When it comes to choosing the best early childhood education for your child, quality and trust are at the top of every parent's list. That’s why we’re proud to announce that our New Prague, Belle Plaine and Red Wing locations at Early Childhood Academy are Parent Aware Certified—a distinction that reflects our commitment to providing exceptional early learning experiences.

Parent Aware is Minnesota’s Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) designed to help families identify high-quality early childhood programs. This voluntary certification recognizes childcare centers and preschools that go above and beyond in preparing children for school success and lifelong learning.

Programs that earn Parent Aware Certification have demonstrated excellence in:
✅ Kindergarten Readiness – Implementing curriculum and teaching strategies proven to help children thrive in school.
✅ Trained & Skilled Educators – Staff undergo additional professional development and training to provide the best care and education.
✅ Family Engagement – Actively partnering with parents to support children's growth and development.
✅ Safe & Nurturing Environments – Creating spaces that encourage learning, creativity, and emotional well-being.

Providing Love, Comfort & Early Learning

Our infant program offers a safe, nurturing environment where your baby receives the highest level of care and attention. We prioritize strong relationships with families, ensuring peace of mind while you're away.

Key Areas of Infant Development:
💛 Social & Emotional: Learning to self-soothe, recognizing caregivers, and responding to stimuli.
📚 Language & Communication: Early interactions, responding to sounds, and engaging with books.
🎨 Sensory & Creative Exploration: Stimulating activities that encourage curiosity and comfort.
🧠 Cognitive Growth: Recognizing patterns, cause-and-effect, and sensory experiences.
🏃 Physical Development: Developing motor skills, reaching, grasping, and movement coordination.

Infants learn through daily routines, interactions, and play, with activities that support their natural curiosity and development.

Encouraging Independence & Exploration

Toddlers are active learners, discovering the world through play, movement, and interaction. Our engaging curriculum fosters independence, curiosity, and social connections.

Key Areas of Toddler Development:
💛 Social & Emotional: Learning to express needs, engage in parallel play, and navigate emotions.
🧠 Problem Solving & Creativity: Exploring objects, making choices, and pretending through play.
📚 Language & Literacy: Expanding vocabulary, engaging with books, and early writing skills.
🎨 Art & Music: Expressing creativity through painting, movement, and music.
🔢 Cognitive & Math Skills: Imitating counting, sorting, recognizing patterns, and spatial awareness.
🏃 Physical Growth: Running, climbing, jumping, and fine motor skill development.

Our toddler curriculum balances structured learning with free exploration, allowing children to develop at their own pace.

Building Confidence & School Readiness

Preschoolers thrive on discovery, creativity, and social interaction. Our play-based curriculum prepares children for academic success while nurturing emotional and physical growth.

Key Areas of Preschool Development:
💛 Social & Emotional: Developing self-confidence, friendships, and conflict resolution skills.
🧠 Critical Thinking: Making observations, asking questions, and problem-solving.
📚 Language & Literacy: Expanding vocabulary, engaging in storytelling, and early reading/writing.
🎨 Creative Expression: Exploring arts, music, and hands-on projects.
🔢 Math & Science: Recognizing numbers, counting, measuring, and exploring nature.
🏃 Physical Coordination: Running, jumping, balancing, and fine motor skills (puzzles, drawing).

Preschoolers are encouraged to explore, create, and build independence while developing foundational academic skills.

A Strong Foundation for Kindergarten & Beyond

Our Pre-K program focuses on academic readiness, social development, and independence, ensuring a smooth transition to kindergarten.

Key Areas of Pre-K Development:
💛 Social & Emotional: Building friendships, trust, and responsibility.
📚 Language & Literacy: Strengthening reading, writing, and communication skills.
🔢 Mathematical Thinking: Counting, simple addition/subtraction, and problem-solving.
🌎 Science & Social Studies: Exploring the world, nature, weather, and geography.
🎨 The Arts: Expressing creativity through art, music, and building projects.
🏃 Physical Development: Strengthening coordination, fitness, and healthy habits.

Children engage in structured learning, hands-on activities, and guided play to develop skills for success in kindergarten.

Our school-age program offers a safe, enriching space where children can engage in activities, complete homework, and develop social skills.

Key Areas of School-Age Development:
💛 Social & Emotional: Trust-building, teamwork, and leadership skills.
📚 Language & Literacy: Reading comprehension, creative writing, and communication.
🔢 Math & Problem-Solving: Strengthening foundational math skills.
🌎 Science & Exploration: Engaging with STEM, nature, and environmental learning.
🌍 Social Studies: Geography, history, and cultural awareness.
🎨 The Arts: Hands-on projects, music, and creative expression.
🏃 Physical Activity: Fitness, nutrition, and outdoor play.

Our before-and-after school program provides a fun, educational environment for continued growth outside of school hours.