Connections Preschool

Oak Ridge Elementary School of Leadership, Environmental and Health Sciences is partnering with Connections Preschool to offer a unique option to experience preschool in a primarily outdoor classroom environment (an indoor classroom will also be utilized). In this program, children will experience the same curriculum and social opportunities as Connections Preschool, all while being immersed in Minnesota's changing seasons and variety of weather. A strong environmental education emphasis, fostering children's connection with the natural world, will be integrated into the daily experience.

Families will be provided additional information about seasonal/weather-specific clothing to help ensure children are comfortable and safe if placed in a class. Support is available if needed to help obtain these items.

Parent/Guardian and Young Preschooler Experience

Are you looking for a first preschool experience for your child? This class combines and ECFE parent-and-child class with preschool and meets twice per week. An early childhood teacher guides children with preschool experiences that meet their developmental needs and encourages their natural curiosity.

• Parents attend every Monday with their child and participate in classroom activities with their child. Monday also includes a parent discussion led by a licensed parent educator for a portion of the class to discuss topics such as self‑esteem, discipline and development.
• Every Wednesday, children attend on their own and experience a preschool program led by a licensed early childhood teacher.
• Children must be 3 years old on or before November 1, 2025.
• Tuition is $175 per month.

Class Time:
Monday and Wednesday, 1:00-3:15 p.m.
September 3, 2025 through June 3, 2026
Dakota Valley Learning Center, 4679 144th St. W., Apple Valley

Preschool Discovery Sibling Care is available on site for children 9 weeks of age through prekindergarten on Mondays only for families attending Preschool Discovery with another child. Space is limited. Tuition is $60/month/child. The fee is non-refundable if a child is absent. Tuition assistance is not available for Preschool Discovery Sibling Care.

 apply here
Or click here to view the Connections Preschool brochure with all class options.

Backpack
Backpacks should be large enough for extra change of clothes, snow pants, etc. and labeled with your child’s name. Please let your child’s teacher know if you need help supplying a backpack.

Change of Clothes
Accidents do occasionally happen, so we ask that you put a pair of pants, underwear, shirt and socks in a plastic bag to be kept in your child’s backpack.

Shoes
For safety reasons, we encourage children to wear tennis shoes to school. We discourage boots, crocs, flip-flops, sandals, slippers, cowboy boots or slippery-soled shoes. These type of shoes hinder a child’s movement in many of our classroom and gym activities.

Cold Weather Clothing
Cold weather clothing is a necessity during winter months. Please supply a winter coat, hat, mittens, snow pants and warm boots. Label all clothing with your child’s name. Please contact your child’s teacher if you need help accessing these items.

Donations
Parent donations are always appreciated. Your child’s teacher will let you know when items are needed. Examples of donations needed include boxes of tissues, paper towels, napkins, etc.

4s Monday through Friday Morning

4s Monday through Friday Full Day

4s Monday through Thursday Afternoon

4s Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday

3s Monday/Tuesday/Thursday

3s Monday/Wednesday

3s Tuesday/Thursday

3s Preschool Discovery

Three-Year-Old Preschool Transportation Information

• Parents/Guardians must provide transportation to and from all 3-year-old preschool programs held at the Dakota Valley Learning Center (4679 144th Street West, Apple Valley, 55124).

Four-Year-Old Preschool Transportation Information

• Transportation Frequently Asked Questions: English | Somali | Spanish
• Parents/Guardians are welcome to transport their child to any of the preschool sites in place of busing.
• The residence or childcare address must be in the attendance area of the preschool site to be eligible for bus transportation. To determine eligibility to receive bus transportation to the preschool site from either your residence or childcare, please visit: https://app.guidek12.com/rosemountmn/school_search/2025/
• Families that are not eligible for busing must provide transportation to and from preschool.
• Bus transportation changes: 
  • All bus changes or updates must be done through the Connections Preschool main office. Please call 952-388-1977 to discuss any changes needed. Transportation changes can take 1-2 weeks to take effect.

Additional Information:

• Children are picked up and dropped off at the closest bus stop to their home or childcare.
• Parents/guardians or known adults must be present for a 4-year-old to be dropped off at the bus stop.
• Children may be riding with elementary-aged students. 

District 196 Transportation

Minnesota state funding allows the district to provide financial assistance in our program for families who qualify. Financial assistance can be applied for at the time of the enrollment process if your child is placed in a class.

Questions? Please call the Connections Preschool main office at 952-388-1960 or email connectionspreschool@district196.org.

Meet Our Teachers

All Connections Preschool and ECFE teachers are licensed by the Minnesota Department of Education.

WHEN SHOULD SCREENING BE DONE?
Children between the ages of 3.5 and 4 years old, who live in District 196, need to participate in an early childhood screening. Screening offers a snapshot of your child's health and development. It can also help identify the need for early intervention before the start of kindergarten.

WHAT DOES SCREENING INCLUDE?

• Vision and hearing check
• Growth evaluation
• Immunization review
• Developmental screening using a Minnesota state-approved standardized tool
• Family health and development review
• Information and resources for your child

IN-PERSON SCREENING APPOINTMENTS
Schedule a free in-person appointment online. Screenings are held at the Early Childhood Screening Office at the District Service Center, 14301 Diamond Path West, Apple Valley.

Visit the District 196 Screening Office

Connections Preschool is a 4-Star Parent Aware Rated Preschool based on our demonstrated use of practices that best prepare children for kindergarten.

Parent Aware is the State of Minnesota's Early Childhood Quality Program Indicator. Star ratings help families identify preschool and childcare programs using the practices that best prepare a child for kindergarten.

Learn more at www.parentaware.org

For more information, visit the District 196 website:

Substitute Teaching

Substitute Clerical/Teaching Assistant

The ECFS (Early Childhood Family Services) Advisory Council supports Early Childhood programming within District 196. This programming includes Early Childhood Family Education, Connections Preschool and Family School. The Advisory Council is a highly valued resource for District 196 ECFS and assists in the development, planning and monitoring of Early Childhood Family Education programs.

New members are always welcome.

To learn more and submit your application, visit their web page.

District 196 Information

Early Childhood Special Education - For information on evaluations and early intervention, call 952-388-1900.

Kindergarten and Magnet Schools - General information for incoming kindergarten families. Or go directly to kindergarten enrollment to start the pre-enrollment process.

New Baby - Do you have a new baby? Are you new to town? If so, complete the District 196 online census form or contact Student Information Services at 651-423-7640 with your family’s updated information so you receive important program information and updates.

Playschool Program at District High Schools - The child development classes at our District 196 high schools run a playschool program for children ages 3-5 as part of their class curriculum. Contact these teachers for more information: Apple Valley High School - nichole.christensen@district196.org | Eagan High School - rachael.fair@district196.org | Eastview High School - mia.battistone@district196.org | Rosemount High School - erin.stencil@district196.org

School Attendance Locator

Activity Ideas

• Macaroni Kid Community Resources
• ECFE Sings Lyrics

Favorite Links

• Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University
• Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning at Vanderbilt University
• Common Sense Media
• Conscious Discipline
• The Ellyn Satter Institute - Models for Feeding Dynamics and Eating Competence
• Head Start (CAP of Scott, Carver & Dakota Counties)
• Healthy Children - American Academy of Pediatrics
• Help Me Grow - A resource for Minnesota families to understand developmental milestones and learn if there are concerns. This helps families take the lead in seeking additional support or referring their child for a comprehensive, confidential screening or evaluation at no cost. Accessing early intervention services as early as possible will ensure the best developmental outcomes for these children. 
• Kids in the House
• Mary Sheedy Kurcinka, Ed.D.
• Mom Enough
• Pacer Center - Champions for Children with Disabilities
• ParentAware - Tools and information to find quality childcare and early education
• Parenting Counts
• PBS Parent Resources
• Positive Discipline
• Simplicity Parenting
• Zero to Three