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Preschool

Preschool provides foundational learning for children who are 3- or 4-years-old by September 1. Preschool supports a child's social-emotional growth while also increasing skills in language, literacy, math and physical development for future success. Preschool offers a supportive environment where children can also create important social connections with their peers.
Chalk art that reads Welcome to Preschool with a sun and flower
A young girls wearing a backpack
A preschool classroom
A teacher talking with a student and looking at something together
Two young girls playing with a game mounted on the wall
A teacher helping a student sitting on her lap
A young girl sitting on the floor
Preschool students looking at a something and dancing
A young boy wearing a backpack with parents and kids in the background
Teacher reading to a group of preschool students seated on a multi-color rug
A young girl putting on a backpack with parents and other students in the background
Preschool students looking at a something and dancing
Three's and multi-age preschool (Little Suns & Solar Sparks) offers three, four and five-year-old children a variety of site and programming options, including two and three day classes. Some classes provide an option for parents to register for a parent discussion group as part of the class registration. Childcare will be provided if you wish to register for the parent discussion group and your child does not attend preschool at the same time as the group meets. Childcare will also be provided for other siblings ages birth to five years. 
 

Four's Preschool (Sunny Scholars) is an exciting time for children as they work to develop abilities and independence that will help prepare them for Kindergarten and beyond. The Four's Pre-K program is for four-year-old's one year prior to starting kindergarten. Children must be age four on or before Sept. 1. The program is located at most elementary school sites and offers programming five days per week with morning and afternoon half-day options. Parents are responsible for their child's transportation to and from school.  

Completion of Early Childhood Screening is required for all students in SoWashCo Schools Preschool program starting at age 3. To schedule an appointment call 651-425-6636 or schedule a screening date online. Be sure to mention your child is registering for the SoWashCo Schools Preschool program. 

Your child cannot be placed in a class if they will be 4 years old by 9/1/24 and have not yet been screened.

Preschool tours

We invite you to learn more about our preschool program by attending a tour. A short presentation will be made about our preschool programs and preschool representatives will be available to help answer questions and provide take home information. Pre-registration is required. Please register or call 651-425-7160 for more information.

District Program Center, Cottage Grove - Wednesdays 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Mar 13, Apr 10, May 8
Liberty Ridge Site II, Woodbury - Mondays 2:30-3:30 p.m. Feb 26, Apr 15, May 20

register to attend a tour

Contact

Enrollment Questions:
651-425-7160

kheiders@sowashco.org

Program manager

Joyce Beaird 
Early Learning Family Services Manager
651-425-7169
jbeaird@sowashco.org

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Parent Resources

Early Learning Blog

Preschool Catalog

Registration Information

Parent resources

Early learning blog

 

 

Along with the joy of becoming a parent comes a lot of questions about raising a child. It can be hard to find answers and information. Our Early Learning blog can provide the information you seek. Written by one of our own ECFE Licensed Parent Educators, each blog offers insight into child development, parenting strategies, and other important topics that can support parents during their parenting journey. View our extensive blog library of topics as well as our most recent post below:

Independence can be a roller coaster. It’s a tricky balance between doing everything for your kids and letting them stumble through it while managing big emotions and taking into account the logistics of getting a child buckled into their car seat in time for preschool or considering safety in the kitchen.

When my kids were toddlers and at varying stages of independence, I vividly recall the struggle of finding that delicate balance between doing everything for them and letting them stumble through it on their own. But through patience, insight from experts, and often a healthy dose of perspective from my husband we continue to find a rhythm of independence that challenges me to grow as a parent and foster both confidence in how my children view themselves and trust to ask for help from others.

What exactly is play-based learning? It's the environment that is conducive to a child’s development involving skills such as teamwork, communication, clever thinking, creativity, and confidence. Additionally, it's beneficial for social skills, language development, and even laying a foundation for number sense and scientific inquiry.

I have been anxiously anticipating the first “real” snowfall in Minnesota this winter, which is seeming further and further away. There is something miraculous about the sparkle  of trees adorned with glitter and creating footprints on the wintery path. One of my favorite parenting moments is waking up my then 3-year-old from bed on a night when the snow began falling like a thick cozy blanket in the evening hours. By 10:00 p.m. there was nearly a half foot of snow and my busy, energetic preschooler had been blessedly sleeping for several hours after what was always a full day of trying to keep up with him. I couldn’t quench my excitement for the new snow and knowing that this apple didn’t fall far from the tree I knew he would be just as thrilled as I was at the wonder on our front lawn. I woke him out of a dreamy sleep, and he instantly sprang to life as he gazed outside while I dressed us both in our winter gear. We made a snowman, snow angels, and just took in the beauty of the quiet night; warm from connection of joy shared and energy used to enjoy the gift of the first snowfall.

Snowflakes are a fitting analogy for each child’s unique way of responding to the world and the gift of rare perspective they bring.

Has this happened in your household as often as ours? A place where cookies can mimic the currency of joy. You hand each child a cookie, and suddenly, chaos and crying ensues. One child protests, “It’s not fair! His cookie is bigger!” Embrace the humor and opportunity in these moments, turning them into valuable teaching opportunities. 

In the whimsical world of parenting, the age-old question persists: How do we teach our little ones the delicate dance between fair and equal? We’ll consider research as well as practical strategies to navigate the foundation for this important lesson.

Preschool catalog

View the preschool catalog or download a printable version.

Register for Preschool 2023-24 Preschool Information 2024-25 Preschool Catalog PDF