects, trees, seasons, animals and more.

Tues.-Thurs. 12:30-3:30 pm Section 421-15 $362/month

*Indicates not eligible for Lunch Bunch.

Preschool - Age 4

Must be 4 years old by Sept. 1, 2023 Four year old preschool helps build a confidence and love for learning. We focus on the needed skills to support successful learners. We nurture growth and development through play-based learning with direct and intentional teaching of social and emotional skills.

Mon./Wed./Fri. 8:45-11:45 am Section 419-10 $362/month

Mon.-Thurs. 8:30-11:30 am Section 419-11 $495/month

Mon.-Thurs. 8:45-11:45 am Section 419-12 $495/month

Mon.-Fri. 8:30-11:30 am Section 419-13 $587/month

Mon.-Fri. 8:30-11:30 am Section 419-14 $587/month

Mon.-Fri. 8:45-11:45 am Section 419-15 $587/month

Mon.-Wed. 12:45-3:45 pm Section 419-16* $362/month

Tues.-Thurs. 12:45-3:45 pm Section 419-17* $362/month

Tues.-Thurs. 12:45-3:45 pm Section 419-18* $362/month

Mon.-Thurs. 12:30-3:30 pm Section 419-19 $495/month

Spanish Immersion Preschool

Must be 4 years old by Sept. 1, 2023

This Spanish immersion preschool course will provide English-speaking pre-kindergarten children with the opportunity to learn in a second language. As with our English preschool classes, this immersion class utilizes Creative Curriculum and focuses on supporting successful learners. This class is perfect for families interested in pursuing Minnetonka Schools' Kindergarten Spanish Immersion program. All classes are taught in Spanish.

Mon.-Thurs. 8:30-11:30 am Section 420-1 $495/month

Mon.-Thurs. 12:30-3:30 pm Section 420-2 $495/month

Language Exploration classes

Lunch Bunch

3-5 years (must be 3 by Sept. 1, 2023)

Lunch Bunch (11:30 am-12:30 pm) provides a time for Minnetonka Preschoolers to eat and socialize with their peers. Parents must provide a bag lunch. Children are escorted, by a staff member, to and from preschool and language exploration programming. Children must be enrolled in Minnetonka Preschool in order to participate in Lunch Bunch. If your child is enrolled in Junior Explorers childcare opposite of their preschool day, Lunch Bunch is not needed. Single days of lunch bunch may be available, if space permits, at a cost of $14/per day. Call 952-401-6812 for availability.

Preschool

What is Early Childhood Screening?

Early Childhood Screening is a FREE opportunity for children to participate in a health and developmental screening after their third birthday. State law requires screening for all children prior to entering kindergarten. Screening may detect possible health or learning concerns that can result in help and support before kindergarten entry. Watch a video about screening here: bit.ly/ ecscreening

What happens at Early Childhood

screening results, including social and emotional development and to discuss any concerns they may have. Appointments last 45-60 minutes.

Who needs to be screened?

All children in the Minnetonka School District who are 3, 4 or 5 years old and are not currently enrolled in kindergarten. Screening at age three is highly recommended.

Screening?

Parents accompany their child through the screening process. Your child will complete activities with a developmental screener where speech, motor and cognitive skills will be reviewed. Children will have their height, weight, vision, hearing and immunization history checked. Parents will then meet with a teacher to review the

How do I schedule an appointment?

It's easy! Register online at bit.ly/ECScreening

Screening questions?

Kate.VanHorne@ MinnetonkaSchools.org

About Junior Explorers

Junior Explorers Childcare Options at MCEC

• Before Preschool (6:30-9 am): Before school care includes a healthy breakfast snack.

• After Preschool (3-6 pm): After school care includes a healthy snack.

• Opposite Preschool (6:30 am-12:30 pm or 11 am-6 pm): Care opposite an afternoon preschool class includes a breakfast snack. Care opposite a morning preschool class includes a snack.

• Full-Day (6:30 am-6 pm): For families seeking full-day care when your child is not in preschool.

• Summer: For families seeking care over the summer, when school is not in session.

Family Connections

Our teachers welcome questions and conversations with parents. Ongoing communication helps you and your child’s teacher stay up-to-date on learning activities. You will receive a daily report of what your child has done during the day and teachers are available for conferences by appointment.

Experienced Staff

Our Junior Explorers staff love working with children and are provided with professional development through classroom instruction, on-site training and online training. With children being grouped together by their age, we are able to provide a 1:10 staff to child ratio.

Creative Curriculum

Focusing on key components of how children learn, Creative Curriculum promotes the development of cognitive, fine/ gross motor, language, literacy, math and social/emotional skills. It guides developmentally appropriate, high-quality instruction.

Junior Explorers Registration and Fees

Enroll your child in Junior Explorers after you complete your preschool registration at MinnetonkaCommunityEd.org. A non-refundable $100 registration fee, per child, is due at the time of registration. An additional $100 deposit will be collected at registration, this will be credited toward your first monthly invoice.*

Scheduling Options

Enroll your child(ren) in Junior Explorers on a consistent schedule of two to five days per week, at the same time increments each week. Need to add a day? Adding a day to your schedule from time to time is an option. Additions are approved on a space-available basis and require 24-hour advanced notice. Add-a-Day rates will apply. Schedule changes? There is a $10 fee per child for each schedule change. We request that changes to your family’s schedule be made online or via email at least two weeks in advance. Requests will be approved on a space-available basis.

Registration opens at 7:30 am on Thursday, February 2 and closes when we have reached capacity. Registrations will be processed in the order in which they are received. Requests for enrollment that are not approved will be placed on a waitlist in the order in which they are received.

*Families can withdraw their contract for a full refund of the $100 deposit by Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at 11:59 pm. If a contract is withdrawn by Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at 11:59 pm, a $50 refund will be given. After Tuesday, June 20, there will be no deposit refunds. Call 952-401-6838 with registration questions.

2023-24 Junior Explorers Fees

Type Of Care Times Daily Add-a-Day

Before am Preschool

6:30-9 am

$16.85 $17.85

After pm Preschool 3-6 pm $16.85 $17.85

Opposite am Preschool 11 am–6 pm $35.65 $36.65

Opposite pm Preschool 6:30 am–12:30 pm $35.65 $36.65

Full Day 6:30 am-6 pm $64.10 $66.10

Register for Junior Explorers at the same time as Minnetonka Preschool. Childcare contracts will be approved on a space-available basis.

Get Ready For Registration!

Use this worksheet to plan how your child will spend their day with us. We suggest the following:

1. Enter your desired Minnetonka Preschool section and times (see page 2).

2. Add in ECFE classes (see page 9-10).

3. Add in Enrichment classes (see page 14).

4. Add in Junior Explorers for your wrap-around, part or full-day childcare needs (see page 6).

6:30-7 am

7-7:30 am 7:30-8 am 8-8:30 am 8:30-9 am 9-9:30 am 9:30-10 am 10-10:30 am 10:30-11 am 11-11:30 am 11:30 am-12 pm 12-12:30 pm 12:30-1 pm

1-1:30 pm 1:30-2 pm 2-2:30 pm 2:30-3 pm 3-3:30 pm 3:30-4 pm 4-4:30 pm 4:30-5 pm 5-5:30 pm 5:30-6 pm

Parents are the first and most important teachers in a child’s life. ECFE is for parents and children (birth through Pre-kindergarten). Weekly classes include parent-child interactive activities along with educator led discussions. Follow your child’s lead during parent-child time (first half of the class). Relax and enjoy learning more about his/her interests. Songs, finger plays and stories will be introduced. Some activities, like painting and circle time become favorites. Parent discussion time (second half of the class) is led by a licensed parent educator. This is an opportunity for parents to process joys and concerns, problem solve and share insights and resources. Topics may include sibling relationships, toilet learning, child development, self-regulation, temperament, sleep and more.

There are non-separating, eventually separating and separating classes, based on what is developmentally appropriate for your young learner(s).

• Non-separating - Parents remain in the parent-child classroom for parent discussion.

• Eventually-separating - Parents gradually transition from the majority of parent discussion taking place in the parentchild classroom, to the entire parent discussion time happening in a separate room.

• Separating - Children and parents separate at the end of parent-child activity time, and parents move to a different room for discussion. Children enjoy a light snack and more classroom exploration with guidance from a licensed early childhood teacher and staff.

Strong parent-child relationships give young children a sense of comfort, safety, confidence, and encouragement as they grow more independent with age. Gradual separation progression in ECFE classes is an intentional, developmentally appropriate practice that supports the attachment relationship. For more information on child development and attachment at these young ages, please visit: www.ZeroToThree.org.

⭐ SIBLING CARE

3 months-5 years

The ⭐ symbol denotes classes with sibling care available. Trained paraprofessionals provide a warm and friendly atmosphere with weekly art activities. Register for sibling care at the same time as ECFE classes. See sliding fee chart for sibling care fees. The drop-in sibling care fee is $15 and based upon availability.

Please note: Parents must remain in the building while their children attend sibling care.

HUG - Helping Us Grow & ECFE

Congratulations on your new baby!

Every family in the Minnetonka School District with a child from birth-36 months is eligible for a free gift and parenting resource bag courtesy of Minnetonka Schools, local community partners, and Helping Us Grow. A licensed parent educator will come to your home to drop off the bag and set up a time to meet with you either virtually or in person. We would love the opportunity to get to know you and your family!

For more information or to arrange a visit, scan the code or contact Stacey. Koehler@MinnetonkaSchools.org.

New! Oh Baby

Birth-12 months | non-separating ⭐

Meet other parents and enjoy time with your new baby! Engage in sensory and movement activities and a licensed parent educator led discussion. Learn about your baby’s development, how to develop healthy eating and sleeping habits and what research tells us about your baby’s important first experiences.

If you are on maternity/paternity leave for a limited time, let us know and we will prorate your fee.

Just Toddling

12-18 months | separating ⭐

Toddlers are curious, busy and on the go! We will explore parenting your actively adventurous child during this phase of rapid growth and development. Spend time with other caregivers who have the same questions and concerns about this stage of their child's life.

Mondays

8:45-10:15 am Section 405-6 Sept. 18-May 20

Curious Climbers

18-24 months | separating ⭐

At 18-24 months, your curious toddler is exploring their environment in several ways and adding new words to their spoken vocabulary every day! Interact with your child through fun activities and share about your experience with this new stage of independence in a licensed parent educator led discussion.

Tuesdays

9-10:30 am Section 405-3 Sept. 19-May 21

Thursdays

9-10:30 am Section 405-4 Sept. 21-May 23

New! Big Little Kids 24-36 months | separating ⭐

Thursdays

10:45 am-12 pm Section 405-9 Sept. 21- May 23

New! On the Move

6-12 months | ⭐

As your baby grows, you encounter a world of new experiences and milestones together. Enjoy connecting with others who are experiencing the joys and challenges of parenting older infants.

Tuesdays (eventually-separating) 9-10:30 am Section 405-10 Sept. 19-May 21

Tuesdays (non-separating) 11 am-12:30 pm Section 405-11 Sept. 19-May 21

New! Our First Class

12-18 months | eventually-separating ⭐

This class is designed for families that are new to ECFE. During parent-child time you will follow your child's lead as they explore the classroom and activities curated by an licensed early childhood educator. At circle time, you and your child will learn our favorite songs and enjoy finger plays and stories. The children then have snack and remain in the room while the caregivers move to a separate space for parent education that includes topics such as child development, healthy eating, sleeping habits, parenting styles and behavior strategies. Many parents report creating long lasting friendships with the people they meet in ECFE. We can't wait to meet you!

Thursdays

10:30 am-12 pm

Section 405-17 Sept. 21-May 23

Between the ages of two and three there comes a moment when you look at your child and wonder "Where did my baby go?". Your big little kid is ready for adventure in a world full of wonder. Discover ways to explore their world with them and gather for discussion with other parents experiencing life with a child who is talking, becoming independent and challenging rules with a new found confidence.

Tuesdays

11 am-12:30 pm Section 405-1 Sept. 19-May 21

Ready-Set Preschool

31-48 months | separating (on parent-child day) We recognize that children develop along a continuum and this class is perfect for children who are working towards the independence skills needed for preschool. The child-only day gives your child a chance to interact independently with peers and is led by a licensed early childhood teacher. The parent-child day is playtime together, followed by a separated discussion led by a licensed parent educator.

Mon./Wed.

8:45-11:45 am Section 405-14 Sept. 18-May 22

Hear from one of our ECFE Parent Educators

Scan the QR code to watch the video

New! Not My First Rodeo

1-4 years | separating ⭐

Whether this is your second, third or fourth child, this class is designed for your growing family. Adding a new member to the family is a joyous and challenging phase of parenting. Join other "veteran" parents to learn and share ideas about sibling relationships, positive discipline, temperament and family dynamics. Expectant parents are welcome.

Wednesdays

10:45 am-12:15 pm

Section 405-18 Sept. 20-May 22

Multiples | Twins & Triplets

1-4 years | separating ⭐

Meet other parents of multiples and share joys and challenges, while finding the information and support that you need. Gain ideas for managing sleep, discipline, toileting, eating and more through parent discussion. Please register each child individually.

Wednesdays 9:30-11 am Section 405-8 Sept. 20-May 22

New! Grandparent(s) & Me

1-4 years | separating

Whether it is occasional, weekly or daily, many families rely on grandparents to assist with childcare. The grandparent as caregiver relationship can be extremely fulfilling while also complex and tiring. We hope you'll join us to share your joys, troubleshoot your challenges and explore how to best support your children as parents.

Fridays 8:45-10:15 am

Section 405-15 Sept. 22-May 24

New! Mid-Day Connect & Play

1-4 years | separating

Join other families with young children for fun, hands-on activities followed by a discussion with a licensed parent educator. Conversation topics may range from behavior strategies to eating and sleeping routines.

Thursdays

11 am-12:30 pm

Section 405- 7 Sept. 21-May 23

Eat, Play, Learn 1-4 years | non-separating

This class is designed with working families in mind. Come join us for pizza, play, and parenting. This non-separating class offers family activities, connection with other parents, and best of all, someone has taken care of dinner for you! You can register for the full year or 10 weeks at a time.

Thursdays

5:15-6:15 pm

Section 405-5 Sept. 21-May 23

Rise & Shine

1-4 years | separating

A Saturday morning learning adventure! Enjoy time playing and learning together through activities designed for you and your child. Boost your parenting skills through parent discussion while children interact with their peers and teachers. Your student will enjoy snack and play in the gym during separation. You can register for Rise & Shine on it's own or add on *Stay & Play to enjoy the MCEC gym for an additional 30 minutes after class!

Saturdays 9-10:30 am* Section 405-16 Jan. 20-March 23

New!

Parenting in the Great Outdoors 33 Months-4 Years | non-separating

At ECFE, we know the importance of cultivating in children (and adults!) a love of nature. We have a lovely outdoor classroom adjacent to our building and are offering a parent-child class that connects young learners with nature, creativity and scientific inquiry. This is a non-separating class where children and parents explore the natural world. We spend as much time outdoors as possible; when weather prevents outdoor activity we bring nature indoors.

Mondays

11:30 am-12:30 pm Section 405-12 Sept. 18-May 20

Parenting Your Preschooler Parent Only

The preschool years are a time of wonder and learning as well as new challenges for parents. Join other parents of preschoolers to talk about social and emotional development, setting boundaries, creating routines and navigating big feelings. Do you have a child in Jr. Explorers? This class pairs perfectly with Eat, Play, Learn if you are also looking for a class to share with your child.

Thursdays

4:15-5:15 pm

Section 405-13 Sept. 21-May 23

Blended Families

Parent Only ⭐

This class is for parents with children of all ages who are navigating the blending of families. Meet other parents in blended families and gain support and information about this unique parenting situation. Parent discussion topics may include sibling relationships, establishing family expectations and rules, and creating (or blending) family traditions.

Wednesdays

11 am-12 pm

Section 405-2 Oct. 11-Dec. 13

2023-2024 ECFE classes open for registration on Thursday, February 2 at 7:30am. Visit minnetonka.ce.eleyo.com to set up an account and enroll.

8:45 am Ready Set Preschool (ChildOnly)

9 am Curious Climbers On the Move

9:45 am 10 am 10:15 am 10:30 am

Just Toddling

Set Preschool (Child & Parent)

9:15 am 9:30am Multiples

Climbers

Grandparent(s) & Me

First Class Rise & Shine

Fridays

11:15 am 11:30 am Parenting in the Great Outdoors

11 am Big Little Kids On the Move

Blended Families Mid-Day Connect & Play

Baby

& Play 10:45 am Not My First Rodeo

11:45 am 12:00 pm 12:15 pm *Evening classes not listed

ECFE gives me the opportunity to watch my grandson learn to make and play with friends! It amazes me how you can see their growth change from class to class…all those little lives keep me feeling young! Win - win!

-Gene 'Pops' Kruchoski

Free Fridays

Parent & Child (Birth-36 months)

Registration will be available starting September 1

Let's experiment! Through guided activities we will begin the process of inquiry and exploration. Each activity can be easily replicated at home to provide hours of fun for you and your little one.

Oct. 27, Dec. 15, Jan. 19, Feb. 23, March 22 & May 17

Let's read! Minnetonka ECFE and Help Us Grow (HUG) invite you and your family to join us for story time. Your family will have a chance to visit with other parents with small children and enjoy stories and songs. Older siblings are welcome. Each family will go home with a free book!

Oct. 6, Nov. 17, Dec. 8, Jan. 12, Feb. 9, March 15, April 19 & May 10

Let's play! This class is designed to give your child (and you) the opportunity to socialize and connect with others through play. This class takes place in an environment specifically designed for little ones and provides them the opportunity to practice their budding social and emotional skills. Facilitated by a licensed parent educator, parents will have the opportunity to discuss their child development and learn how to model the skills necessary for children to thrive in social situations.

Sept. 29, Nov. 3, Dec. 1, Jan. 5, Feb. 2, March 8, April 12 & May 3

STEM: Science Discovery

3-5 years | non-separating Explore fun science topics with your child during these evening parent and child classes! All classes align with elementary life science, earth science, physical science and/or nature of science and engineering standards. Sibling care not available. $22 per class. Classes held 6:15-7:30 pm.

Light and Shadows

Tuesday, Oct. 3 Section 413-1 How are shadows made? Come and engage your mind with the amazing process of understanding how light and shadows work together.

Ramp It Up

Tuesday, Nov. 14 Section 413-2 Do you like roller coasters? Are you curious about how they work? Experiment with tubes, marbles, balls, ramps and your imagination to make your own roller coaster!

Under the Sea

Tuesday, Jan. 9 Section 413-3 What do whales and humans have in common? What's the difference between saltwater and freshwater? How do whales filter their food? Come and help us design a filter fit for a sea creature!

Five Senses

Tuesday, Feb. 6 Section 413-4 We learn through our senses. Join us for handson experiments as we discover more about our senses. We will design and make something that invites all our senses to work together!

What is Exoskeleton?

Tuesday, March 5 Section 413-5 What do ants and praying mantises have in common? Come to class to find out!

Space

Tuesday, April 9

Section 413-6 5-4-3-2-1-blastoff! We'll design and build our own rocket ships and experience space like never before.

New!

Healthy Emotions – Happy Families

Families with children ages 3-8 Are you looking for more calm and positive behaviors at home? This online, plug-and-play program teaches families self-regulation skills that help them better manage big feelings and disappointments in a calm and consistent manner. Parents/ caregivers and children complete the 11 fun, engaging 20- minute online lessons together at home each week. Through interactive videos, digital books and scripted family activities, both parent/ caregiver and child learn concrete tools that help them take charge of their emotions and behaviors in a healthy way, creating a more joyful and peaceful home.

Virtual - Self-Paced $75 Section 406-1

We LOVE MCEC! You have curated the most wonderful group of staff and teachers, everyone is so caring and kind. Feels like a family. Thank you so much for everything you do!

-ECFE Parent

Youth Enrichment & Recreation

Check out our Minnetonka Community Education catalogs for a full listing of preschool-age recreation and enrichment classes. Summer registration opens on Tuesday, February 14, 2023. Fall 2023 registration (excluding Language Exploration) opens Tuesday, July 18, 2023. Visit minnetonka.ce.eleyo.com.

Spanish & Chinese Language Exploration 3-5 years

This unique, once-a-week class provides students with language experience in Chinese or Spanish. Learning Chinese or Spanish is fun and happens naturally through games, movement, crafts, music and stories. This class is an excellent precursor to Minnetonka Kindergarten Immersion and is also a great addition to your child’s Minnetonka Preschool and/or Junior Explorers schedule. Payment plans are available.

Spanish Exploration

Tuesdays 34-209-STUE Sept.12May 21 12:30-2:30 pm $1085

Thursdays 34-209-STHUR Sept. 14May 23 12:30-2:30 pm $995

Friday AM 34-209-SFRIAM Sept. 15May 24 9:30-11:30 am $839

Friday PM 34-209-SFRIPM Sept. 15May 24 12:30-2:30 pm $775

Chinese Exploration

Friday PM 34-209-CPM Sept. 15May 24 12:30-2:30 pm $775

Art

3-5 years

We offer a variety of art classes for your preschooler each summer. From clay and glue, to crafts and painting, there’s sure to be something your little one will love! The benefits of exposing your preschooler to the arts include learning to interpret, analyze and describe with an open mind, as well as building confidence and the ability to express emotions.

STEM 3-5 years

Join us this summer for an adventure or two in a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) class designed just for your young student! Early exposure to STEM supports children’s overall academic growth and develops early critical thinking and reasoning skills. Our classes are loaded with hands-on experiments and lessons that are both fun and educational. Investigate bugs, create slime, learn about gravity, explore animal behaviors or build a robot.

Recreation 3-5 years

Minnetonka Community Education offers a variety of sports and recreation programs for preschool-aged children throughout the year. From T-ball to Tiny Tonka Soccer and Amazing Athletes, we have something that appeals to each child’s interests. Our caring, professional staff work to make each class a fun, enriching experience! For registration dates and class times, visit MinnetonkaCommunityEd.org

Minnetonka Music Academy

Parent-Child Piano Lessons 3½-5 years + parent

Minnetonka Music Academy

Minnetonka Music Academy

Learn to play piano with your little one! Instructors will teach you and your child to play piano using the essence of Suzuki and Yamaha methods. Lessons are 45 minutes long and meet for eight weeks at MCEC. For registration dates and class times, visit MinnetonkaCommunityEd.org

Minnetonka Music Academy

Preschool-Age Piano Lessons 4-6 years Start your child’s musical journey with private piano lessons! Our professional piano teachers have experience in teaching young children and use books especially written for young beginners. Lessons are either 30 or 45 minutes long and meet for eight weeks at MCEC. Classroom pick-up is available for students enrolled in Minnetonka Preschool or Junior Explorers at MCEC. For registration dates and class times, visit MinnetonkaCommunityEd.org.

Summer 2023 music registration opens on Tuesday, February 14. Fall 2023 music registration opens July 2023.

E X P E C T M I R A C L E S .

Spend Your Summer With Us

Summer ECFE registration opens on February 2, 2023. Please select a summer ECFE class based on your child's age as of June 1, 2023.

Summer Babies

Birth-12 months | non-separating ⭐ Meet other parents with infants and explore the infant/ toddler classroom. Talk about the joys and challenges of parenting with fellow parents and a licensed parent educator. This is a non-separating class.

Section 412 10:45 am-12 pm Tues., June 6-July 25 MCEC

Summer Ones

12-24 months | eventually separating ⭐ Your one-year old is moving and exploring! Have fun with your child in a supportive environment where young children can grow their curiosity, and you can connect with other parents. Discuss the wonders and challenges of parenting a one-year old with parents and a licensed parent educator.

Section 431 8:45-10:15 am Tues., June 6-July 25 MCEC

Nature Adventure

Summer Twos 24-36 months | separating ⭐ Independence, language, problem-solving and social skills are emerging! The ECFE classroom will foster all of these developing skills. Enjoy learning activities designed for your busy two-year-old. After parentchild interaction time, parents separate for a discussion facilitated by a licensed parent educator.

Section 411 8:45-10:15 am Wed., June 7-July 26 MCEC

Summer Threes 36-48 months | separating ⭐ Materials and activities to promote literacy, mathematical thinking, the arts and social-emotional development are the focus of parent-child time. Parents will meet with a licensed parent educator to discuss a variety of topics relevant to parenting a preschooler.

Section 442 10:45 am-12:15 pm Wed., June 7-July 26 MCEC

Age 3-5 (not yet in Kindergarten, must be 4 years old by Sept. 1, 2023) Enroll your preschooler in a nature-focused class with licensed Minnetonka preschool teachers. The majority of class time occurs in the Outdoor Learning Center, connecting young learners to nature, creativity and scientific inquiry.

447-1 Mon./Wed. 9-11:30 am 447-2 Tues./Thurs. 9-11:30 am June 12-July 19 $327 June 13-July 20 $327

Summer 2023 Registration Opens Wednesday, February 15 at 8am Childcare at MCE serving students 33 months-4 years old (by Sept. 1)