Owatonna Community Education

The first year of life is exciting and challenging! Enjoy playing with your baby in activities that provide sensory and movement experiences. Learn about your baby's growth and development. Share ideas about ways to care for yourself as a parent. Discuss some practical tips for parenting.

Early Childhood Screening Minnesota State Law requires that all preschoolers be screened once prior to entering public and some private kindergartens. Your child can be screened from 3- 5 years old, or at least a year before entering kindergarten. Early Childhood Screening is FREE, but families still need to "check out" to be registered.

Early Childhood Screening Minnesota State Law requires that all preschoolers be screened once prior to entering public and some private kindergartens. Your child can be screened from 3- 5 years old, or at least a year before entering kindergarten. Early Childhood Screening is FREE, but families still need to "check out" to be registered.

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.

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.

The magic of music and movement has brought people of all ages together for thousands of years; come join the mixed-age class to embark on a delightful musical journey where we will engage in melodic, rhythmic, and movement exploration. This class will promote discovery and learning through dancing, singing, and storytelling. No Sibling Care is available for this class due to the mixed age nature of the class.

Meet us at Dartts Park each week where we'll explore the natural world through hands-on activities, sensory experiences, and playful adventures. From investigating plants and animals to enjoying the changing seasons, this class nurtures a love for nature. An ECFE teacher will lead activities throughout the park. Families will stay with their children during the entire time.

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.

To be eligible for enrollment in Friday Child Only Classes, families must be enrolled in any of the following parent/child class earlier in the week. Children will learn through play and an introduction to preschool routines and structure.

Fun shops are special play time focused on a specific theme. Family activities include art, music, motor skills, and exploration. Parent and child stay together for the hour of fun.