Minnetonka Community Education

Early Childhood Screening is required by the State of Minnesota for all preschool-aged children (ages three to five), before entering public school. It is a free and simple check on how your child is growing and developing, and is structured to include fun games that will assess multiple areas of your child’s health and development, including: Vision, hearing and physical growth Health and immunization history Social and emotional development Fine and gross motor ability Cognitive development Speech, language and articulation Screening supports your child’s readiness for kindergarten and promotes positive developmental outcomes. Screening may also lead to referrals for early learning opportunities. Note: Although Early Childhood Screening is required for entrance in Minnesota’s public schools (or within 30 days of enrollment into kindergarten), screening is not a kindergarten entrance test. For more information, view the Minnesota Statute here.Minnetonka Early Childhood Screening takes place at: 18707 Excelsior Blvd., Minnetonka, MN 55345(Directions: Hwy. 7 to Vine Hill Road (go north). Take first right turn onto Excelsior Blvd. (by Midas Auto Shop). Location is 1/4 mile on right (next to Sunrise Senior Living Center.)IMPORTANT ONLINE REGISTRATION NOTES: There are 2 STEPS to completing your online registration. After completing the registration questions 1). Select "Enroll," and then on the next page,  2.) Click on the Shopping Basket to Select "Check Out for $0."  You must complete both steps. When online registration is successful, you will receive a confirmation email with the appointment date and time, plus a reminder email two days before the appointment.** If you do not receive the initial confirmation email, please call Sue Ryan, at (952) 401-6840, to ensure your child's online registration has been received. We do not have space to accommodate walk-in appointments. 

Many opinions and beliefs exist around what is “right” for parenting, which may not align with evidence-based research regarding what is developmentally appropriate for your child and fits the needs of your family. Join Parent Book Club to explore recent literature in parenting and discuss how it translates into tangible application. Discussion will be facilitated by a licensed Parent Educator. This opportunity is designed for parents with children ages Birth –Grade 3. The selection for fall 2019 is The Whole-Brain Child! Books will be available for check-out from the ECFE Parent Resource library if you choose not to bring a personal copy. Future titles will be determined by participant feedback.

18 months-PrekindergartenTurn your fall and winter Wednesdays and Saturdays into family fun time. Our open gym time allows for you to play with your child, while they burn energy. Spend time running, climbing, throwing and riding. Wear comfortable shoes. Wednesdays 4-5 p.m. and Saturdays 9:30-10:30 a.m.$3 per child/$5 per family. Space is limited to 35 children. Registration is required. No refunds will be issued for cancellations or non-attendance. Fees are non-transferable and cannot be applied to another Open Gym day.

3-5 years non-separatingEnjoy these fun and interactive classes with your child!The fee is $19 per class, per child- or register for all six classes at once and notify Denise Nelson at denise.nelson@minnetonkaschools.org and I will prorate your fees to $99 per child. All  classes are held from 6:00-7:15 pm. Sibling care is not available.Bugs! Friend or Foe? Learn about the helpful characteristics of insects and arachnids. Create bug themed art including spider webs, ant prints and lady bug rock painting. Pine Cone Picassos Create art projects using pine cones and pine needles. Try pine needle painting, pine cone prints, and create a nature shadow box.B is for Bubbles Relive bubble fun through the hands and eyes of your child. Enjoy rainbow bubbles, bubble prints, and bubble wands. Doodads, Thingamabobs and Whatchamacallits Explore a variety of ways to express yourself with paint and use silly things to do art! Explore drip painting with eye droppers, string art and design, and even painting with plungers.Rainy Day Refractions April showers bring beautiful rainbows. Create rainbows from hand prints, sponges and more!Flower Power Design your own tissue paper flowers, experience bottle flower painting and more.