Early Childhood Education
Contrary to the belief that raising children comes naturally, there is growing recognition that being a parent is extremely demanding and difficult work. It requires learning new skills, and focusing on children’s needs, and it is facilitated by the support and help of family, friends, and community.
Classes begin with activities for parents and children to explore together and include a circle time of songs and finger plays. A time for parent discussion follows parent-child time. During parent discussion, the children remain in the early childhood classroom for snacks and continued activities with the other children and staff.
Daytime and evening options available. Call 507-376-6105 to sign up.
Typical ECFE Class Schedule
Call 376-6105 for information or to sign up for ECFE opportunities. ECFE offers 10-week sessions that start in September and January of each year.
| Day | Age of Child | Time |
| Tuesday | 1-5 year olds | 9:00-10:30 am |
| Tuesday | 1-5 year olds Spanish* | 10:30 am – 12:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 1-5 year olds Spanish* | 12:30 am – 2:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 0-5 year olds | 6:00-7:00 pm |
| Thursday | 1-5 year olds | 6:00-7:30 pm |
*Classes are for Spanish speaking families.
Click here for online registration and payment, then click on the square labeled Community Ed. Payment is required at time of registration to reserve a class slot.
ECFE ofrece clases para las familias que hablan español. Para más información por favor llamar al 376-6105.
Class Fees
Use your annual income to calculate fees.
| Household Size | Tuition Donation | Reduced 50% Off | Full Tuition | |||
| $0.00 | $24.00 | $48.00 | ||||
| 2 | $0-26,572 | $26,576-37,814 | $37,815 & above | |||
| 3 | $0-33,566 | $33,567-47,767 | $47,768 & above | |||
| 4 | $0-40,560 | $40,561-57,720 | $57,721 & above | |||
| 5 | $0-47,554 | $47,555-67,673 | $67,674 & above | |||
| 6 | $0-54,548 | $54,549-77,626 | $77,672 & above | |||
| 7 | $0-61,642 | $61,643-87,579 | $87,580 & above | |||
| 8 | $0-68,536 | $68,537-97,532 | $97,533 & above |
REGISTER FOR SIBLING CARE WHEN YOU REGISTER FOR CLASSES. Household size is the total number of people living in your home-parents and children. If you have 1 child attending class at full tuition, 2nd child is reduced rate. ALL FAMILIES ARE WELCOME. No one will be denied participation due to inability to pay. District 518 residents have priority registration.
Sibling Care Services
ECFE has experienced child care assistants available to care for your children who are not enrolled, while you attend classes. These child care services are available according to the sliding fee scale.
| # Of Children In Sibling Care | Sibling Care Donation | Reduced 50% Off | Full Tuition | ||||||
| 1 | $0.00 | $5.00 | $10.00 | ||||||
| 2 | $0.00 | $8.00 | $15.00 | ||||||
| 3 | $0.00 | $11.00 | $20.00 |
Other Early Childhood Education Programs
Early Childhood Screenings (see below for more information)
Family Literacy and School Readiness (see below for more information)
Summer Kindergarten Transition
Early Childhood Screening
An Early Childhood Screening is required for all children in Minnesota prior to entering Kindergarten.
The screening will consist of the following components: fine/gross motor skills, language development, concepts, height/weight, vision, hearing, review of health history and immunization record. The best time to be screened is at age 3.
- Letters of invitation will be sent to families whose child(ren) are in the appropriate age group.
- Appointments are scheduled ahead of time.
- Screenings are conducted at the Community Education Building, 827 N Crailsheim Road, Worthington.
- The Early Childhood Screening must be attended by the child and a parent/guardian.
- Please bring a birth certificate or other official identification for your child.
Please note: State law requires that all children be screened by the start of Kindergarten.
If your child is 4 years of age and has not been screened, or if you would like to check if your child is listed on the district’s census list, contact Melanie Kuhl, Early Childhood Screening Coordinator, at 507-727-1207.
Family Literacy and School Readiness
District 518 provides programming designed to help early childhood learners prepare for Kindergarten. We offer two primary programs: Family Literacy and School Readiness. Both of these programs have enrollment criteria such as sliding fee scale, limited English proficiency, teen parents, or other priority areas.
The Family Literacy program is designed for a parent and child (age 3-5) to attend together three times per week.
School Readiness is designed for 3-4 year-olds who will be entering Kindergarten the following school year and who have not attended any other formal preschool education program. Programming is offered for three-hour blocks in either the morning or the afternoon.
Registration is handled by the Early Childhood Department and Family and Community Liaisons. Questions regarding enrollment may be directed to Melanie Kuhl: melanie.kuhl@isd518.net or 507-376-6105.
Contact Info
827 N. Crailsheim Rd
Worthington, MN 56187
Phone: 507-727-1207
Early Childhood Coordinator
How to Register
Register by calling 507-376-6105.
The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm.
After hours, this number will allow you to register on the Community Education voice messaging system.
Online registration is also available at www.isd518.net/enrichment. Then click on the link to register for a class.
Habla EspaÑol
ECFE ofrece clases para las familias que hablan español. Para más información por favor llamar al 360-7204.
About our EC Teachers
EC Screening Secretary
- Myra Kramer