Welcome to Minnetonka Public Schools Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE). Here, you can explore new experiences, meet other families, and grow and learn together with your child. Core ECFE serves families with children from birth to age three, focusing on the developmental phases and stages of early childhood.

Project SOAR strives to keep registration costs at a low rate to keep programs inclusive and accessible so all adults with disabilities can participate.  Please support us in maintaining this endeavor if you are able.  We are grateful you are part of our community. 

ECFE works to support you as a parents/caregivers and to strengthen and empower families. The goal is to enhance the ability of all parents and other family members to provide the best possible environments for their child's learning. Weekly classes include parent-child interactive activities along with educator led discussions. Follow you child's lead during parent-child time (first half of the class). Parent discussion time 9second half of the class) is led by a licensed parent educator. This is an opportunity for parents to process joys and concerns, problem solve and share insights and resources. Topics may include sibling relationships, toilet training, child development, self- regulation, temperament, sleep and more.

Early childhood screening appointments will be released monthly (July-April). If you would like an email reminder to be notified when new dates become available, please email the screening office at laurie.harkness@minnetonkaschools.org 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; it is structured to include fun games that will assess multiple areas of your child’s health and development. Your child can be screened at any Minnesota school district screening office to fulfill the requirement. The one-time screening is preferred at age 3. If your child plans to enroll into kindergarten at Minnetonka Public Schools and was screened in another school district, please email a copy of their screening summary to laurie.harkness@minnetonkaschools.org To ensure a positive experience during the screening: Only one parent/guardian may accompany a child during the screening appointment. Siblings are not allowed in the screening room, as they can be a distraction. Sick child? For up-to-date health protocol information please visit, Minnetonka SD Health Services. Email or call the screening office if you need to reschedule your appointment.

Registration for the 2026-27 School Year Explorers Program is now open: Please note that Non-school day registration will open at a later date this Spring/Summer

For additional information about School Year Explorers, please visit our website at www.minnetonkaschools.org/district/mcec/explorers/.... For questions regarding Explorers, please contact: Hannah Harrington 952-401-6841 / hannah.harrington@minnetonkaschools.org

Junior Explorers is a high quality childcare program for children, ages three through 5 and ages 3 through 4 for summer. At Explorers, we provide children opportunities to learn through a wide variety of activities such as art, music, science projects, cooking, games, writing, reading, crafts, outdoor play, computers, practicing social skills, gym time, dramatic play, and much more! There is a balance of activity options that includes large group, small group, and individual choices. There is a $200 charge at the time of registration. $100 of this fee is a non-refundable registration fee. The remaining $100 is a deposit for care that will be applied to your first months invoice. Contracts withdrawn by Tuesday, April 7 will be refunded their $100 deposit. Contracts withdrawn by Tuesday, June 16 will receive a partial refund of $50. Contracts removed after June 16 will forfeit the entire $100 deposit.

Summer Junior Explorers Registration opens February 11 at 8 AM 2 days/week every week minimum for registration Held at the Minnetonka Community Education Center June 16 through August 21 Families will have the opportunity to make schedule changes to their summer enrollment by May 12th

Summer Explorers 2026: K-Grade 5 2-5 days/week consistent schedule required Incoming Kindergartners and RSK students will attend Minnetonka Community Education Center Students entering 1st-5th Grade will attend either Excelsior or Scenic Heights Must register for 8 out of the 10 weeks Registration opens February 11 at 8 AM

Welcome to Minnetonka Public Schools Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE). Here, you can explore new experiences, meet other families, and grow and learn together with your child. Parent workshops differ from ECFE classes in that there is no child and parent time.