Choosing the right program for your child is essential to support their growth and development. When selecting a program, consider your child’s age, personality, and previous exposure to group settings. For children with limited social experience, a smaller, play-based class may help them ease into peer interactions. Those who are more familiar with group settings may benefit from a structured, school-readiness program that builds academic and social skills. Finding the right fit ensures your child feels comfortable, engaged, and prepared for future learning.   

What is Preschool?

Preschool in Minnesota is a program designed to prepare children ages 3-5 for kindergarten by promoting social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. It offers a structured learning environment with age-appropriate activities that build social-emotional skills, approaches to learning, language, literacy, and communications, creativity and arts, cognitive development (math, science, social systems), and physical development. The program is led by licensed early childhood teachers and often includes helping families support their child’s learning journey. Children must be potty trained to attend preschool programs.  All preschool programs offer a sliding fee based on your income level. Scholarships are available by applying for the Educational Benefits. 

What is ECFE?

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) in Minnesota is a statewide program designed to support families with children from birth to age five. ECFE offers parent-child classes that promote early learning, strengthen parenting skills, and foster family connections. Classes typically include guided play, group activities, and parent discussions led by early childhood educators. The program provides families with tools and resources to support their child's development while building a strong foundation for lifelong learning. 

PEM Preschool Offerings

PEM ECFE

PEM Playtime P

PEM Preschool – 3-Year-Old Program

PEM’s three-year-old preschool program is an essential introduction to early learning, designed to build the social-emotional and foundational skills necessary for future academic success. Rooted in Minnesota’s Early Learning Standards, this program prioritizes social interaction, self-help skills, and creative expression through hands-on, interactive play.

The curriculums focuses on six key domains:  social-emotional skills, approaches to learning, language, literacy, and communications, creativity and arts, cognitive development (math, science, social systems), and physical development. Through music, brain-stimulating activities, stories, and free play, children develop problem-solving abilities, cooperation, and confidence.

Taught by nurturing early childhood professionals, PEM’s three-year-old preschool provides a safe and engaging environment where children two years away from kindergarten gain the skills, independence, and resilience needed for a smooth start to their educational journey.

Class option available  2-days: T/TH A.M. Children must be three by September 1st.

For more information and to register:  click here 

PEM Preschool (4–5 Years Old)

PEM Preschool is a high-quality preschool program designed to ensure children are fully prepared for kindergarten. Following Minnesota’s Early Learning Standards, this program offers developmentally appropriate, hands-on learning experiences tailored to each child’s individual needs.

Using the Handwriting Without Tears and Second Step curriculum, students engage in intentional instruction across key learning domains:  social-emotional skills, approaches to learning, language, literacy, and communications, creativity and arts, cognitive development (math, science, social systems), and physical development. 

Taught by certified Early Childhood teachers, PEM Preschool provides a strong academic foundation while fostering creativity, independence, and confidence. This program helps them build the skills and knowledge necessary for a smooth and successful transition.

Afternoon class options available: 2-days (M/W P.M. and T/TH P.M.) or 3-days (M/W/F P.M.) Children must be four by September 1st. 

For more information and to register:  click here 

PEM Kindergarten Readiness

PEM Preschool is a high-quality preschool program designed to ensure children are fully prepared for kindergarten. Following Minnesota’s Early Learning Standards, this program offers developmentally appropriate, hands-on learning experiences tailored to each child’s individual needs.

Using the Handwriting Without Tears and Second Step curriculum, students engage in intentional instruction across key learning domains:  social-emotional skills, approaches to learning, language, literacy, and communications, creativity and arts, cognitive development (math, science, social systems), and physical development..

Taught by certified Early Childhood teachers, PEM Preschool provides a strong academic foundation while fostering creativity, independence, and confidence. This program helps them build the skills and knowledge necessary for a smooth and successful transition. With this class being offered five days a week it helps form a gradual step for five full days of Kindergarten in the fall. 

Class option 5-days (M-F P.M.) *Children must be 5 years old by April 1st to enroll in the 5-day option

For more information and to register:  click here  

PEM Playtime Pals 

PEM Playtime Pals is a fun, engaging parent-child class designed for young children and their caregivers. Held in a preschool classroom, this class offers the perfect opportunity to explore, play, and connect through hands-on activities and free play. Registration for session one opens August 1st. 

Each week, children five and under with their accompanying adult (family size limit one adult per three children) can enjoy quality time together in a welcoming early childhood environment that supports curiosity, social interaction, and creativity. 

Can’t make it one week? PEM Playtime Pals is designed for families to come and go during the times and dates which offers flexibility with your schedules. This offering is a great opportunity for grandparents to spend some quality time with their grandchildren in a school setting if parents are unable to attend. The Playtime Pals program is a non-separating, non-structured playtime for you and your child to explore our classroom.

Class held Thursdays 12:15-2:30 P.M. Cost $100 per family for 15 weeks 

Session One (September-January)                Session Two (January- May)

For more information and to register:  click here  

PEM ECFE

ECFE is a class offered for parents/grandparents and their birth to 5 child/children (preschool age and younger) to come together to play and learn.  It is a great way to meet other parents, try out games and activities, and get suggestions on a variety of topics built around parenting and early childhood development.  We are accepting registrations August 1st and throughout the school year if spots are available. A parent or guardian is required to attend with their child/children at any Early Childhood Family Education Class or event.  

If your child turns 9 months of age during the class and you would like to continue bringing them to ECFE class, they then need to be registered and pay the tuition fee to attend. Before the age of 9 months, they may attend for free and will attend the parent session with their parent.  

Classes are held on Thursday evenings from 5:30-7:00 P.M. Two 12-week sessions are offered. Cost is based on a sliding fee scale that is determined by income level. Scholarships are available though educational benefits.

Session One (September-January) Session Two (February- May)

For more information and to register:  click here  

Census Link:  To be placed on our email list for information on registration for preschool, ECFE, Early Childhood Screening, and Kindergarten, please fill out the census for the PEM School District:  click here