Centennial Community Education

The Centennial School District provides high-quality part-day, full-day, and distance learning preschool experiences. In-person classrooms are located at each of the elementary schools in the Centennial School District as well as the Early Childhood Center. (Part-day classes are only offered at the Early Childhood Center.) Centennial Preschool is held in classrooms with a 1 to 9 staff-to-student ratio, taught by licensed teachers using Creative Curriculum for Preschool and assessment tools approved by the State of Minnesota. Our preschool program has earned a 4-Star Parent Aware rating. Due to the pandemic, we are currently offering only 2-day and 4-day options for in-person attendance. Distance learning consists of a weekly online session combined with two days of offline academic activities. Centennial Preschool emphasizes: Kindergarten Readiness The goal of Centennial Preschool is to help children enter kindergarten with the skills and behaviors necessary to be successful learners. Being ready for kindergarten includes both academic skills such as literacy, math, science, and art, and social/emotional skills such as listening, following directions, sharing, and problem solving. Play-Based Learning Centennial Preschool weaves a learning through play philosophy into each class. Since students learn by doing, we focus on the process of creating rather than the product created. Learning happens when children are given space, materials, and time to play. Students engage in teacher-selected activities that are designed to grow their imagination, large-muscle, fine-motor, social-emotional, and thinking skills. Parental Involvement Part-day classes include a weekly parent attendance day, while full-day classes offer monthly opportunities for parent engagement. Centennial Preschool places an emphasis on parental involvement because research has shown that early childhood programs that involve parents and children learning together are more effective than programs that focus only on the child.

ECFE Is still here for you! The ECFE class schedule has changed in response to the pandemic. While our brochure is out-of-date, the options listed here for registration are correct. We are now offering both in-person and online classes and are following state guidelines for class capacity and cleaning procedures. Please note that masks are required for adults in all classes.

Early Childhood Screening takes place through May. (We may hold screenings additional days to meet state requirements for kindergarteners and preschoolers.) If you don't see an appointment time that works for you, please call the Early Childhood office at 763-792-6120 or email ECScreening@isd12.org to discuss alternatives.

Entering preschool or kindergarten is a major transition in the life of a child and their parents. Gearing Up... is a program specifically designed for children who would otherwise be entering kindergarten or 4-year-old preschool with no preschool experience. The program provides more school readiness support in a structured classroom environment, taught by licensed Centennial teachers. Parents/caregivers receive support through online webinars and resources. Registration opens April 12. Class placement will begin May 1, but registration will remain open until the class fills. Cost is $25/child for Gearing Up for Preschool, or $50/child for Gearing Up for Kindergarten. Scholarships are available by request. Questions? Please call us at 763-792-6120 or email earlychildhood@isd12.org

Kids Club is childcare provided by ISD #12 - Community Education. Kids Club offers two separate childcare sessions: one session is for care provided during the school year; the other session is care provided during summer months. Summer Kids Club is for children who will be entering kindergarten through 6th grade that upcoming September.

Pre-K Kids Club is childcare provided by ISD #12 - Community Education, providing childcare during the school year. To receive Pre-K Kids Club services, children must be enrolled for Centennial Preschool during their school day (9:30 AM-4 PM).