Preschool for Threes and Preschool for Three to Fives

Apply online for the following programs: 

• Preschool for Threes
• Preschool for Three to Fives
• Nature Play Preschool for Three to Fives

Families may be eligible for a scholarship or financial assistance that can help lower the cost of tuition. 

Preschool is the start of an exciting educational journey for your child in Osseo Area Schools. Early Childhood Family Education's (EC&FE) affordable and enriching classroom based preschool programs include: 

• Preschool for Threes - For children who turn three years old on or before Sept. 1, 2026
• Preschool for Three to Fives - For children who turn three or four years old on or before Sept. 1, 2026

Dedicated and experienced staff support your child’s growth and learning every step of the way. EC&FE's curriculum is designed to build confidence, independence, and essential academic and social skills so that your child is well-prepared for kindergarten.

Class time includes: 

• Group time: Songs, stories, games, and movement activities that promote social interaction and build a sense of community.
• Gym or playground time: Fun and active play that supports the development of gross motor skills, either in a gym space or on the playground.
• Discovery time: Hands-on learning through play, featuring activities like art, literacy, math, dramatic play, science experiments, sensory exploration, and more.
• Book time: A dedicated time for children to engage with books, fostering a love for reading and storytelling

Locations:
Arbor View Early Childhood Center
Cedar Island Elementary School
Willow Lane Early Childhood Center 

At Nature Preschool, your child will thrive in an environment where learning comes alive through nature. The Arbor View Nature Play Area is designed to ignite curiosity, creativity, and a deep connection with the outdoors.

Each class time includes:

• Group time: Songs, stories, games, and movement activities that promote social interaction and community-building.
• Nature play time: Outdoor exploration and activities that encourage physical movement and support gross motor skills in a natural setting.
• Discovery time: Hands-on learning through play, including art projects, literacy and math activities, dramatic play, science experiments, sensory exploration, and more—all inspired by the wonders of nature.

The nature-focused approach nurtures the whole child, supporting cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development in a nurturing, exploratory setting. 

Location:
Arbor View Early Childhood Center - Nature Play Area

SCHEDULE AN EARLY CHILDHOOD SCREENING APPOINTMENT ONLINE 

Questions about Early Childhood Screening? Call 763-391-8777 or email ecfe@district279.org. 

Whether you are brand new to the ECFE programs or have been participating for a while, ECPTO is a welcoming community where we connect with other families, collaborate on fun events, and help make our programs (Preschool, PreK, and ECFE) even better for young learners. Every voice matters here, and your involvement truly makes a difference!

To learn more about the ECPTO visit the  ECPTO WEBSITE  email infoECPTO@gmail.com or call 763-391-8777.

Volunteer opportunities for the 2026-27 school year

Volunteers help make Osseo Area Schools Early Childhood & Family Education (EC&FE) an even better place for students and staff. We are looking for volunteers to support a variety of projects and activities. Together, we can build a strong community that supports student success through meaningful volunteer opportunities.

What volunteer opportunities are available?

• Classroom support: Prepare classroom projects, organize materials and assist with take-home activities.
• Gym setup and tear-down: Help prepare the gym before activities and clean up afterward.
• Create materials: Make play dough, colored rice and other classroom materials.
• Project preparation: Copy, cut and prepare materials for classroom projects.
• Office support: Assemble welcome folders, screening folders and other materials.
• Event volunteering: Assist with EC&FE events and activities.
• Additional opportunities: Help with other projects as needs arise.

Current volunteer opportunities available now: 

Play Dough Making

Help us make play dough for our classrooms! Each month, volunteers make bags of play dough for students to use during classroom activities. Play dough is made on-site at Arbor View Early Childhood. Volunteer hours are 9-11:30 a.m. or 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Welcome Folder Preparation

Help us prepare the materials that go into our welcome folders. This is a take-home volunteer project. Materials can be picked up at Arbor View Early Childhood and returned when completed. 

Interested in volunteering?