Little Lakers Preschool
Minnewaska Area Little Lakers Preschool provides children with the solid foundation of skills needed to prepare them for kindergarten.
Our programs help children develop important skills and experiences such as:
- Learning to get along with other children & follow routines and rules
- Developing literacy, social skills, and writing skills
- Enhancing Math and number sense
- Exploring through STEM activities
- Showing creativity through art and music
- Strengthening fine and gross motor skills through hands-on and sensory activities.
2026-27 Preschool Registration - NOW OPEN
Early Childhood Screening Registration
Your child will experience a school year of hands-on learning activities that are educational and fun!
Our curriculum is aligned with the MN Early Childhood Indicators of Progress (ECIPS) and the district kindergarten curriculum.
Our licensed teachers monitor children's progress and development throughout the school year. All preschool classrooms are inclusive of children with a wide range of abilities. Our team includes early childhood special education teachers and related service providers to assist children who qualify for their services.
Classes are held from September to May each school year at our Glenwood Elementary School. Class options include half and full-day programming 2, 3, or 5 days a week.
Curriculum and Instruction
A comprehensive preschool for your child’s social, emotional, and pre-academic needs.
The curriculum used in our preschool focuses on the whole child and aligns with kindergarten standards. A combination of DLM Early Express, Heggerty, and Second Step Social-Emotional Curriculum promotes growth in all areas of a child’s development through various small and large group activities. These experiences include pre-math, pre-reading, science, art, and social skills based on the Early Childhood Indicators of Progress (ECIPS) from the Minnesota Department of Education. Developmentally appropriate goals and objectives are set up and carried out through our various learning centers to stimulate the children physically, intellectually, socially, and emotionally. Class sizes are carefully structured to allow for optimal learning to occur.
Class Benefits
Teacher-directed and
self-directed play
Integrated classrooms with early childhood specialists available
Conferences twice a year
Parent Advisory Board
Community visitors, field trips, parent volunteers, and on-site special events
Collaboration with Early Childhood Programs and Elementary Classes Scholarships Available
Our Three-year-old programs are designed to help your child develop social-emotional skills through peer interactions and foster a love of learning through play. Exposure to early literacy and math skills and strengthening motor development will be the day's focus. The Three’s classes are a developmentally appropriate way to introduce a child to the routine of school. Your child must be potty-trained and three by September 1 to be eligible for classes.
Glenwood:
2 Day - AM
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8-11:30 a.m.
The cost is $130 per month or $1,170 per year.
Multi-Age Preschool
This class is designed for older 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds. We ask that the child is 3yrs 6 months by Sept 1. This class is a stepping stone between the 3s class and the year before kindergarten for children who may have completed 3 years of preschool. A continuation of the three’s program with an introduction to pre-literacy and pre-math skills aligned to the MN Early Indicators of Progress (ECIP’s) is provided through play-based and hands-on learning activities
Glenwood:
3 Day - AM
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8-11:30 a.m.
The cost is $200 per month or $1,800 per year.
4-Year-Old Preschool
Your child will be immersed in learning experiences! Licensed teachers will focus on the whole child, using play-based and hands-on activities in addition to our social/emotional and literacy curriculums. Art, math, music, STEM, large & small motor skills & dramatic play are also part of the daily routine. Your child must be four by September 1.
Before/After school care at MAES for All-Day classes will be available for an additional fee.
Glenwood:
5 Day - Full Day
Monday - Friday. 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
The cost is $600 per month or $5,400 per year
3 Day - Full Day
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
The cost is $350 per month or $3,150 per year.
Class options subject to change based on interest and enrollment
Why Choose Us?
Our experienced teachers and engaging curriculum offer children the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe, nurturing environment.
Licensed preschool teachers
4-year-old transportation available
play-based learning
developmentally appropriate curriculum
outdoor play
Registration Process
More details to come!
Minnewaska ECFE & Little Lakers Preschool uses a program called Eleyo. You will be required to create an Eleyo account before registering. Eleyo accepts all major credit cards, debit cards, and ACH payment methods.
Scholarships may be available to families who meet income guidelines. Scholarships are based on first come, first serve, and availability of funds. Scholarships are made available through various grants. Please contact the Early Childhood Coordinator if financial assistance is needed.
Non-refundable registration fee of $40/child.
Early Childhood Screening
Early Childhood Screening is a free & simple check of how your child is growing, developing & learning. It is best done when your child is 3 years old. It is also a requirement for any child entering school in Minnesota. It is designed to ensure the healthy growth of students to be successful in any educational setting and if needed, connect them to resources that will support their development.
Early Childhood Screenings are done by the Minnewaska School District. To register, click the link below. For questions, please contact 320-239-1406.
At your child's screening appointment, a trained professional will check:
- Hearing & vision
- Growth, immunizations & movement
- Thinking, language & communication skills
- Social & emotional development
If your child has not or will not receive the full series of immunizations, please complete this form and notarize as needed.
Early Childhood Family Education Offerings
Classes serve birth to age 5 and their families.
E-Learning Days
In the event of a school closure due to inclement weather, learning expectations for all students continue through “e-Learning” activities. Curriculum plans for each grade level, eLearning parent information, expectations, and staff expections are listed below.
Should your child receive specialized educational services at Minnewaska Area Elementary School, they may have a different set of e-Learning day requirements. In this case, contact your child's teacher for further instruction.
