2025-2026 School Year
Preschool
Child Care Discovery Days
ECFE Early Childhood Family Education
EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM INFORMATION
Register online starting February 19, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. for Preschool and Child Care
SPRING LAKE PARK SCHOOLS
EARLY CHILDHOOD
From the time your child is born until they reach kindergarten, we are here for you.
CONTACT
The Early Childhood office is located at the District Services Center. 1415 81st Avenue NE, Spring Lake Park, MN 55432
| Call: 763-600-5900
| Email: earlychildhood@district16.org
ASSISTANCE WITH REGISTERING
Call: 763-600-5900
Computer Use: Need access to a computer? Stop by the District Services Center 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. for help.
Español: Para más información acera de estas opciones o para inscribirse en español, puede llamar al 763-600-5900.
Centerview Elementary School
Preschool, ECFE 10365 Davenport Street NE Blaine, MN 55449
District Services Center
ECFE, Child Care (Discovery Days), Screening 1415 81st Avenue NE Spring Lake Park, MN 55432
Northpoint Elementary School
Preschool
2350 124th Court NE Blaine, MN 55449
Park Terrace Elementary School
Preschool 8301 Terrace Road NE
Spring Lake Park, MN 55432
Woodcrest Spanish Immersion Elementary School
Spanish Immersion Preschool 880 Osborne Road NE Fridley, MN 55432
Preschool
Preschool is 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 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, 2025 and independent with toileting
• Classes are offered September–May
• Located in each of our elementary buildings
• Half day preschool programs
• Classes are tuition-based; Reduced or free tuition is available for those who meet qualification
• Preschool classes are inclusive of students with all abilities
• Limited transportation available for some classes to students who qualify
CURRICULUM
Preschool in Spring Lake Park Schools aligns its curriculum with Minnesota Early Learning Standards and with our district’s K-5 standards. Our licensed teachers develop handson learning activities that promote creativity and confidence. Our program provides children with experiences that build relationships, enhance problem solving and communication skills, and sets the foundation for successful, life-long learning in the areas of:
• Language, literacy and communication
• Math
• Science
• Physical development
• Social emotional development
SCHEDULE OPTIONS
• 2-day per week classes for 3-year-olds
• 3-day or 5-day per week classes for 4-year-olds
• Spanish Immersion for 4-year-olds
• Preescolares en español for 3-and 4-year olds
REGISTER ONLINE starting February 19, 2025, 8:30 a.m. for Preschool classes
Register by March 3 for priority enrollment. A lottery drawing may be used for classes over capacity.
PARENT AWARE PRESCHOOL AND CHILD CARE
We've 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.
CURRENT CLASS OFFERINGS
For the most up-to-date class offerings, please visit our website at SpringLakeParkSchools.org/Preschool or call the Early Childhood office at 763-600-5900.
The teachers of my two children are phenomenal. They obviously work extremely hard and truly care. My children have already developed so many skills in just two months. Very happy with everybody involved with the preschool program.
– Preschool Parent
Child Care (Discovery Days)
We offer high quality childcare while incorporating an early learning curriculum aligned with our Spring Lake Park Schools kindergarten programs.
• Children are eligible if they are 3- or 4-years-old by September 1, 2025 and are independent with toileting
• Breakfast, lunch and snacks provided
• Flexible scheduling options to meet the needs of your family
• Full day or partial day options
• Three to five days per week, Monday through Friday
• Non-School Day and summer options
LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE
Assistance may be available, check out the Financial Aid Programs through www.parentaware.org/families/paying-for-care.
CURRICULUM
Our curriculum is based on the Early Childhood indicators of Progress, which are the Minnesota early learning standards. With a focus on creating a supportive and engaging environment, we help children build the essential skills they need for lifelong success.
Our programs foster development in the areas of:
• Language, literacy and communication
• Math
• Science
• Physical development
• Social emotional development
• Self-help and problem solving
This is our second year and I want to express my deep gratitude for the teachers! They consistently go above and beyond to create an engaging and inspiring learning environment. Their dedication has truly sparked my child’s excitement for learning and made school a place they love to be. Additionally, their commitment to family engagement has been invaluable, building a strong sense of community and ensuring families feel welcomed and involved in the learning process. So fortunate to have such a passionate and caring group!
REGISTER ONLINE starting February 19, 2025, 8:30 a.m. for summer and/or fall classes
Register by March 3 for priority enrollment. A lottery drawing may be used for classes over capacity.
Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)
ECFE is an early learning program that is unique to Minnesota.
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. We follow the Parent Education Core Curriculum Framework and Early Childhood Indicators of Progress: Minnesota's Early Learning Standards.
ECFE classes are for all families with children from birth to kindergarten age, regardless of abilities or financial circumstances.
TYPES OF CLASSES
• Non-Separating Parent and Child Classes: Taught by a licensed ECFE teacher, parents and children learn and play together.
• Separating Classes: Parents engage in play with their child in the classroom for the first part of class. The parents will then join the family educator in a separate room, where they engage in guided discussions of parenting topics while children remain in the classroom to continue learning through play with the ECFE teacher.
• Sibling Care is available during select ECFE classes for siblings of children enrolled in class. Infants under three months of age are welcome to attend class with the parent. For babies older than four months, please use sibling care or make other arrangements for childcare.
My son and I have both had such a great experience at Family Fun Playgroup! Today was his third class, and he was so excited to come. He is starting to get the hang of the routine! I've been so happy with everyone we've met, they are all so great and they truly care about my little boy!
– ECFE Parent
REGISTER ONLINE starting July 14, 2025, 8:30 a.m. for ECFE classes
For the most up-to-date class offerings, please visit our website or call the Early Childhood office at 763-600-5900.
Screening and Early Intervention
Spring Lake Park Schools Early Childhood Screening is a check on how well your child is growing and developing. Early childhood screening (for ages 3-5) is required for entrance into kindergarten.
It's positive, it's easy and it's free! 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
When registering, please indicate if you or your child need an interpreter
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 Schools staff will contact you directly to discuss your concerns and next steps.
Contact HelpMeGrowMN.org or call 1-866-693-4769
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.
PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL
Parent input is essential to the success of our programs. The Early Childhood Parent Advisory Council is a highly valued resource. This group of parents meets several times per year 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 in joining, call 763-600-5900.
EARLY CHILDHOOD REGISTRATION
Preschool
REGISTER ONLINE
starting February 19, 2025, 8:30 a.m. for Preschool classes
Register by March 3 for priority enrollment. A lottery drawing may be used for classes over capacity.
To complete registration, please bring the following:
• Original birth certificate (with state seal)
• Address verification - Drivers License/State ID with current address, or current utility bill, or a lease/purchase agreement
• Child’s current immunization record
District Services Center: 1415 81st Ave NE, Spring Lake Park, MN 55432
Child Care
REGISTER ONLINE
starting February 19, 2025, 8:30 a.m. for summer and/or fall classes
Register by March 3 for priority enrollment. A lottery drawing may be used for classes over capacity. SpringLakeParkSchools.org/ECFE
REGISTER ONLINE
starting July 14, 2025, 8:30 a.m. for ECFE classes
For the most up-to-date class offerings, please visit our website or call the Early Childhood office at 763-600-5900.
• Classes are open to all families with children from birth through age 5. Adult participation is required for most classes. Any adult who is participating with the child must be registered.
• 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.
After your registration is approved, please bring:
• Original birth certificate (with state seal)
• Address verification - Drivers License/State ID with current address, or current utility bill, or a lease/purchase agreement
• Child’s current immunization record
District Services Center: 1415 81st Ave NE, Spring Lake Park, MN 55432
APPLYING FOR FREE OR REDUCED TUITION
If you are applying for a free class or reduced tuition, you are asked to please submit proof of income. All documentation must be turned in before your registration is approved and your child is confirmed in a class. Any of the documents listed below may be used:
• Page 1 of the most recent IRS Income Tax Form
• Educational Benefits qualification letter for older sibling
• Official form documenting current enrollment in SNAP, MFIP, ACCAP or foster care
Early Childhood Family Center 1415 81st Ave NE
Spring Lake Park, MN 55432
SpringLakeParkSchools.org/EC 763-600-5900
