Preschool is an exciting time in your child's life! Learning is a social process where children grow through play and exploration. The Bloomington Early Learning preschool program focuses on creating a strong foundation for learning. Our licensed teachers help children discover a love for learning!
Parent involvement and education sessions are an important part of our preschool programs. Parents come to school with their children to:
- participate in classroom learning activities together
- meet other families
- learn about parenting topics and readiness skills
Curriculum
Our Minnesota Department of Education approved Creative Curriculum is in alignment with the Minnesota Early Learning Indicators of Progress. These state standards define what we want preschool students to know and be able to do by the end of the preschool year. Learning standards and benchmarks are aligned with the district’s kindergarten standards and benchmarks.
Early Childhood Standards
We use the Early Childhood Indicators of Progress to guide instruction and ensure learning is developmentally appropriate while aligning with K-12 academic standards. This alignment helps create a smooth transition for children as they move from preschool into elementary school.
Licensed Teachers
Our preschool classrooms are led by licensed early childhood teachers who are trained in child development, early learning standards, and best practices for young learners. Having licensed teachers ensures high-quality instruction, safe and supportive learning environments, and intentional support for each child’s growth and school readiness.
Four-Star Parent Aware
Four-Star Parent Aware is Minnesota’s highest quality rating for early childhood programs. Programs that earn four stars have met rigorous standards for high-quality teaching, learning environments, and family partnerships. This rating means families can feel confident their child is in a setting that supports strong early development and school readiness.
Preschool Courses
Families may register for the current 2025-26 school year. Registration for the 2026-27 school year opens Thursday, January 22 at 8 a.m.
Children will get a taste of what preschool is like in this class. A licensed teacher will provide opportunities for children to work on social-emotional, language and literacy skills through read-alouds, conversation and singing with friends and adults other than their caregivers. Playtime on the playground and/or in the gym will be included throughout the day.
Step Into Preschool is for children who turn 33 months old after Sept. 1 and no later than Dec. 31. It’s offered two days a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Students enrolled in Step Into Preschool are eligible for early preschool registration for the following school year.
Call 952-681-5526 for more information and registration.
Three-year-olds are bursting with energy and enthusiasm for learning and making friends. It’s a time of physical, emotional and intellectual change. At age three, your child may be going to school for the first time. Our preschool program will provide a positive introduction to school. Opportunities to practice social skills and math, language, art and music activities will help build a foundation for school success.
Preschool for Threes is offered:
- Two days per week (Tues. & Thurs.) from 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Three days per week (Mon. / Wed. / Fri.) from 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Children MUST be three years old by Sept. 1 of the school year and potty trained to register.
The year before kindergarten is an exciting time as your child’s abilities and independence grow by leaps and bounds! Preschool for Fours focuses on providing a foundation for lifelong learning and helping create social relationships. Children have large and small group learning experiences in literacy, writing, math, music, art, and science.
Preschool for Fours is offered:
- Mornings five days per week (Mon.-Fri.) from 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Afternoons five days per week (Mon.-Fri.) from 1:30-4 p.m.
Children MUST be three years old by Sept. 1 of the school year and potty trained to register.
Preschool SAFARI is an optional paid childcare program at Early Learning at Washburn that provides care for students before or after their preschool classes. Care begins as early as 6:30 a.m. until the beginning of their class and from the end of class until as late as 6 p.m. Busing is available for children who receive Early Childhood Special Education Services.
Families must register for Preschool SAFARI care separately from their preschool registration. Children MUST be three years old by Sept. 1 of the school year and potty trained to register.
2025-26 Preschool SAFARI Rates
Care will be offered for children attending morning Preschool for Threes and Preschool for Fours only.
- Before-class care: $17.50 per day
- After-class care: $28.50 per day
2026-27 Preschool SAFARI Rates
Care will be offered for children attending afternoon Preschool for Fours only.
- Before-class care: $32.00 per day, 6:30 a.m. -1:35 p.m.
- After-class care: $14.00 per day, 4:05 - 6 p.m.
Questions?
Contact Preschool SAFARI at KidsSafari@isd271.org or call 952-681-6128 with questions.
New Family Preschool Information
View the presentation from our New Family Preschool Information nights on Jan. 14 and 16, 2025. It explains what our preschool programs have to offer. View the registration video below for more information.
Early Success Videos
Bloomington Kindergarten teachers created a set of learning videos in order to meet the needs of our youngest learners. Each video highlights letters, sounds, numbers, or words for children to know by the end of their kindergarten experience. This is a great resource for students in early childhood programs before going into kindergarten.
View the clips on our Early Success YouTube playlist and repeat the chants together for a fun and interactive learning experience.
Contact
952-681-5500 - English
952-681-6219 - Español
952-681-6269 - Soomaali
Early Learning at Washburn
8401 Xerxes Ave. S
Bloomington, MN 55431
