Owatonna Community Education

Come play, jump, and explore! Open Gym is a fun, safe time for little ones to move their bodies, make new friends, and build confidence. Kids can run, play ball, bike, and try out all the gym equipment at their own pace. Tennis shoes are required. Parents will stay and play -- this is a family-style, unstructured activity time. It's a perfect way to burn energy, practice new skills, and have fun together.

This new class offers a warm, safe, and loving environment where young children and their caregivers learn and play together. this unique program is designed specifically for children receiving special education services through an IEP or IFSP. Families participate side-by-side in developmentally appropriate activities that support communication, social-emotional growth, motor skills, and early learning. Guided by experienced early-childhood and special-education staff, each session provides opportunities for exploration, connection, and joy. Our goal is to empower caregivers, nurture each child's strengths, and create a sup0oortive community where every family feels welcomed and understood.

Join us for a fun, hands-on family literacy experience where stories come to life! Children and their families will explore a favorite picture book through interactive read-alouds, creative crafts, and playful literacy activities. Together, families will practice early reading skills including Early Childhood’s new curriculum Heggerty!

Early Explorers is specific for 3 year old's who are ready to gain more independence, practice social skills, and get a taste of preschool through play and exploration. Parents required to participate in weekly parent-child activities posted in a free app called ClassDojo or enroll in an additional parent/child class.

These combined-age preschooler classes provide families with current information about the important role of play for growing healthy preschoolers. Play teaches a child how the world works and gives practice in independent thinking skills helpful in their school years. During parent time this class will focus on the social, emotional, and language development necessary for school readiness and strengthening family relationships.

Come join us for our new mixed-age class! We will explore a variety of activities to engage young minds and bodies. Each week, we'll explore a different theme, including cooking, nature, music, messy art, movement, science, and general family fun. These hands-on experiences are designed to spark curiosity, foster creativity, and promote learning through play.

These classes are for children who are at least one year old by April 7th. A toddler's world is full of wonder and discovery. Participate with your child in a variety of fun, developmentally appropriate activities! Discuss parenting topics such as dealing with emotions, learning to share, and learning new words.