Preschool & PreK

Preschool Dates

The preschool calendar aligns with the school district calendar. Preschool does not have programming on non-school days.

What does a typical day look like? 

• Large group activity
• Small group activities
• Free choice time (dramatic play, writing, art, sensory, library, blocks, manipulatives) 
• Outside Activities or Gym/Rotor Room
• Snack
• Music and movement
• Read aloud stories

If you have additional questions regarding programming, please call 952-975-7200 or email EPS_LittleEagles@edenpr.org and someone from Eden Prairie Early Childhood will contact you shortly.

Junior Eagle Zone child care is a choice-based program that allows children to take the lead in their learning journey. From imaginative play areas to hands-on arts and crafts, our curriculum encourages self-expression and independent play. Our Eagle Zone staff are highly trained and are dedicated to guiding children as they discover their passions and make new friends. If your child is enrolled in Junior Eagle Zone, they will experience a fun and enriching environment where every day is an opportunity for exploration and growth.

Where to Enroll

Families must sign up for Junior Eagle Zone through your online account portal at edenprairie.ce.eleyo.com. 

To enroll in Junior Eagle Zone, you must select the days and site location that align with your PreK schedule. For example, if your student is in 4-day Monday–Thursday PreK at Eden Lake, you will sign up for 4-day Monday–Thursday Junior Eagle Zone at Eden Lake. 

Registration Process & Fees

Families must enroll in a 4 or 5 day Junior Eagle Zone schedule that aligns with their student’s PreK schedule. Auto payments are due by the 15th of each month following care provided. A non-refundable registration fee is required for each student enrolling in the program. The registration fee is charged once the contract is accepted.

One-time registration fee for the 2025-26 school year:

• January 20–February 20, 2025: Fee waived
• February 20–June 10, 2025: $75/student non-refundable fee
• After June 10, 2025: $100/student non-refundable fee

Fee Assistance for Junior Eagle Zone Child Care

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) can be used for child care fees. For more information, call the county that you reside in.

• Hennepin County: 612-348-5937
• Carver County: 952-361-1721
• Scott County: 952-496-8686

---

Information for 2024-25 School Year

Junior Eagle Zone Before School Care for 4-Year-Olds –
Available for Morning PreK; 5 day option only (Monday–Friday)

• Staffed by Eagle Zone Child Care staff
• Held at the elementary sites
• 6:30 a.m. – School Start Time
  • Oak Point: $12.50 per day
  • Cedar Ridge and Forest Hills: $13 per day
  • Eden Lake and Prairie View:  $14 per day 

Junior Eagle Zone After School Care for 4-Year-Olds
Available for Morning PreK + Junior Eagle Zone or Afternoon PreK; 5 day option only (Monday–Friday) 

• Staffed by Eagle Zone Child Care Staff
• Held at the elementary sites
• School End Time – 6:00 p.m.
  • Oak Point: $20.50 per day
  • Cedar Ridge and Forest Hills: $20 per day
  • Eden Lake and Prairie View:  $19 per day 

Family/Parent Support

Do you have a question about tantrums, sibling relationships, bedtime routines, schedules, or healthy eating? Do you want to talk about developmental milestones or would you like to learn more about community resources? We are here to support! We offer confidential, one-to-one
discussion at no cost to Eden Prairie families with children ages birth through 5 years.

Our licensed Parent Educators can connect with you by phone, email, home visit, or by appointment at an Eden Prairie community location. Email EPS_LittleEagles@edenpr.org or call 952-975-7200 to learn more.

Family Resources Program

At Eden Prairie Schools, we understand that every family needs help from time to time. Our community has a committed and compassionate group of service providers and nonprofit organizations ready and willing to support families with a variety of needs. The Community Education’s Family Resources Program connects Eden Prairie students and families to resources in the community.

Our Family Resources Coordinator can answer questions about what services are provided locally and by whom, facilitate connection to other organizations, and help navigate systems and advocate for families in need.

Little Eagles 3-Year-Old Preschool 

Offered at the Community Education building (8100 School Road). Children must be 3-years-old by Sept. 1, 2024.

• 2 days (Tuesday/Thursday) morning 
• 3 days (Monday/Wednesday, Friday) morning or afternoon
• 4 days (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) morning or afternoon
• 5 days (Monday through Friday) morning or afternoon
• 5 days + Rest and Enrichment* (Monday through Friday) morning and afternoon

Eden Prairie Schools PreK 

Offered at Cedar Ridge, Eden Lake, Forest Hills, Oak Point and Prairie View elementary schools. Children must be 4-years-old by Sept. 1, 2024.

• 4 day (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) morning or afternoon
• 5 day (Monday-Friday) morning or afternoon
• Add on care available: Junior Eagle Zone Before School Care (6:30 a.m. – School Start Time), Junior Eagle Zone Half Day (PreK End Time – Elementary End Time), Junior Eagle Zone After School Care (School End Time – 6:00 p.m.)

*Note: Rest and Enrichment (RE) will not be offered after the 2024-2025 school year. Two sessions (morning and afternoon) of Monday-Friday Little Eagles Preschool will be offered instead. 

Parents of Preschoolers

Do you have a child in preschool and would like support with parenting a preschooler? Join a licensed Parent Educator and other parents in this parent only class to share the joys and occasional challenges that come with this stage! Topics include: general development, gaining cooperation, enhancing communication, helping your child to be a problem solver, emotional intelligence and other relevant topics.

Parent only, in person class with a Parent Educator; Location – Community Education Building
$53 per session – Sibling care is available

Fall Session (Sept.–Nov.)	Winter Session (Dec.–Feb.)	Spring Session (Feb.–May)
Mondays, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.	Mondays, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.	Mondays, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

All Little Eagles 3-year-old preschool programming is at the Community Education Building. 

Your child's boundary school does not impact their 3-year-old preschool location. All three year old preschoolers will attend one central location, the Community Education building located at 8100 School Road, Eden Prairie, MN 55344. 

All Eden Prairie Schools Prek programming is held at one of the district's five neighborhood (boundary) elementary schools. 

How do I know which school to enroll in for Little Eagles Preschool? 
Enter your address and find your boundary school.

Can I attend a school other than my boundary school?
Priority enrollment will be for students enrolling in their boundary school. Families who choose to send their child to a school other than their boundary school will be given second priority, on a first come, first served basis. Busing is not provided if a family attends a school outside of their boundary school. If a student attends a school that is not their boundary school for PreK, they will not be automatically enrolled at that school for kindergarten; a parent/guardian will need to follow the district transfer protocol if they wish for their student to remain at the school. 

• Eden Prairie residents enrolling at their boundary school will have first priority. 

• Eden Prairie residents enrolling in a school outside of their boundary will be given second priority by being placed on a waitlist and enrolled on a first come, first served basis. Please note: Attending Oak Point Elementary School for PreK does not increase chances of attending Eagle Heights Spanish Immersion. Eden Prairie Schools PreK is a Community Education program and does not impact the lottery process. 

  • Cedar Ridge Elementary - 8905 Braxton Drive

  • Eden Lake Elementary - 12000 Anderson Lakes Parkway

  • Forest Hills Elementary - 13708 Holly Road

  • Prairie View Elementary - 17255 Peterborg Road

  • Oak Point Elementary - 13400 Staring Lake Parkway
     

• Non-Eden Prairie residents choosing to open enroll in the district's PreK programming will be third priority by being placed on a waitlist at their chosen school and enrolled on a first come, first served basis.

Our older child attends Eagle Heights Spanish Immersion. Where should our 4-year-old child attend PreK?
Proof of a sibling attending Eagle Heights is required to enroll in Oak Point if it is not the boundary school for the family. Please note: Attending Oak Point Elementary School for PreK does not increase chances of attending Eagle Heights Spanish Immersion. Eden Prairie Schools PreK is a Community Education program and does not impact the lottery process. 

Can I open enroll from another district? 
Yes, pending availability. Open enrollment is based on availability of space in the program. Please call 952-975-7200 to discuss availability and next steps.

Transportation varies based on the program in which your child is eligible for.

Special Education Students
PreK students who are receiving Special Education services through Eden Prairie Schools will work with Early Childhood Special Education to determine transportation eligibility. 

Little Eagles Preschool Students
Only 3-year-olds who meet certain eligibility requirements will qualify for transportation. If your child qualifies for bussing, based on the information gathered during registration, someone from the preschool office will reach out. 

Eden Prairie Schools PreK Students
Bussing is provided to all Eden Prairie Schools PreK students who attend their boundary school. Transportation can also be provided to an alternative address as long as it is in the boundary school. However, there is no transportation provided outside of the boundary school. 

Can my child ride a bus IF we switch between bussing, Before/After Care and Parent Drop off/Pickup throughout the week?

Yes. If you are seeking a non-consistent schedule, please call 952-975-7200 to talk through options. 

How can I contact Transportation?

Transportation can be reached at 952-975-7500.

---

Before and After Care is not offered for the Little Eagles 3-Year-Old Preschool program.

Junior Eagle Zone child care is a choice-based program that allows children to take the lead in their learning journey. From imaginative play areas to hands-on arts and crafts, our curriculum encourages self-expression and independent play. Our Eagle Zone staff are highly trained and are dedicated to guiding children as they discover their passions and make new friends. If your child is enrolled in Junior Eagle Zone, they will experience a fun and enriching environment where every day is an opportunity for exploration and growth.

Where to Enroll

Families must sign up for Junior Eagle Zone through your online account portal at edenprairie.ce.eleyo.com. 

To enroll in Junior Eagle Zone, you must select the days and site location that align with your PreK schedule. For example, if your student is in 4-day Monday–Thursday PreK at Eden Lake, you will sign up for 4-day Monday–Thursday Junior Eagle Zone at Eden Lake. 

Registration Process & Fees

Families must enroll in a 4 or 5 day Junior Eagle Zone schedule that aligns with their student’s PreK schedule. Auto payments are due by the 15th of each month following care provided. A non-refundable registration fee is required for each student enrolling in the program. The registration fee is charged once the contract is accepted.

One-time registration fee for the 2025-26 school year:

• January 20–February 20, 2025: Fee waived
• February 20–June 10, 2025: $75/student non-refundable fee
• After June 10, 2025: $100/student non-refundable fee

Fee Assistance for Junior Eagle Zone Child Care

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) can be used for child care fees. For more information, call the county that you reside in.

• Hennepin County: 612-348-5937
• Carver County: 952-361-1721
• Scott County: 952-496-8686

---

Information for 2024-25 School Year

Junior Eagle Zone Before School Care for 4-Year-Olds –
Available for Morning PreK; 5 day option only (Monday–Friday)

• Staffed by Eagle Zone Child Care staff
• Held at the elementary sites
• 6:30 a.m. – School Start Time
  • Oak Point: $12.50 per day
  • Cedar Ridge and Forest Hills: $13 per day
  • Eden Lake and Prairie View:  $14 per day 

Junior Eagle Zone After School Care for 4-Year-Olds
Available for Morning PreK + Junior Eagle Zone or Afternoon PreK; 5 day option only (Monday–Friday) 

• Staffed by Eagle Zone Child Care Staff
• Held at the elementary sites
• School End Time – 6:00 p.m.
  • Oak Point: $20.50 per day
  • Cedar Ridge and Forest Hills: $20 per day
  • Eden Lake and Prairie View:  $19 per day 

Limited tuition assistance is provided for qualifying families through: 

• The School Readiness program. To determine eligibility for assistance, families select factors that apply to their family situation during the registration process. Income will be verified to determine eligibility.
• Early Learning Scholarships. For more information, call the location based on where you live.
  • Hennepin or Ramsey Country: Think Small 651-641-6604.
  • Carver, Dakota, or Scott County: Families First of MN 1-888-450-2773.

For more information from Little Eagles Early Childhood & Preschool, call 952-975-7200.

Families interested in exploring scholarships also invited to complete a general application for fee assistance. 

Children should be toilet independent or must be actively toilet training before entering preschool, meaning they have:

– the ability to identify and verbalize the urge to use the restroom in a timely manner
– the ability to manage all self-help/toileting skills independently
– the ability to manage their preschool day including rest time without a pull-up

We are aware that it is developmentally appropriate for children of this age to have accidents from time to time.  In the event that your child needs additional support through toilet training, classroom staff and Parent Educators will work with you and your child.

PreK students will have breakfast or lunch as a part of their day. Morning PreK includes breakfast and afternoon PreK includes lunch. Families have the option of sending breakfast or lunch with their child. All school meals are free.

If your child is attending Junior Eagle Zone, they will have access to school lunch or families may provide lunch in addition to breakfast in the morning. 

---

Information About Free Meals

We have joined Minnesota’s Free School Meals Program. Our schools already offer healthy meals each day. Now, all in-person students can get one lunch free of charge while at school – no application required. The Minnesota Free School Meals Program provides state reimbursement to schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program so that students can have one lunch at no cost at school.

What is included in the MN Free School Meals Program?

• At lunch, the student must choose at least 3 components to be counted as a reimbursable meal. The student must choose a ½ cup serving of fruit or vegetable as part of their lunch.

What is NOT included in the MN Free School Meals Program?
Single item purchases and non-reimbursable meals are not free. Some examples include:

• a second carton of milk
• snack items
• second entrée
• a second lunch
• meals that do not meet the minimum requirements
• meals served to teachers, staff, and other adults

If your child turns 5-years-old in the summer (or after September 1) and you would like them to attend another year of PreK, they are still eligible for Eden Prairie Schools PreK!

Eden Prairie Schools Community Education works with children of all abilities. Our staff work with enrolled families to provide reasonable accommodations as needed for each child. The goal for all children is to have independent, meaningful participation in the program.

All children participating in programming must consistently demonstrate the ability to follow adult direction, show readiness for large group activities, including the ability to remain with the group, and follow safety rules.

Children need to meet state eligibility criteria in order to receive Early Childhood Special Education services. Questions and concerns regarding your child’s development are welcomed. For additional information, contact the Early Childhood Special Education Office at 952-975-6979.

Join us at Early Childhood Screening as soon as your child turns 3! This is a FREE and simple check of how your child is growing and developing. It is a requirement of the State of Minnesota for all preschool-aged children.

What age should my child be screened?
If your child is between the ages of 3 and 5, it is time to schedule their Early Childhood Screening to check all areas of development including hearing, vision, speech, and motor abilities.

What takes place at screening?
The screening process looks at a number of things including the following:

• Preschool concepts

• Communication skills

• Motor skills

• Social skills

What does screening cost?
Early childhood screenings are FREE!

How long does screening take?
Screening takes about one hour to complete. 

Where does screening take place? 
Screening appointments are held at the Welcome Center (Door 1A) in the Administrative Building at 8100 School Road, Eden Prairie, MN 55344. 

Schedule a Screening Appointment