Stepping Stones - Transition to Preschool / 2026-27 School Year

Preschool ages 3 & 4 years 

Stepping Stones  (17Y-500) meets Tuesdays (parent and child) and Thursdays (child only)

*Parents can choose to add an additional Drop Off Preschool day at any time during the year. The cost of an additional day is $52 per month and is Wednesdays, section #17Y-501.

If you are in need of financial assistance, please call 952-232-3006.

Welcome to your child’s first preschool experience!

This class combines the best of both worlds: Traditional ECFE and Preschool.

Tuesday is similar to a typical ECFE class in that it includes time for parent/child interaction and parent education. 

During parent/child interaction time, the early childhood teacher will set up fun activities that encourage emerging literacy and mathematical thinking skills. 

Parents will meet with a parent educator and other families to discuss a variety of topics that relate to parenting a preschooler. Parents meet with the early childhood teacher twice a year to evaluate your child’s progress.

Thursdays you will drop your child off for their preschool experience. 

Children will have experiences in early literacy and mathematical foundational skills, explore science and social concepts, and practice growing independence, all in a play-based environment.

Children are not required to be potty trained to attend this class. See below for more details.

• Classes meet from 12:45–2:45 p.m. and follow the regular ECFE calendar.
• $50 non-refundable registration fee. Cost is $107 per month.
• Sibling care is available on Tuesdays for $32 per month. 

Diaper and potty training practices:

All children are encouraged to use the bathroom during group bathroom time, even children who are in diapers or pull-ups.

Diapers and Pull-ups

Children are not required to be potty trained to attend Stepping Stones. Children who are in pull-ups or diapers are welcome to attend however our ability to assist them is the following;

1. Children who wet their diaper or pull-up are typically okay for the 2 hour class period and do not require changing.

2. If a child has a bowel movement there are three options

• Family member is called to come and change the diaper or pull-up
• Time dependent; child may stay in the diaper or pull-up until pick-up time
• Staff will coach/assist the child through the process of removing the soiled diaper or pull-up, cleaning themselves and putting on a clean diaper or pull-up.

3. Parents are encouraged to discuss these options with the early childhood teacher and parent educator prior to starting Stepping Stones and create a plan for the process.

4. Each situation is very individual and staff will do their best to accommodate your child.

5. If an agreeable plan cannot be reached, parents will be able to request a refund of their registration fee.

Potty Training

As with other developmental areas, we treat bathroom learning as an area of growing independence. In case of an accident, we will help the child clean him/herself to the best of their ability and provide them with dry clothing (If school clothing is provided, please return clothing – washed). 

We will also notify you of the accident at pick-up time. It is helpful to keep an extra change of clothing in your child’s school bag.

Please talk with the program staff about your child’s needs and create a plan if needed.

All ECFE classes are taught by an early childhood teacher and/or a parent educator.