Early Childhood Education

Welcome to Early Childhood Education!

Minneapolis Public Schools provides a range of early learning childhood programs and services for children ages birth to kindergarten and their families. Children learn a range of skills to prepare them for success in kindergarten, school and life, as their families learn how best to support their children as they grow. These programs and services include the following (see interactive map of locations):

• MPS First Stop connects families with young children to resources and community supports.
   
• Early Childhood Screening encourages families to get their child screened at age 3 (state law requires all children to be screened before entering kindergarten). Book a free appointment today.
   
• Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) provides more than 30 classes and other services for families and their child from birth to 48 months.
   
• Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) serves students from birth to kindergarten identified as having a Developmental Delay (DD) or other disability.
   
• Preschool programs:
  • High Five for four year olds
  • Alphabet Soup for three year olds
  • Three School for three year olds
     
• Minneapolis Kids before and after-school care.
   
• Teen Parent Services supports all pregnant and parenting students enrolled at MPS and their children with a variety of programming including high-quality early education.
   
• Tips for Transitioning to Kindergarten

Progress Indicators

The State of Minnesota’s early learning standards, called Early Childhood Indicators of Progress (ECIPs) were revised and expanded in 2016. These standards provide a framework for a common set of developmentally-appropriate expectations for children ages birth to kindergarten. The ECIPs are aligned to the Minnesota Kindergarten Academic Standards.

Program Partners

Early Childhood Education values the strong partnerships of community providers and public programs. Some of our key partners are:

•     Abbott Northwestern Hospital
•     City of Minneapolis
•     Head Start
•     Hennepin County Library
•     Hennepin County Hospital
•     North Memorial Hospital
•     Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ)
•     People Serving People Inc.
•     Resources for Child Caring (RCC)
•     Twin Cities United Way
•     University of Minnesota
•     Way to Grow
•     YWCA Minneapolis