Newcomer Service 2023-2024 Youth Directory

DEAR NEW MOVERS,

Welcome to your new home. You have chosen a wonderful place to live and where children (families) are so important. I moved to Central MN to take advantage of the superior educational system for my children. I had no idea at the time of all the “other” great programs and adventures available for us to take advantage of. The Youth Directory is designed to introduce the wide variety of opportunities, schools, services, activities, and programs throughout the area. You will find that most the businesses we recommend are exclusively locally owned, a distinction Newcomer Service is enormously proud of.

Please take advantage of the exceptional resources we work hard to provide and don’t hesitate to contact us. The advertisers in the directory welcome you to call or stop by to learn about them. Again, welcome.

Susan Dean

320.980.2872 |

susan@newcomerservice.net

Educational options are numerous in Central Minnesota

Finding the right school for your child is important and Central Minnesota is home to a variety of school options so you are sure to find the right fit for your child and your family.

From public to private, charter, immersion, and more, there are many school choices to consider. There are benefits to every type of school, and it’s essential to understand your child’s needs to determine which type of school is the best fit for them.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The public schools in Central Minnesota are strong. All of the three main districts (St. Cloud, Sartell, and Sauk Rapids) have built a new school within the last five years and offer state-of-the-art technology and services. Most people are familiar with public schools, and this is an excellent option for many students.

The public schools in Central Minnesota offer a variety of advanced placement classes, post-secondary education options, and a good selection of electives including automotive, building trades, welding, robotics, programing, and more.

IMMERSION SCHOOLS

As the world becomes more globally focused, it will be essential for people to know a second language. (Plus, it looks good on a college application or resume.) Central Minnesota is home to three language immersion schools –Chinese and Spanish immersion are currently being taught within St. Cloud Area School District 742. Somali immersion classes will start in the fall of 2023. These classes can continue through senior year if the student stays in the program. However, due to how the classes are taught, students can usually only enter this program in kindergarten.

Other districts and schools in Central Minnesota offer language instruction as part of their curriculum.

CHARTER SCHOOLS

Charter schools can be a great option for many students and there are several fantastic charter school choices in the St. Cloud area. In Minnesota, charter schools are tuition-free, independent public education option designed to fit a student’s unique needs. These schools often offer small class sizes. Charter schools tend to have a specific program focus that is geared to help students learn in a way that works best for them. Some of the specialty charter schools in St. Cloud are geared towards students interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) classes, outdoor education, or for students who need more active movement throughout the day.

Some local charter schools also address special education needs, additional assistance for dyslexia, and other learning impairments. Charter schools are often more diverse in enrollment than the state averages.

RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS

If you are looking for a religious or parochial school, you are in luck. Central Minnesota is home to many religious education options for your family. Whether you’re looking for Catholic or Lutheran, or more, you will likely be able to find an option that fits your family’s religious beliefs. Religious schools are an excellent option for families hoping to integrate religious teaching within the regular class curriculum.

Religious schools tend to offer small class sizes. Tuition costs will depend on the school.

MONTESSORI SCHOOLS

Montessori schools take pride in fostering independence. They are taught with a child-first and child-lead mentality. Children are given the resources to learn and progress at their own pace and according to their own capabilities and interests. The curriculum includes practical life skills, language, math, geography, science, art, music, and dance. Montessori schools take pride in knowing their students are learning self-discipline.

Children can often start attending Montessori Schools at a young age, sometimes as young as 2. Tuition costs will depend upon various factors.

The choice is yours

With the number of fantastic school options in Central Minnesota, you are sure to find the right school for your family. It can be overwhelming to decide what school to attend, so make sure to take time to research, visit the school websites, schedule tours, and talk to school officials to learn which school option will be best for your child and your family.

Alicia Chapman, Bluebird Creative LLC

Choose 742

From your child’s earliest learning experience to high school graduation, St. Cloud Area School District 742 provides a world of opportunities to thrive and grow. Talented teachers, leaders and support staff welcome and embrace your child every step of the pathway to their future. From Chinese and Spanish Immersion programs to over 20 Advanced Placement classes, from multilingual learning to 33 Minnesota High School League-sponsored activities, from fine arts programs to Innovation and Technology, and from Career and College academies to community partnerships, discover all the reasons families choose St. Cloud Area Schools.

the communities of Clear Lake, Clearwater, Collegeville, Luxemburg, Pleasant Lake, St. Augusta, St. Cloud, St. Joseph & Waite Park.

Clearview Elementary (PreK-5)

Discovery Community School (PreK-5)

Kennedy Community School (PreK-8)

Lincoln Elementary (3-5)

Madison Elementary (PreK-5)

Oak Hill Community School (PreK-5)

Talahi Community School (PreK-2)

Westwood Elementary (PreK-5)

North Junior High (6-8)

South Junior High (6-8)

Apollo High School (9-12)

Tech High School (9-12)

English: 320-370-8116

Spanish: 320-370-8117

Somali: 320-370-8118

Choice Matters: The Importance of Letting Kids Choose Their Own Books

Do you want your child to be a great reader and love reading? What are the secrets of parents whose kids beg to visit their local library to check out piles of books and voraciously read them over the next few weeks? While there are no guarantees, the single most important thing adults can do is let kids choose their own books.

Although this may seem simple, don’t underestimate the power of choice: when adults let kids choose their own books, kids are more likely to finish the book, like the book and seek out more books. Scholastic’s Kids & Family Reading Report, 7th Edition from 2019 reported that 88% of kids surveyed were more likely to finish a book they chose themselves, and 89% said their favorite books were the ones they chose. Parents should try not to get caught up in the reading level of a book, since kids are a pretty good judge of what they can handle. They will absorb what they can, and by trusting your child to choose their books, you are increasing their selfesteem and sense of accomplishment.

Some modern books for kids are getting a bad rap for not being quality literature. Series books and graphic novels (commonly called “comic books”) are frowned upon by many well-meaning adults, but quality reading is subjective, and all books have their own merits and will appeal to certain readers. Kids can find comfort in reading the same series of books, and the extra illustrations in graphic novels can provide a little extra support for the reluctant or struggling reader.

Great River Regional Library has thousands of books for kids. Whether you browse in person at one of our locations or online via our library website, we truly have something for every reader. If you or your kids are not sure what to read, please ask library staff. We love to help readers of all ages choose their next great book!

By Connie Laing, Patron Services Librarian, Great River Regional Library

The Place

All

It is our vision to see all students succeed in school: to become pro cient in all content areas, develop self-con dence, appreciate and get along with others, and explore and use unique abilities in order to become productive citizens.

K- 8

S T E M

S C H O O L 1-1

PR O G R A M

D E V I C E S

1025 18th Street N St. Cloud

Finding the right Child Care center can be challenging in many ways. Being prepared and knowing what questions to ask are essential in the search for a Child Care Center. Understanding and including your child’s individual developmental needs should be a part of the conversation to ensure those needs will be met. Attending a high-quality Center-Based Child Care Program from infant through age 5 can make a difference in the success of the child’s development for school preparedness.

Did you know that a Child’s Development starts at Birth?

A high-quality Child Care Center should:

• Make sure your child is on track with their developmental milestones

• Tailor lesson planning for individual and classroom development

• Offer Parent Conferences multiple times per year

• Provide resources in supporting children’s growth Benefits and Offerings to look for in a high-quality Center-Based Child Care Program:

• Reliability-open year round

• Classroom settings with trained Staff

• Staff-to-Child Ratios

• Play-based curriculum

• Advanced social skills

• Great child experiences that build confidence

• Structured play

• No screen time

• Healthy MN Grown Food Products served with meals

• Secured entrances using Fingerprint Recognition

• Staying connected with Parents through software applications

• Staff Background Checks

All of this and more can be found at a Playhouse Child Care Center in your area. Providing high-quality care is what makes Playhouse Child Care Center stand out from day care centers. Education and the structure children need at every age in their early development are made a priority at Playhouse Child Care.

• Our goal is for each child to develop a strong sense of self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-worth.

• Positive staff-child interactions and relationships provide a foundation for successful lifelong learning.

• Constructive, yet purposeful play, which supports essential learning.

• Our experienced, caring and committed staff provide quality, guided learning opportunities through play and hands on experiences.

• We encourage children to think creatively and to grow physically, emotionally, cognitively, and socially in a safe and nurturing environment.

SCHEDULE A CENTER TOUR TODAY!

playhousechildcare.com

LOVE & LEARN Childcare Academy : An Extended Family

Whether you work outside the home or simply want to give your child a nudge outside of the nest with a pre-Kindergarten experience, Love & Learn Childcare Academy can function as your extended family. Our academy is comprised of three infant rooms, two toddler rooms, and two preschool rooms. We are a busy “home away from home” for children Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Infant room opens at 7:00am.

Trained childcare staff bond with your child, and together, we create a sense of wholeness, belonging, and self-worth in your infant, toddler, or preschooler. The positive, loving environment of our childcare is focused on your child’s socialization, creativity, learning, skills development, and physical and emotional well-being. Activities are child-directed and teacher-directed––quiet and active. Staff carefully observes their charges throughout the day, reporting baby steps and learning milestones to parents.

“We want our children to LOVE AND LEARN in a positive environment,” say owners Mike (Mehrdad) and Charla Attarsaheli, and Tony and Becky Waytashek. Our childcare provides us all a chance to make a difference in young lives, leading to a better world.

Mary MacDonell Belisle

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Unsure of when your child’s next visit should be? Keep this chart as a reference to all of your children’s oral health care needs:

Clinical Oral Exam

Starting at 6 months - 12+

Assess Oral Growth and Development

Starting at 6 months - 12+

Cavities-Risk Assessment

Starting at 6 months - 12+

Teeth Cleaning/Fluoride Treatment

Starting at 12 months - 12+

Oral Hygiene Counseling

Parents, Guardians, Caregivers starting at 6 months - 12 years; Patient age 12+

Injury Prevention Counseling

Starting at 6 months - 12+

X-ray Assessment

Starting at 2 years - 12+

Treatment of Dental Disease/Injury

Starting at 6 months - 12+

Assessment & Treatment of Alignment Issues, like Crowing, Overbite, Underbite, etc. Sealants

Starting at 2 years - 12+

Hailey in Bellabu Bear

The best local places for

rocking birthday parties.

SMILE LIKE YOU MEAN IT

Since 2005, Dentistry for Children has provided highly personalized, comprehensive dental care for infants, children, and adolescents. Our team members create unique and positive experiences ensuring every interaction is friendly, relaxed, and FUN! At Dentistry for Children, we inspire our patients to practice good dental hygiene habits that continue into adulthood to create beautiful smiles that last a lifetime.