From the time your children are born until they start kindergarten, our district’s Early Learning School is your school—a place where you and your children can attend classes, participate in social activities and build relationships with teachers, other early childhood experts and other young families. We’ve created this guide to help you learn about and participate in those opportunities. Get started now!
• Sign up for classes for the 2023–2024 school year
• Schedule a free, required early childhood screening for your 3- or 4-year-old
• Find resources to answer your questions about your child’s development
The Wayzata Early Learning School is funded and operated by Community Ed.
Age
0–12 months On or after Sept. 1, 2022
Welcome Newborns
ECFE Daytime – Baby Steps ECFE Evening – Baby Steps ECFE Family Playtime ECFE Activities and Classes Summer
12–24 months Sept. 1, 2021 –Sept. 1, 2022
ECFE Daytime – Busy Ones ECFE Evening – Busy Ones ECFE Family Playtime ECFE Activities and Classes Summer
24–36 months Sept. 1, 2020 –Sept. 1, 2021
ECFE Daytime – Kids on the Go ECFE Evening – Kids on the Go ECFE Family Playtime ECFE Activities and Classes Preschool Summer
3-year-olds 3 years old by Sept. 1, 2023
ECFE Daytime ECFE Evening – Kids on the Go STEM ECFE Family Playtime ECFE Activities and Classes Preschool (Part-day) Preschool Add-ons Summer Early Childhood Screening
4-year-olds to Kindergarten entrance
4 years old by Sept. 1, 2023
ECFE Evening – Kids on the Go STEM ECFE Family Playtime ECFE Activities and Classes Preschool (Part-day) Preschool (Full-day) Preschool Add-ons Summer Early Childhood Screening
15 16 16 17 17 18
16 16 17 17 18
17 17 17 17 8 18
17 17 17 17 9 12 18 20
17 17 17 10 11 12 18 20
Our much-loved preschool is part of our district’s family of schools—delivering excellence for each and every student. Preschool classes are inclusive and diverse. The classroom environment is warm and caring. Our teachers do an outstanding job of both preparing our preschoolers for kindergarten and helping them with that transition.
We are the only preschool that is fully integrated and aligned with Wayzata Public Schools.
4 We prepare students for kindergarten AND help with the transition. Because we are part of the Wayzata School District, we are able to align our curriculum and share assessment data with our elementary schools.
4 We serve children of all abilities. Our inclusive classrooms allow typical and special needs students to learn and grow together. Many classrooms have an early childhood special education teacher teaching alongside the general education teacher.
4 We support the whole family. Our ECFE (Early Childhood Family Education) classes and preschool teachers all work together to make preschool a positive experience for your entire family.
We use the Creative Curriculum and corresponding Teaching Strategies Gold Assessment for all of our 3- and 4-year-old preschoolers. The Creative Curriculum is a hands-on exploratory play-based approach to learning, it teaches critical thinking skills. We use Teaching Strategies Gold to measure the development of each child so that our lessons meet the developing needs of our students.
Many 2-year-olds and their parents are ready for a preschool experience. It’s a great way to connect with other families and our preschool staff. 2+ classes include a parent education component!
Do you want your 2 year old to have a preschool experience while also gaining the benefits of an ECFE class for yourself? Then join 2+! The schedule for the 2+ classes will allow your two-year-old to easily transition into school while parents get the benefit of connecting with other parents with focused parent education class time. Parents attend both days until Thanksgiving with their child. After Thanksgiving until spring break, parents attend the first day of class each week. After spring break until the end of the year, the children attend both days on their own.
2 years old by September 1, 2023
Class Days Time Cost
2+A M/W 8:45 a.m.–11:15 a.m. $245 per month x 9
2+B T/Th 8:45 a.m.–11:15 a.m. $245 per month x 9
These classes are for older two-year-olds who want to attend all classes without a parent/guardian.
29–35 months by September 1, 2023 (Birth date between 9/2/20–4/1/21)
Class Days Time Cost
2D M/W 8:45 a.m.–11:15 a.m. $245 per month x 9
2E T/Th 8:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m. $245 per month x 9
2F W/F 8:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m. $245 per month x 9
2G M/W 8:45 a.m.–11:15 a.m. $245 per month x 9
Nonrefundable tuition deposit is due May 1, 2023. If you register after May 1, deposit is due when registration is approved.
Monthly costs includes in-house field trips.
Many children are eager to begin school by the time they are 3 years old. Our creative, fun, age appropriate curriculum supports social, emotional and academic growth and development.
3 years old by September 1, 2023
Class Days Time Cost
3A M/W/F 8:45 a.m.–11:15 a.m. $345 per month x 9
3B T/TH 8:45 a.m.–11:15 a.m.. $245 per month x 9
3C M/W 9:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m. $245 per month x 9
3D T/TH 8:45 a.m.–11:15 a.m. $245 per month x 9
3F T/TH/F 9:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m. $345 per month x 9
3G T/W/TH 12:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m. $345 per month x 9
3J T/TH 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. $295 per month x 9
3K M/W/F 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. $415 per month x 9
3M T/Th/F 8:45 a.m.-11:15 a.m. $345 per month x 9
3 or 4 years old by September 1, 2023
Class Days Time Cost
3/4A M-F 9:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. $685 per month X 9
3/4B T/W/TH 1:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m. $345 per month x 9
3/4C M-F 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $905 per month x 9
Our nature-based classes (3N and 4N) are centered on learning in the natural environment. The early childhood standards will be addressed through both outdoor exploration and indoor class time. Spending time outdoors uniquely supports children’s developmental, cognitive, emotional, physical and social growth. Observation skills, balance and agility, and cultivating a sense of wonder are enhanced through nature-based education.
3 years old by September 1, 2023
Class Days Time Cost
3N M/W/TH 12:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m. $345 per month x 9
Nonrefundable tuition deposit is due May 1, 2023. If you register after May 1, deposit is due when registration is approved. Monthly costs includes in-house field trips.
Our preschool classes for 4-year-olds are focused on kindergarten readiness. We work closely with each student to ensure they develop the skills and achieve the standards necessary for a successful transition to kindergarten.
4 years old by September 1, 2023
Class Days Time Cost
4A
M/W/F 8:45 a.m.–11:15 a.m $345 per month x 9
4B M/W/Th 9:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m. $345 per month x 9
4C M/T/W/TH/F 9:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m. $575 per month x 9
4E T/TH/F 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. $415 per month x 9
4G T/W/TH 1:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m. $365 per month x 9
4H T/W/TH 1:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m. $365 per month x 9
4K T/W/TH 12:30 p.m.- 3:30 p.m. $415 per month x 9
Oakwood OW4-1 M/W/F 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. $830 per month x 9
Oakwood OW4-2 T/TH 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. $605 per month x 9
Kimberly Lane KL4-1 M/W/F 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. $830 per month x 9
Kimberly Lane KL4-2 T/TH 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. $605 per month x 9
Nature-based Class (see page 9 for description)
4 years old by September 1, 2023
Class Days Time Cost
4N M/W/TH 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. $415 per month x 9
High Five! Do you have an older preschooler that misses the cut off for kindergarten by a few days or months? This class will focus on growing kindergarten skills for older preschool students. Curriculum will be developmentally appropriate and tailored to meet the academic goals of older preschoolers.
4 years old by September 1, 2023 and will turn 5 before January 1, 2024
Class Days Time Cost
High Five M/T/W/TH/F 1:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m. $575 per month x 9
Nonrefundable tuition deposit is due May 1, 2023. If you register after May 1, deposit is due when registration is approved.
Monthly costs includes in-house field trips.
Wayzata’s full-day preschool program is part of the class offerings with the Wayzata Early Learning School programs. It is a high-quality preschool and childcare program designed to meet the social and educational needs of 4-year-olds. Children enrolled in full-day preschool will participate in a wide range of activities throughout each day, including rest time. Full day preschool students must be fully potty trained before the start of the school year.
Each classroom has 20 students and is staffed with two adults. These adults are not trained special education staff but can be supported by staff from special education. The program will do their best to accommodate children with special needs. Children need to be able to stay with the group and follow expectations. The program emphasizes academic, social-emotional and physical development for preschoolers. Children who are 5 years old and eligible for kindergarten may not be a good match for this 4-year-old program.
• Available at all nine district elementary schools
• Hours of operation are 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. every school day
• Non-school day childcare options are available in partnership with Wayzata Kids
Full-day Preschool at District Elementary Schools M-F Follows the elementary school calendar
7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. $68/day
Nonrefundable tuition deposit is due May 1, 2023. If you register after May 1, deposit is due when registration is approved. Monthly costs includes in-house field trips.
Add on to your child’s preschool day with any of the following classes, exclusively for 3-and-4 year olds who are enrolled in preschool at the Wayzata Early Learning School building. Must be 3 years or older by September 1, 2023.
Lunch bunch will be open to students currently enrolled in morning classes and attending add-ons. Children eligible for a free and reduced price lunch will have access to a meal. Limited space available. Sign up for the day of the week you need, cost is for each day.
Dates & Time Cost
Lunch Bunch Tuesdays and Fridays September 6 through June 6th $5 per day
Our popular class is filled with creative activities that help build STEM skills. While engaging in this play-based learning, children practice attentiveness, persistence, inventiveness, creativity and teamwork—investigating, building and solving problems together. For 3- and 4-year-olds enrolled in our Early Learning School preschool.
Class Description
STEM Mornings
STEM Afternoons
Dates & Time Cost
Tuesdays, Sept. 5 – June 4 9:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Tuesdays, Sept. 5 – June 4 12:30 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
$130 per month x 9
$130 per month x 9
Children get to practice and enrich their literary skills. We focus on phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, fluency, reading comprehension and fun! For 4-year-olds enrolled in our Early Learning School preschool.
Class Description
Literacy Enrichment
Dates & Time Cost
Fridays, Sept. 8 – May 31 12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
$42 per month x 9
We encourage our students to be safe, kind and helpful and to respond to conflict in a positive, healthy way. This is accomplished through a system of Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS), including:
• creating a safe and supportive learning environment
• teaching age-appropriate social-emotional skills
• setting behavior expectations
This approach is also used in all of our district’s elementary schools.
We know that classroom participation leads to more learning, increased skill acquisition and better outcomes. We use the research-based Classroom Engagement Model teaching practices to engage our students and encourage their full participation.
Parent Aware is Minnesota’s quality rating system. It identifies programs using best practices to prepare children for kindergarten. We are a four-star rated Program, which is their highest possible rating!
Calendar details at wayzataschools.org/calendar.
ECFE (Early Childhood Family Education)—for families with children from birth to kindergarten entrance—is a nationally-celebrated, school district-based parenting education program.
Participating in ECFE helps you to form relationships with other families in the district and introduces you to our district’s learning experts and resources. It also engages your children in fun, age-appropriate learn and play activities.
4
or caregivers and children attend classes together 4 Professional, licensed early childhood parent educators and/or teachers lead every class 4 Each class is one to two hours long and includes an age-appropriate mix of parent discussion, parentchild activities and children’s learning/play time 4 Most classes meet throughout the school year, but there are some short-term options 4 You can join classes at any time 4 Class sizes vary, but we keep groups small and intimate 4 We offer sibling care for children who are at least six weeks old
One of our licensed ECFE specialists would like to connect with you, answer your questions, and tell you about our services. Please call 763-745-5290 to introduce yourself and schedule a time.
We also host gatherings to welcome new babies to our district. Join us! Register online at wayzataschools.org/earlylearning.
September 13, 2023 | 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m. December 13, 2023 | 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m. March 13, 2024 | 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Kids on the Go 8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m. Busy Ones 8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m. Busy Ones 8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m. Busy Ones 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Kids on the Go
8:45 a.m-11:15 a.m. 2+A Preschool & ECFE
8:45 a.m-11:15 a.m. 2+B Preschool & ECFE
8:45 a.m-11:15 a.m. 2+A Preschool & ECFE
8:45 a.m-11:15 a.m. 2+B Preschool & ECFE
8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m. Busy Ones
10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Busy Ones 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Kids on the Go 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Baby Steps* 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Busy Ones 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Family Playtime
12:15 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Buzzy’s Book Club 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. Baby Steps 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. Baby Steps
5:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Busy Ones
5:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Kids on the GoSTEM
5:15 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Baby Steps
KEY Age by September 1, 2023
4:00 p.m.-4:45 p.m. Yoga
0-12 months 12-24 months 24-36 months 2-4 years Birth-5 years
Baby Steps (0-12 months by 9/1/2023) Non-Separating
Get to know other people with babies the same age as yours. Join us for playtime, conversation and the chance to learn from your peers and our educators. Classes are facilitated by our experienced, licensed parent educators and early childhood teachers. Everyone with a new baby is welcome, not just first time parents. Some sections are non-separating and others will begin a gradual separation at some point during the year.
Busy Ones (12-24 months by 9/1/2023) Gradually
Explore the world through your toddler’s eyes, connect with other families, enhance your parenting skills, discover fresh activity ideas, and navigate the joys and challenges of raising a toddler. Enjoy parent/child time including songs, activities and games that will help your child grow in every way. Relax and enjoy the parent support and discussion time while building a network of friends for your child and family. Parents will stay with children for the first three weeks. On week four parents will practice separating from the children for a short period of time. This time will be extended throughout the school year.
Kids on the Go (24-36 months by 9/1/2023) Separating
Join this class and watch your child explore learning opportunities and practice important school readiness skills. Children will practice social skills such as listening to the teacher, turn taking and following in line while experiencing a fun and loving classroom environment. Enjoy parent/child time including songs, activities and games that will help your child grow in every way. Relax and enjoy the parent support and discussion time while building a network of friends for your child and family. Separating happens in the second week of class.
2+ Preschool and ECFE (24-36 months by 9/1/2023) Gradually Separating Do you want your 2-year-old to have a preschool experience while also gaining the benefits of an ECFE class for yourself? Then join 2+! See page 8 to learn more.
Family Playtime (all ages) Non-Separating
Bring your infants, toddlers and preschoolers to our weekly playtime. Teachers set fun themes for these loosely structured open-play classes. Parent educators are always available and willing to chat.
Buzzy’s Book Club (2, 3 or 4 years old by 9/1/2023) Separating
Bring your 2, 3, or 4 year olds to our weekly story and playtime. Teachers set fun themes focusing on high quality literature, literacy and pre-reading skills.
Early Childhood Yoga! (3 or 4 years old by 9/1/2023) Non-Separating
Bring your preschooler and join the ECFE parent and child yoga. Be sure to wear comfortable clothes and enjoy the benefits that yoga has to offer.
Kids on the Go STEM (3 or 4 years old by 9/1/2023)
Follow your child’s lead and discover developmentally appropriate experiments and activities that will enhance a child’s natural curiosity surrounding science, technology, engineering, and math. Such activities include science experiments, building catapults, observing worms and caterpillars in springtime, and more! Enjoy parent/child time including a STEM activity, songs, and games that will help your child grow in every way. Relax and enjoy the parent support and discussion time while building a network of friends for your child and family. Separating happens in the second week of class.
ECFE registration opens May 1, 2023
We are so excited to have an abundance of green space to bring much of our learning outdoors! Three sessions are held during the summer and you are able to sign up for 1, 2, or 3 sessions! Summer preschool classes are for children 2–5 years old on or before September 1, 2022 but not yet in kindergarten.
2–5 years old on or before September 1, 2022 but not yet in kindergarten.
Class Days & Time Dates Cost
Pre-K Summer A T/W/Th 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Pre-K Summer B T/W/Th 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Pre-K Summer C T/W/Th 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
June 20, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 $250
July 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20 $250
July 25, 26, 27 August 1, 2, 3 $250
The summer is a great time to participate in an ECFE class! The Wayzata Early Learning School is offering a 5 week summer session so you can enjoy quality time with your young child in a school environment. Explore the world through your child’s eyes, connect with other families, enhance your parenting skills, discover fresh activity ideas, and navigate the joys and challenges of raising a child. Depending on the number of families enrolled, the group age parameters may be combined or split. All times and dates will remain the same. Birth Dates: June 1, 2021 – June 1, 2023.
0–12 Months
Summer ECFE Mondays 9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
June 19, 26 July 10, 17, 24, 31 $110
12–24 Months
Summer ECFE Mondays 9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
June 19, 26 July 10, 17, 24, 31 $110
Families are invited to meet at the Wayzata Early Learning School playground and explore our expansive outdoor space while engaging in outdoor activities, projects, and fun with other children and families. There is no charge for this activity, but pre-registration is required. All ages are welcome, but the activities will be geared toward early childhood students. Organized activities will be for an hour, but families are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch, stay and play, and enjoy the company of the other families and children. Don’t forget your stroller too as you will do some walking!
PARKSUM-1 Monday, June 26 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. FREE
PARKSUM-2 Monday, July 17 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. FREE
Early Childhood Screening is a service we provide to families in our school district. The State of Minnesota requires that every child who is going to a public school go through this screening—a simple assessment of your child’s health and development—before they enter kindergarten.
“We discovered my daughter’s vision problem at early childhood screening. I had no idea she needed glasses.”
“My son’s speech delay was noted and addressed immediately. By the time he started kindergarten, he was right on track with other students.”
• It takes place at our Early Learning School—a warm and welcoming place.
• It takes about an hour.
• If you need an interpreter, we provide one.
• We visit with you and your child to get to know you and gather some information. We also have your child participate in some fun activities.
• All of this is so we can assess:
– Vision, hearing and physical growth
– Health and immunization history
– Social and emotional development
– Fine and gross motor ability
– Cognitive development
– Speech, language and articulation
No. It is a developmental assessment so we can help your child be successful in kindergarten.
If we identify any potential challenges, we can offer early intervention services and resources to address and hopefully overcome those challenges long before your child is in kindergarten.
What if my child completed a screening in another district?
Please send the early childhood screening summary information from other Minnesota school districts to our office. Screening only needs to be completed once.
“It was reaffirming to know that my daughter was on track!”
Tracking your child’s development during the earliest months and years of life is important. If you have questions or concerns, let us know. We can help you determine if early intervention is appropriate.
Minnesota’s Help Me Grow website helps you track important developmental milestones and make a referral if you have a concern.
Our district’s Early Childhood Special Education team provides excellent services to eligible children and their families. They work closely with your child and family, as well as the ECFE and Preschool teachers at our school to create an inclusive classroom environment for all of our students.
Call 763-745-5255 for information about our Early Childhood Special Education services.
We don’t want language barriers, cultural differences, transportation issues or anything else to keep children and their families from getting the services and education we offer. Our community outreach team reaches out to families in several ways, including:
• partnering with trusted organizations
• bringing classes and mobile screening services onsite for some apartment communities
• hosting accessible informational events throughout the community
• visiting families virtually and in their homes
• talking with families in our schools
As a result of our work, more families are registering for ECFE and preschool classes, receiving early intervention services and learning how to navigate our schools.
Each year, we screen children out in the community, help families to be screened at our school, and assist families with getting their young learners in school.
The families we work with and encourage to participate in ECFE and preschool end up being our greatest advocates within their community.
Tori Lee, outreach manager tori.lee@wayzataschools.org
Naomi Huso, parent educator naomi.huso@wayzataschools.org
Jeanett Sanders, outreach specialist jeanett.sanders@wayzataschools.org
If you know someone we should reach out to, email us or call 763-745-5290.
We can’t do this alone. Park Nicollet, Hennepin County Libraries, the YMCA, Interfaith Outreach and apartment community managers are among the many who welcome us to their sites.
Register online: wayzataschools.org/earlylearning/register
• Current ELS customer registration for part-time and full-day preschool begins January 30 at 8:00 a.m. and ends on February 1 at 4:00 p.m.
• General preschool registration and registration for all other programs including summer and Add-ons begins on February 6 at 8:00 a.m.
• ECFE registration opens May 1 at 8:00 a.m.
1. Click on “Register” and then “Create an account.”
2. Fill in personal information.
3. Add family members to create your profile.
4. Now you can register.
• Provide first and second choice options to increase your chances of getting into a class.
• Select your class based on your child’s age on September 1, 2023.
• Send a copy of your child’s birth certificate to earlylearning@wayzataschools.org. This is required.
• We will request immunization records in August.
• Registration is open year-round, but classes fill quickly.
Varies by length of class Free–$800 September 15 December 1 February 1
Refund Policy
nonrefundable, unless you cancel before the second day of class
No one will be turned away from an ECFE class because they are unable to pay. When registering, select your payment amount from the sliding fee scale options.
If you find that ECFE is not a good fit for you, we will refund your entire fee if you notify us before the second day of class.
Once you submit a contract request online and pay the registration fee, your contract will be reviewed. You will receive an email confirmation when your contract has been approved.
One-time registration fee $75 per family At time of registration nonrefundable
May 1, 2023
This must be paid in advance to guarantee your child’s space
Varies by class
If you register after May 1, deposit is due upon confirmation of class enrollment.
nonrefundable nontransferable
Monthly payments Varies by class 15th of each month nonrefundable
Contract Change Fee
$21 (Assessed per child each time you change your contract after August 1)
Late payment fee $21
Late pick-up fee for part-day preschool $10 per 15-minute increment
Late pick-up fee for full-day preschool $21 after 6:00 p.m.
To discuss alternative payment schedules, contact earlylearning@wayzataschools.org or call 763-745-5290.
We offer scholarships and payment assistance for qualifying families. Call 763-745-5290 for more information. Application forms are available in our office or online at wayzataschools.org/earlylearning.
For full-day preschool, start by calling Hennepin County at 612-348-5937 to add your name to the waiting list for childcare assistance. Families can also apply for a Pathways I scholarship at thinksmall.org.
After May 1, 2023, for all part-day classes, we require a minimum 30-day notice by the first of the month before you wish to discontinue enrollment. If a 30-day notice is not provided, you will be charged in full for the next month’s payment. Refunds are not provided for days missed due to inclement weather, vacations or illness. For full-day preschool, a request to withdraw your contract requires a two-week notice.
17340 County Road 6
Wayzata Public Schools