Discovery Time
Welcome to the wonderful world of two-year-olds! This is an important year of growth for both you and your child. Parent and child classes will focus on the cognitive, language, social emotional and large/fine motor skills that your child is developing. This is a separating class.
Wildcat Explorers
Follow your child’s curiosities as they experience engaging centers. Participate in a circle time filled with songs and movement followed by play time in our gym. This is a separating class.
ECFE Bridge to Preschool
A unique blend of parent-child time and peer group interaction offering an introductory preschool experience. Registration will be for the full school year.
Each Bridge to Preschool class meets two days a week. We offer a Monday/Wednesday class and a Tuesday/Thursday class.
Parent-Child Day (Monday or Tuesday): Parents attend class with their children. The first hour is an opportunity for playing, modeling social interactions, and participating in your child’s learning. The second-hour parents separate for fun, educational parent discussions around supporting their child’s development.
Child-Only Day (Wednesday or Thursday): This is a drop-off day where your child will interact with peers led by a licensed early childhood teacher. Children will follow a typical preschool schedule and learn basic routines and expectations in preparation for preschool. Children working toward toilet training are welcome to attend.
ECFE Bridge to Preschool charges a monthly tuition to attend. Sibling care is available for the Parent-Child Day. Tuition and Sibling Care fees are on a sliding scale based on annual income.
| Annual Income | Monthly Tuition (Sept-May) | Monthly Sib Care |
|---|---|---|
| under $35,000 | Waived fees | Waived fees |
| $35,000-$49,999 | $43 | $21 |
| $50,000-$74,999 | $60 | $21 |
| $75,000-$99,999 | $81 | $28 |
| $100,000 & above | $101 | $28 |
Non-Separating: Caregivers and children remain together throughout the duration of the class.
Gradually Separating: During the beginning of class sessions, children and caregivers remain together. As the development of the class proceeds, separation time can be included to accommodate the needs of children and caregivers.
Separating: Caregivers and children enjoy a time of interaction including play and circle time. Waconia Early Childhood Family Education offers classes, events, and other programs designed by highly qualified teachers specifically for families with young children.
- To register for ECFE classes, go to Waconia Community Education & Recreation.
- Discovery Time and Wildcat Explorers are priced on our sliding fee scale.
- ECFE Bridge to Preschool is a full year class with a monthly tuition. Please see above for the classes fee scale.
- Sibling care is available for all classes and priced on our sliding fee scale.
In Minnesota all children are required to complete Early Childhood Screening before kindergarten. However, the preferred age to screen is between 3 and 4 years old. Beat the kindergarten rush and schedule an appointment today!