Early Childhood Program Information 2023-2024

Schools Early Childhood is here for you.

ECFE is an early learning program that is unique to Minnesota. Here at Spring Lake Park Schools, we recognize that you, as parents, are your child’s first teacher. We provide quality classes geared toward the whole family so that together, we can foster children’s social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and language skills. We work to strengthen families and support parents in providing the best possible environment for the healthy growth and development of their children. All ECFE classes are taught by licensed early childhood teachers and parent educators who use the Parent Education Core Curriculum Framework and Early Childhood Indicators of Progress: Minnesota’s Early

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

From the time your child is born until they reach kindergarten, Spring Lake Park

CLASS OPTIONS BY AGE (AS

OF 9/1/2023)

Age Class Options

0-12 months

Imagine That (page 5)

Busy Bees Playgroup (page 5)

Family Fun Playgroup (page 5)

Mixed Ages (page 6)

Tot Time Open Gym (page 7)

12-24 months

Imagine That (page 5)

Busy Bees Playgroup (page 5)

Family Fun Playgroup (page 5)

Mixed Ages (page 6)

Master Movers (page 6)

Tot Time Open Gym (page 7)

24-36 months

Imagine That (page 5)

Little Explorers (page 5)

Family Fun Playgroup (page 5)

Daddy & Me (page 5)

Mixed Ages (page 6)

Eager Explorers (page 6)

Parenting Across Cultures (page 7)

Preschool (3 years old on or after 11/1/23)

Preschoolers & Parents (page 6)

Imagine That (page 5)

Little Explorers (page 5)

Family Fun Playgroup (page 5)

Daddy & Me (page 5)

Mixed Ages (page 6)

Parenting Across Cultures (page 7)

3-5 years old

Preschool:

Preschoolers & Parents (page 6)

Discovery Days (page 11)

Half-day preschool (page 11)

Spanish Immersion (page 11)

Early Childhood Screening (page 10)

Early Intervention (page 10)

ECFE Calendar

ECFE FOLLOWS THE SPRING LAKE PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT STUDENT CALENDAR, BUT HAS A SHORTER SCHOOL YEAR WITH ADDITIONAL DAYS OFF

Non-Separating

Classes | Parents participate with their child for the entire class

BUSY BEES PLAYGROUP (Ages: Birth - 24 months)

Here is the chance to let your baby or toddler experience new sights and sounds during some one-on-one time with you. Enjoy time together exploring our safe, activity-filled classroom. Pre-registration required.

No sibling care available. Cost: Page 8, Section C

*Anoka county public health nurses will be available for some classes to answer health and dental questions, lactation support, weight and height checks, nutrition, navigating the healthcare system and other health related topics. Public Health Dates: September 12, 26 | October 10, 24, 31 | November 14, 28 | December 12 | January 9, 23

Centerview Elementary

Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

September 12 - May 7

FAMILY FUN PLAYGROUP (Ages: Birth - 5 years)

Pop in to play with your little ones! Come and explore new toys, sing songs and enjoy time together as a family and with an ECFE teacher. We will provide playful learning activities and clean up the mess. Pre-registration required. No sibling care available. Cost: Page 8, Section C

District Services Center

Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m.

IMAGINE THAT (Ages: Birth-5 years)

September 14 - May 16

Imagination allows children to practice real-life skills and encourages vocabulary and creative thinking. For 75 uninterrupted minutes, parents and children will participate together in creative learning activities. Siblings in kindergarten are welcome to also register for class. No sibling care available. Cost: Page 8, Section B

District Services Center

Mondays, 6-7:15 p.m.

LITTLE EXPLORERS (Ages: 2-5 years)

September 11 - May 13

Young children’s natural curiosity and dynamic imaginations can lead to exciting and meaningful learning opportunities. These 5-week non-separating sessions give children and parents time to explore a specific theme together with friends. No sibling care available, younger children are welcome. Cost: $50/child per 5-week session

Centerview Elementary Tuesdays, 10:45-11:45 a.m.

• September 12 - October 10: ECFE Outdoors!

• October 24 - November 28: Messy Masterpiece (No class 11/21)

• January 23 - February 20: Songs & Stories

• February 27 - April 2: STEAM for Young Scientists (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math)

• April 9 - May 7: All Things Spring

DADDY & ME (Ages: 2-5 years)

Little ones and their dads will have an opportunity to learn and play together. From participating in games and songs at circle time to moving around in the large gym, this shared time with dad is sure to be special. No sibling care available. Cost: $50/child per 5-week session

Centerview Elementary Tuesdays, 5:30-6:45 p.m.

• September 12 - October 10

• October 24 - November 28

• January 23 - February 20

• February 27 - April 2

• April 9 - May 7

EARLY CHILDHOOD FAMILY EDUCATION

Classes | Parents participate with their child for the first part of class, then join the family educator in a separate room to discuss parenting topics of interest while the children stay in the classroom to learn with the licensed Early Childhood educator.

Separating

MIXED AGES (Ages: Birth-5 years) Maximum: 10 children

Come with one or all of your children who are not yet in kindergarten and enjoy some hands-on, engaging, learning activities that are based on the child’s age in our child-friendly classroom. Parents will separate from children for a portion of class for parenting time. No sibling care available. Cost: Page 8, Section A

District Services Center

Tuesdays, 9:45-11:30 a.m. & Fridays, 9:45-11:30 a.m.

September 12 - May 7

September 8 - May 17

Centerview Elementary

Thursdays, 9:45-11:30 a.m.

September 14 - May 16

MASTER MOVERS (Ages: 1-2 years) Birthdate: September 2, 2020-September 1, 2022 Maximum: 10 children

They’re off and running—and getting into everything! This class focuses on new ways to interact with your 1 & 2-year olds, fun activities and new sensory and social experiences. Parents will separate from children for a portion of class for parenting time. Sibling care is available. Cost: Page 8, Section A

District Services Center

Thursdays, 9:45-11:30 a.m.

September 14 - May 16

EAGER EXPLORERS (Ages: 2-year-olds) Birthdate: September 2, 2020-September 1, 2021 Maximum: 10 children

Temper tantrums, demanding and full of energy - these are common traits of terrific twos! Your two year old is testing you and his/her world. Explore and find out why this is a positive stage in your child’s development. Parents will separate from children for a portion of class for parenting time. Sibling care is available. Cost: Page 8, Section A

Centerview Elementary

Wednesdays, 9:45-11:30 a.m.

September 13 - May 8

PRESCHOOLERS & PARENTS (Birthdate: on or after November 1, 2020) Maximum: 10 children

Come join this class if your child isn’t quite ready for regular preschool or has a September or October 2020 birthday. This class, with both parent-child time and parent discussion time, will begin the school year as a typical ECFE class on the first day of the week. Starting in November, a second day of class (children only) will be added. Sibling care is available for parent-child days. Monthly tuition is prorated for the entire school year. Cost: Page 8, Section D

District Services Center

Mondays (child and parent)

9:45-11:45 a.m.

September 11 - October 30

SIBLING CARE (Ages: 4 months - Kindergarten)

District Services Center

Mondays (child and parent) and Wednesdays (child only)

9:45-11:45 a.m.

November 7 - May 13

Sibling care is available during all age-specific ECFE classes for siblings of children enrolled in classes. Infants under three months of age are welcome to attend class with the parent. Please use sibling care or make other arrangements for childcare for babies older than four months. Sibling care registration must be made at the time of class registration. Cost: Page 8, Section E

Specialty Class | For SLP Staff Only

LITTLE PANTHERS (Ages: Birth-6 years) Maximum: 10 families

Just for district staff! This class is exclusively for the moms, dads and grandparents among our SLP staff and your very own little learners. Join your colleagues and friends for this session of play and learning with your children (or grandchildren). No sibling care available. Cost: $55/child per 10-week session

District Services Center

Thursdays, 5-6 p.m.

Session 1: September 21 - December 7

Session 2: February 8 - April 25

Free ECFE Class for English Learners | No cost!

Sibling care is available for children ages Birth-23 months | Cuidado de hermanos está disponible para niños desde el nacimiento hasta los 23 meses Inquire about free transportation availability | Consultar disponibilidad de transporte gratuito: earlychildhood@district16.org or 763-600-5900

PARENTING ACROSS CULTURES (for parents with a child ages 2-5 years)

English-immersion class will help parents and young children practice their English skills and help prepare children for kindergarten. Participants will share their home languages and culture. All adults MUST be able to speak some English. Once a week, there will be a separating time for parents to meet with a family educator while children continue to learn and play in the classroom.

District Services Center

Tuesdays and Thursdays

12:30-2 p.m.

September 12 - May 9

CRIANZA A TRAVÉS DE LAS CULTURAS PARA FAMILIAS QUE HABLAN ESPAÑOL (para padres con niños de 2 a 5 años)

La clase de inmersión en inglés ayudará a los padres y niños pequeños a practicar sus habilidades en inglés y ayudará a preparar a los niños para el preescolar y/o el Kindergarten. Los participantes compartirán conversaciones en español, así como su cultura. Todos los adultos DEBEN poder hablar algo de inglés. Habrá un tiempo de separación para que los padres se reúnan con un educador familiar mientras los niños continúan aprendiendo y jugando en el salón de clases.

District Services Center

Wednesdays, 12:30-2 p.m.

Free Special Events

September 20 - May 8

| Check online for additional pop-up events!

BABY SHOWER (for parents with babies less than 1 year old)

Join us for a celebration of your new bundle of joy. Learn about how our ECFE programs can support you, connect with other parents of newborns, and learn about additional resources for you and your growing family.

District Services Center

Monday, October 9, 1-2 p.m.

FIRST BIRTHDAY PARTY (for children who turned 1 year old in the last 6 months)

Come celebrate your child’s first year of life with ECFE! Join us for playtime and treats to celebrate! Learn more about ECFE classes and the Spring Lake Park school district.

Centerview Elementary

TOT TIME OPEN GYM

Thursday, January 18, 10-11 a.m.

Give the little ones a chance to run and play in an open gym environment.

Saturdays, November - March, 10-11 a.m.

Cost for 2023-2024 Programs

PAYMENT INFORMATION: Our goal is to provide affordable, quality programming for all Spring Lake Park Schools families. Class fees are based on your total family income. Payment for class and sibling care must accompany registration. No Spring Lake Park Schools resident will be turned away because of an inability to pay the listed fees. Class fees may be reduced or waived. All payments will be confidential.

AFFORDABLE! Use your gross annual household income to determine the suggested fee for each class. Include the fee amount in the space provided online. Fill out the online form completely and include payment for class and sibling care, if needed. No registrations will be processed without payment.

Class Fees can be made in one or two payments. If paying in two payments, the second half will be due on 1/22/24.

Class Fees can be made in one or two payments. If paying in two payments, the second half will be due on 1/22/24.

Register for ECFE Classes

SpringLakeParkSchools.org/ECFE

Register online!

Registration opens

Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at 8:30 a.m.

REGISTRATION DETAILS

• ECFE classes are open to all families with children from birth through pre-kindergarten. Parent(s)/legal guardian(s) must participate with their young child(ren).

• If the class you want is full, you will be put on a waiting list. Class openings do occasionally become available.

• ECFE welcomes all families, including adults and children with disabilities. All school buildings are handicap accessible. If special accommodations are needed, please let us know at the time you register.

• Registration will remain open until the classes are full.

REFUND/CANCELLATION POLICY

• Before the session begins, a full refund will be issued for cancellations (minus a $5 or 10% processing fee, whichever is greater).

• Refund after attending the first class:

*If paid in full – 75% of the fee paid

*If paid in half – 50% of the fee paid

• No refund will be given after the second week of class

• Class fees will not be refunded for classes canceled due to weather or family illness/sick days.

• ECFE reserves the right to cancel any class due to insufficient enrollment. Full refunds will be given.

IS YOUR CHILD REGISTERED ON THE CENSUS?

Please make sure that your baby, toddler or preschooler is registered on the Spring Lake Park Schools census. It will ensure that you will receive early childhood mailings, will be notified of early childhood screenings, and the elementary school in your area will be expecting your child when it’s time for kindergarten. If you have moved to/within the school district, changed your phone number, or had a new baby, you will need to update the census by calling 763-600-5000.

EARLY CHILDHOOD ADVISORY COUNCIL

Parent input is essential to the success of our programs. The Early Childhood Advisory Council is a highly valued resource. This group of parents meets once a month to talk about topics of interest and to help plan special events for our Early Childhood students and families. They also provide feedback about our programs and advocate. Joining the council is a wonderful opportunity to enhance and support early learning. If interested, contact our office at 763-600-5900.

PRESCHOOL

About Preschool | Classes available for 3-and-4-year-olds, September-May

Welcome to preschool, the first step in your child’s educational journey in Spring Lake Park Schools. The goal of preschool is to ensure children enter school with the skills and behaviors necessary to be successful before they begin kindergarten and in all future learning. We will partner with you to create an experience that meets your child’s individual needs and interests.

• Children must be at least 3 years old by September 1, 2023

• Free preschool classes (for those that meet eligibility requirements)

• Spanish immersion preschool ¡Preescolares en español!

• Preschool classes are inclusive of students with all abilities

PARENT AWARE PRESCHOOL

Our Preschool has received the highest possible rating - four out of four starsfrom “Parent Aware,” an organization that measures best practices identified by research that help children succeed.

EARLY CHILDHOOD SCREENING (Ages 3-5)

It’s positive, it’s easy and it’s free!

Spring Lake Park Schools Early Childhood Screening is a check on how well your child is growing and developing. Early childhood screening is required for entrance into kindergarten. At your child’s screening, a trained professional will check your child’s:

• Vision and Hearing

• Height and Weight

• Thinking, language and communication skills

• Social and emotional development

• Fine and gross motor skills

• Immunizations and health history

2023-2024 Screening Dates

Tuesday, August 8 Thursday, January 18

Wednesday, August 9 Friday, February 16

Monday, October 16 Saturday, February 17

Tuesday, October 17 Friday, March 22

Saturday, November 18 Saturday, March 23

Monday, November 20 Friday, April 5

Tuesday, November 21 Tuesday, May 14

Tuesday, January 16 Wednesday, May 15

Wednesday, January 17

EARLY INTERVENTION

Tracking your child’s development during the early years of life is important. Minnesota’s Help Me Grow program offers information and resources for parents of newborns to 5 years old. If you have concerns about your child’s development, you can complete a referral form. Spring Lake Park staff will contact you directly to discuss your concerns and next steps.

Contact HelpMeGrowMN.org or call 1-866-693-4769

2023-2024 Classes | Register at SpringLakeParkSchools.org/Preschool

DISCOVERY DAYS CHILD CARE

Providing Child Care while preparing your child for Kindergarten

Locations: Centerview Elementary | District Services Center

• Flexible scheduling options to meet the needs of your family. Customize your schedule based on the following:

– Three to five days a week, Monday through Friday

– Full day, 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

– Partial day, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Children are eligible if they are 3- or 4-years-old by September 1, 2023 and are toilet trained

Tuition Fees

Not eligible for sliding fee, but we are a CCA eligible provider.

• Full day, five days per week, $54/day

• Partial day, five days per week, $49/day

• Full day, three or four days per week, $68/day

• Partial day, three or four days per week, $63/day

SPANISH IMMERSION PRESCHOOL (HALF DAY)

Offering a preschool experience for families interested in Spanish Immersion

Location: Woodcrest Spanish Immersion Elementary

• Children have a great capacity for second language comprehension at this age. Children in this class will become comfortable hearing Spanish spoken and will begin to understand phrases and directions in Spanish. They will learn their preschool skills and begin to use the Spanish language.

• Children are eligible if they are 4 years old by September 1, 2023 and are toilet trained

• Transportation is not available, parent drop-off and pick-up only

• Classes are eligible for sliding fee/reduced tuition

Classes for 4-year-olds

Three days per week

$20.50 per day I billed weekly

• Monday/Wednesday/Friday

• 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

PRESCHOOL (HALF DAY)

Children attend independently, two to five days per week

Location: Preschool classes are offered in each of our elementary schools. Visit SpringLakeParkSchools.org/AttendanceBoundary to find your neighborhood school.

• Children are eligible if they are 3- or 4-years-old by September 1, 2023 and are toilet trained

• Transportation is not available, parent drop-off and pick-up only

• Classes are eligible for sliding fee/reduced tuition

Classes for 4-year-olds

Five days per week

$17.50 per day I billed weekly

• Monday-Friday

• 1-3:30 p.m.

• Centerview, Northpoint

Three days per week

$20.50 per day I billed weekly

• Monday/Wednesday/Friday

• 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

• Centerview, Northpoint, Park Terrace

• Monday/Wednesday/Friday

• 1-3:30 p.m.

• Park Terrace

Classes for 3-year-olds

Two days per week

$22.50 per day I billed weekly

• Tuesday/Thursday

• 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

• Centerview, Northpoint, Park Terrace

• Tuesday/Thursday

• 1-3:30 p.m.

• Park Terrace

FREE PRESCHOOL CLASSES

Families must meet eligibility requirements in order to qualify for free preschool classes

• Transportation is available for families living within the district boundaries

• Funding from the state of Minnesota make these free classes possible

K-Readiness Preschool

Children are eligible if they are

4 years old by September 1, 2023 and are toilet trained

Five days per week

• Monday-Friday

• 1-3:30 p.m.

• Centerview, Northpoint

• Class eligibility based on income

Five days per week

• Monday-Friday

• 9 a.m.-12 p.m. or 1-4 p.m.

• Park Terrace

• Class eligibility is based on income, for children who do not speak English as a first language, or have other school preparedness needs. Please contact us with any questions about this class.

Clases de Preescolar Gratis

First language is Spanish / Primera lengua hablar español y están entrenados para ir al baño

5 dias a la semana

• Lunes a Viernes

• 1-3:30 p.m.

• Woodcrest Spanish Immersion

• Tener 4 años cumplidos antes del 1 de septiembre del 2023

2 dias a la semana

• Martes y Jueves

• 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

• Woodcrest Spanish Immersion

• Tener 3 años cumplidos antes del 1 de septiembre del 2023

Para más información acera de estas opciones o para inscribirse en español, contacto Elisa al 763-600-5880