ISD 728 Community Education

For families in Elk River and across the wider ISD 728 school district in Minnesota, ISD 728 Community Education serves as a cornerstone for lifelong learning, beginning with its highly regarded preschool programs. More than just a childcare service, this vital community resource offers "Discovery Learning Preschool," a program meticulously designed to provide a rich, engaging, and developmentally appropriate foundation for young learners. With a mission to "build community through citizen involvement and lifelong learning while educating, inspiring and empowering all of our learners," ISD 728 Community Education ensures that even our youngest residents are given the best start possible. The Discovery Learning Preschool is notably recognized with a 4-star rating from Parent Aware, Minnesota's quality rating system for early education programs, signifying its commitment to excellence. It’s a place where professionally trained, caring teachers foster a safe and fun environment, customizing experiences that prepare children for kindergarten success and provide the tools needed to become fluent readers by grade three, all within our local Minnesota community.

ISD 728 Community Education, including its Discovery Learning Preschool, is centrally located at the historic Handke Center, found at 1170 Main St NW, Elk River, MN 55330, USA. This well-known address in Elk River makes it easily accessible for families from within Elk River itself, as well as those in the broader ISD 728 district, which includes schools in Otsego, Rogers, and Zimmerman where other Discovery Learning Preschool sites may also operate. The Handke Center, a building with a rich history of serving the community since 1930, provides a welcoming and established environment for early childhood programs. Ample parking is typically available at such a facility, ensuring convenient drop-off and pick-up for parents. The district also offers optional busing for 4- and 5-year-old preschool classes, provided the home or daycare address is within ISD 728 boundaries, further enhancing accessibility for local families.

ISD 728 Community Education’s Discovery Learning Preschool offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to prepare young children for kindergarten and beyond, focusing on a holistic approach to early childhood development.

• P Discovery Learning Preschool Classes: Professionally designed preschool experiences for children aged 3-5, structured with customized learning environments. Programs typically include:
  • P 3s Classes: Often include a weekly parent/child day where parents are required to attend, fostering connection and providing parent education.
  • P 4s Classes: Focus on kindergarten readiness, with optional busing available within ISD 728 boundaries.
• P Comprehensive Curriculums:
  • P Creative Curriculum: Focuses on key objectives for development and learning across all areas including social-emotional, cognitive, math, literacy, and language.
  • P EZ Write Handwriting Curriculum: Aligns with the ISD 728 K-5 program to ensure continuity in handwriting upon kindergarten entry.
  • P Teaching Strategies GOLD Online: An authentic and comprehensive assessment program aligned with state guidelines, used to monitor growth in all learners.
  • P High Five Program: Supports children and families by building social-emotional skills for life, providing support for behavior and social concerns.
  • P LANA Nutrition Curriculum: Concentrates on serving healthy snacks, introducing nutritional choices, and accommodating dietary needs.
  • P Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH): A physical education program fostering a love of movement.
• P Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE): Programs for all Minnesota families with children from birth to kindergarten enrollment, offering high-quality learning activities for parents and children, information, and support for parents.
• P Early Childhood Screening: A free health and developmental screening for children after their 3rd birthday, required by state law before public preschool or kindergarten entry.
• P EdVenture Club Childcare: Extended childcare services are available before and/or after Discovery Learning Preschool classes at each location, providing seamless wrap-around care on school days, non-class days, and most district non-school days.
• P Parent Involvement Opportunities: Beyond the required parent/child days, parents are encouraged to volunteer, share skills, and join advisory councils. There are typically three activity parent sessions throughout the year for 4s classes.
• P Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE): Services for children with special needs.

ISD 728 Community Education's Discovery Learning Preschool distinguishes itself through several key features and highlights that underscore its commitment to high-quality early childhood education in Minnesota.

• P 4-Star Parent Aware Rating: This highly recognized rating signifies a commitment to comprehensive quality standards in early education, providing families with confidence in the program's effectiveness and reliability. This is a significant indicator of excellence within Minnesota's early learning landscape.
• P Highly Trained and Caring Staff: The program prides itself on having "professionally trained, caring teachers" and "warm, caring adults committed to your child's success." Staff are trained in child development, CPR, first aid, and cultural diversity, with continuous professional development. This focus on staff quality ensures a nurturing and effective learning environment.
• P Proven Kindergarten Readiness Results: Four-year-old students enrolled in Discovery Learning Preschool have demonstrated "significant progress" in key areas like Picture Naming, Letter Name, Rhyming, Alliteration, and Letter Sound, leading to "unparalleled results" in preparing children for successful K-12 experiences and reading fluency by third grade.
• P Integrated School District Resources: As part of a larger school district, the preschool program benefits from access to district resources, ensuring a seamless transition to kindergarten and beyond. This includes aligned curriculums like EZ Write Handwriting that match the K-5 program.
• P Strong Parent Involvement Component: The program actively involves parents through dedicated parent/child days (especially for 3s classes), parent education sessions with licensed Parent Educators, and opportunities for volunteering and advisory council participation. This collaborative approach enhances the child's learning journey.
• P Comprehensive Safety Measures: The Handke Center and all program locations prioritize safety, with secure buildings, practiced safety drills, access to ISD 728 Health Services, and adherence to health and safety guidelines from MDH, CDC, and ISD 728.
• P Flexible Childcare Options: The availability of the EdVenture Club Childcare for wrap-around care before and after preschool classes, as well as on non-school days, offers crucial flexibility and convenience for working families.
• P Holistic Development Focus: Beyond academics, the curriculum emphasizes social-emotional skills (High Five Program), nutrition (LANA Nutrition Curriculum), and physical activity (CATCH program), ensuring a well-rounded approach to a child's early development.

For inquiries about Discovery Learning Preschool, Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE), or other Community Education programs, please use the following contact information:

Address: 1170 Main St NW, Elk River, MN 55330, USA (Handke Center)

Phone: (763) 241-3520 (Community Education Office)

Mobile Phone: +1 763-241-3520

For specific Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) questions, you may also reach them at 763-241-3524.

ISD 728 Community Education's Discovery Learning Preschool is an exceptionally suitable and valuable point of interest for locals in Elk River and the surrounding Minnesota communities. It offers a publicly accessible, high-quality early childhood education program that is highly rated by Parent Aware, indicating its commitment to excellence. For parents seeking a robust academic foundation combined with strong social-emotional development for their young children, this program provides a trusted solution. The integrated approach with the school district ensures a smooth transition to kindergarten, while features like optional busing and wrap-around childcare offer practical convenience for busy families. Most importantly, the dedicated and well-trained staff, coupled with extensive parent involvement opportunities, create a supportive and nurturing environment where every child can truly thrive, preparing them not just for school, but for a lifetime of learning and positive community engagement right here in our Minnesota home.

ISD 728 Community Education

1170 Main St NW, Elk River, MN 55330, USA