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Connections Preschool

We believe early childhood is a remarkable time of social, physical, emotional and cognitive development. Our goal is to support the development of children by nurturing their natural curiosity and eagerness to learn. Our Connecting to Our World for 4-year-olds and Exploring Our World for 3-year-olds curriculum consists of teacher-facilitated opportunities that allow children to explore the world around them. Children are encouraged to explore, notice, ask and answer questions, make discoveries and learn new concepts and skills through play-based social interactions with their friends and teachers. We understand parents/guardians are a child's first and most influential teachers and hope to partner with you to make this time of early learning a successful experience for you and your child.

Preschool children sitting on a colorful rug

 

Preschool Program Requirements and Information:

  • For the 2026-2027 school year, children meet age requirements as of September 1, 2026 for 3- and 4-year-olds, and November 1, 2026 for Preschool Discovery.
  • Families complete an online application.
  • Concurrent enrollment in Connections Preschool and other state and/or district funded programs cannot be accommodated (ex. Head Start or Family School).
  • Connections Preschool is a collaboration with our district's Early Childhood Special Education program.
  • 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? Email us at connectionspreschool@district196.org

Preschool brochure 26-27 cover image with children siting on a colorful rug

2026-2027 School Year (beginning September 2026)


Connections Preschool is accepting applications for the 2026-2027 school year.

Applications received by March 15, 2026 will have priority processing. Those families will be notified via email no later than April 3, 2026 whether their child has been placed in a preschool class OR if they have been placed on a waiting list.

Due to space limitations, we cannot place all applicants. 

You can view the brochure for the 26-27 school year here: English | Spanish

SEP 2026-JUN 2027 PRESCHOOL APPLICATION

Applications received after March 15, 2026, will only be reviewed if space becomes available throughout the 2026-2027 school year. 

Technical Support
If you need access to a computer or technical support to complete the online application, email connectionspreschool@district196.org or call 952-388-1977 for an appointment or phone assistance.

Interpreter Support
Para asistencia en español llame al 952-388-1977 y deje su nombre, número de teléfono, idioma y recibirá una llamada de un intérprete que lo asistirá.

Wixii caawimaad ah ee ku saabsan af-soomaaliga la xiriir 952-388-1977 oo ka tag magacaaga, lambarka taleefankaaga, luqadda waxaadna wici doontaa mutarjum ku caawin doona.

For assistance in all other languages, call 952-388-1977 and leave your name, phone number, language and you will receive a call from an interpreter who will assist you. 

Connections Preschool 25-26 brochure cover

2025-2026 School Year


We are no longer accepting applications for the current school year. If you want to check space availability, please email connectionspreschool@district196.org or call 952-388-1977.

 

 

Facebook banner image and link to connect to the ECFE Facebook page

Contact Connections Preschool

Administrative Office:
Dakota Valley Learning Center (DVLC)
office 952-388-1960
email connectionspreschool@district196.org
address 4679 144th St. W., Apple Valley, MN 55124