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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 if your child will be four by 9/1/25 and is enrolling in preschool. Children who will be three by 9/1/25 will be required to be screened within 90 days of the start of school. It is suggested that if you are enrolling your child for preschool, and they will three prior to June 3, that a screening appointment is scheduled when enrolling. After June 3, screening appointments will be available for scheduling in August for fall enrollment and will be required for all three-and four-year-olds attending the program.

Your child will not be placed in a preschool class if they will be 4 years old by 9/1/25 and have not yet been screened. To schedule an appointment please schedule online

Early Childhood Screening is a quick and simple check of how your child is growing and developing and is required by the State of Minnesota when enrolling in a public school and is free of charge. 

Contact

Enrollment Questions:

Kim Heiderscheid
Office Coordinator
651-425-7160
kheiders@sowashco.org

Program manager

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

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Registration Information

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:

Learning To Read: A Guide to Early Learning Literacy for Parents

Reading aloud to your child is an enchanting experience that sparks their imagination and cultivates a love for storytelling. Make reading a cherished part of your daily routine to not only build your child’s literacy skills, but relationship with you as well.

Finding Balance: Nurturing Independence While Setting Boundaries

As parents, we often find ourselves struggling with maintaining authority while also encouraging our children to advocate for themselves. They first and best learn to advocate for themselves in the support of our home environments, the very place where they also need the safety of discipline and structure. Striking a balance between these two can be challenging, but it’s important for your child’s development. Here are a few practical ideas to achieve balance.

Nature Play in Early Childhood

When you're buying outdoor clothing for your children, get a set for yourself too! As parents, we’re often the first to want to head inside—whether it's due to weather, household chores, or something else. The book 15 Minutes Outside: 365 Ways to Get Out of the House and Connect With Your Kids provides inspiration for how and why to make time in nature a priority.  

Starting is easy. Try simple activities, like watching your breath on a cool evening or having a backyard picnic. Start the habit now in October rather than January, especially in Minnesota!

The Wonder Years

The "wonder years" of childhood are filled with amazing moments, from first words to endless questions. During this time, your child grows rapidly—emotionally, physically, and mentally—discovering the world around them. It's a chance for you to slow down, share in their excitement, and build a strong bond. These early years offer plenty of opportunities for love, learning, and growth—not just for your child, but for you as well. Cherish the journey!

Preschool catalog

View the preschool catalog or download a printable version.

Register for Preschool 2025-26 Preschool Catalog PDF

Preschool registration for the 2025-26 school year will begin on Jan. 6, 2025.