Early Childhood Academy | Red Wing, New Prague, Belle Plaine, Maple Grove, White Bear Lake, North St Paul, MN
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A New Look for a Growing Community

4/15/2026

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At Early Childhood Academy, growth has always been at the heart of what we do. Growth for children, for families, and for the communities we serve.

As we begin the exciting process of expanding into three new locations, bringing us to six total, we took a step back and asked an important question:
How can our brand better reflect the journey each child takes with us?

The answer led to a meaningful shift in our visual identity.

From Locations to Life Stages
In the past, our colors were tied to individual locations. While that helped differentiate campuses, it didn’t fully capture what matters most — the child’s development.
Our new approach changes that.
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Each color now represents a stage of growth:
🟡 Infants — providing love, comfort, and early learning
🟠 Toddlers — encouraging independence and exploration
🔵 PreK — building confidence and a strong foundation for kindergarten and beyond
🟣 School Age — supporting routines, life skills, and meaningful connection

Instead of associating color with a place, we now associate it with progress.

Why This Matters
This shift may seem simple on the surface, but it creates a more intuitive and supportive experience for everyone involved.

For children, it provides a sense of movement and accomplishment as they transition from one stage to the next.

For families, it offers a clear visual way to understand where their child is today and where they’re headed next.

For our staff, it creates alignment across all locations, reinforcing that no matter where a child attends, they are part of one continuous journey.

Growing with Purpose
As we expand, maintaining consistency in care and communication becomes even more important. This updated look helps unify our schools under a shared vision while still honoring each child’s unique path.

It’s not just a rebrand. It’s a reflection of how we think about growth.

Same Heart, Clearer Path
While our look is evolving, our foundation remains the same. We are committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children can learn, explore, and thrive.

This new system simply makes that journey easier to see.

We’re excited about what’s ahead and grateful to have your family growing with us.

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Belle Plaine Enrollment Now Open: Toddlers & Waddlers at Early Childhood Academy

9/8/2025

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Toddler Belle Plaine MN
Families in Belle Plaine, MN who are looking for high-quality child care and early learning opportunities now have exciting options! Early Childhood Academy is actively enrolling for our Toddler classrooms (24–33 months) as well as our brand-new Waddler program (ages 12–24 months).

These programs are designed to support children in their earliest stages of growth, giving them the skills, confidence, and routines they need to thrive as they move toward preschool and beyond.

Why Choose the Waddler Program (12–24 Months)?
The Waddler classroom at Early Childhood Academy is specially designed for children who are just beginning to explore the world with confidence. In this nurturing and structured environment, children:
  • Develop motor and regulation skills to successfully engage with peers.
  • Gain independence during routines, including mealtime.
  • Transition to one nap per day, practice sleeping on a cot, and strengthen early sleep habits.
  • Build early communication skills, supporting both language and social development.

This stage is all about exploration, consistency, and small steps toward independence—all within a safe, loving classroom community.

Bridging to the Toddler Classroom (24–33 Months)
As children graduate from the Waddler room, they’re ready to transition seamlessly into our Toddler program, which emphasizes even more independence and self-regulation.

In our Toddler classrooms, children learn:
  • Potty training skills and bathroom routines.
  • Self-regulation tools to help them handle emotions and social situations.
  • Preschool readiness habits, such as following routines, practicing group activities, and gaining confidence in learning settings.

This program serves as a bridge to preschool, ensuring children have the foundational skills they’ll need for long-term academic and social success.

A Focus on Readiness and Success
At Early Childhood Academy – Belle Plaine, our mission is to create environments where children can thrive at every stage. From learning to walk confidently and communicate basic needs in the Waddler room to gaining independence and preparing for preschool in the Toddler classroom, each step is carefully designed to set children up for success.

Enroll Today in Belle Plaine, MN
If your child is between 12–33 months and you’re seeking a program that combines nurturing care with meaningful skill-building, we invite you to join our Belle Plaine community. Spaces are limited, and enrollment is open now for both Waddlers and Toddlers.

Contact Early Childhood Academy – Belle Plaine today to learn more or schedule a tour. Give your child the strong start they deserve!

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Fun & Age-Appropriate Labor Day Weekend Activities for Kids

8/29/2025

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Labor Day Weekend Activities
Labor Day weekend is the perfect time for families to celebrate together, enjoy the outdoors, and make memories before the school year gets into full swing. At Early Childhood Academy, we believe that activities should not only be fun but also support children’s growth and development at every stage.

Here are some age-appropriate ideas to enjoy with your little ones this Labor Day weekend:

Infants (6 weeks – 16 months)
For infants, the goal is gentle stimulation and bonding.
  • Sensory Play: Use a shallow bin with soft fabric squares in red, white, and blue. Let your baby touch, crinkle, and explore the textures.
  • Outdoor Time: A stroller walk in the park lets babies experience new sights, sounds, and fresh air.
  • Music & Movement: Play soft patriotic or family-friendly tunes and rock or sway with your baby—movement supports early motor development.

Toddlers (16 – 24 months)
Toddlers are curious explorers who thrive on movement and interaction.
  • Water Play: Set up a small splash station outside with cups and scoops. Supervised water play builds motor skills and keeps them cool.
  • Parade Pretend Play: Hand toddlers small flags or streamers and let them march around the yard or living room—great for gross motor coordination.
  • Simple Picnic: Toddlers love routines—make snack time special by sitting on a blanket outside and practicing self-feeding skills.

Preschool (3 – 4 years)
Preschoolers learn best through hands-on experiences and imagination.
  • Color Sorting Game: Provide red, white, and blue toys or paper squares and have children sort by color. Builds early math and classification skills.
  • Mini Parade: Create musical shakers from plastic bottles filled with rice or beans and let preschoolers “parade” around the yard.
  • Story Time Outdoors: Read a short book about community helpers or hard work under a shady tree—linking the theme of Labor Day with learning.

Pre-Kindergarten (4 – 5 years)
Pre-K children are ready for more structured play and love contributing to family activities.
  • Craft Project: Help children make handprint flags or “thank you” cards for workers in the community (firefighters, mail carriers, grocery clerks).
  • Scavenger Hunt: Hide small items in the yard and provide clues—encourages problem-solving, memory, and teamwork.
  • Family Cooking Together: Let them help wash veggies, stir batter, or set the table for a Labor Day meal—supports independence and fine motor skills.

School Age (6 – 8 years)
Older children enjoy challenges, teamwork, and taking on responsibilities.
  • Backyard Games: Organize relay races, tug-of-war, or obstacle courses to build physical strength and cooperation.
  • DIY Lemonade Stand: With supervision, children can help mix lemonade, make a simple sign, and “serve” family members—learning responsibility and money basics.
  • Community Connection: Visit a local parade, farmers’ market, or community event and talk about the meaning of Labor Day and the value of hard work.

Labor Day is more than a long weekend—it’s a celebration of the hardworking people who build and support our communities. By choosing activities that match your child’s stage of development, you’ll not only have fun but also nurture important skills. Whether it’s an infant enjoying a sensory walk, a preschooler proudly marching in a homemade parade, or a school-age child running backyard games, the memories you make this Labor Day weekend will last far beyond the holiday.

At Early Childhood Academy, we’re proud to support families in fostering learning, laughter, and growth at every stage.
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5 Ways to Make Father's Day Weekend Extra Special for Kids and Dads

6/13/2025

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Father's Day is more than just a chance to grab a new tie or fire up the grill—it's an opportunity to celebrate connection, love, and the bond between father and child. Whether you have a toddler, a kindergartner, or a crew of energetic big kids, here are 5 fun and meaningful ways to make Father's Day weekend truly memorable.

1. Create a "Dad & Me" Time Capsule
Grab a shoebox or container, decorate it together, and fill it with items that represent your favorite memories. A drawing, a small toy, a note from Dad, a snapshot, even a snack wrapper from your favorite outing. Label it with the date and tuck it away until next Father's Day to open and reflect!

2. Start the Day with a Kid-Planned Breakfast
Let the kids take charge of breakfast (with a little help). Even toddlers can help stir pancake mix or pick Dad's favorite fruit. It’s not about gourmet—it’s about giggles, sticky fingers, and love on a plate.

3. Go on a Local Adventure
Find a nearby park, trail, or museum and let the kids "be the guide." Give them a map or a checklist of things to find or see. Make it feel like a mission! This turns a simple outing into an exciting shared memory.

4. DIY Father’s Day Gift Station
Set up a little crafting area with blank cards, crayons, glue sticks, popsicle sticks, and whatever else you have around. Let kids make their own creations—the messier the better. These are the keepsakes dads never throw away.

5. Make a "Thank You, Dad" Video
Have each child say one thing they love or appreciate about their dad. Stitch the clips together into a short video (most phones make this super easy). Show it to Dad on Sunday evening—it's a guaranteed tearjerker.

These simple ideas don’t require fancy materials or a big budget. They’re all about creating space for love, laughter, and connection—something every dad (and every child) deserves.


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Making Mother’s Day Special with Preschoolers

5/7/2025

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Mother’s Day is more than just a holiday—it’s a heartfelt reminder to slow down and appreciate the love, energy, and patience moms pour into their families every day. Whether it's a hug after a scraped knee, a bedtime story read for the tenth time, or the magic of always knowing where everything is, moms deserve to be celebrated in ways big and small.

At Early Childhood Academy, we believe in simple, meaningful moments. Here are a few ideas for helping your little ones show mom how much she’s loved:
1. Make a “Mom Book”
Gather drawings, silly quotes, and sweet messages from the kids to create a one-of-a-kind booklet for mom. It doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be from the heart.

2. Plan a Mommy-and-Me Date
It could be a picnic at the park, a backyard tea party, or a trip to the library. Giving kids a role in planning the day builds excitement and makes mom feel extra special.

3. Create a Relaxation Station
Help the kids set up a cozy space with mom’s favorite blanket, books, snacks, and maybe even a homemade “do not disturb” sign. Bonus points for quiet time!

4. Breakfast (or snack) Made by Little Hands
With a little help, toddlers and preschoolers can prepare simple treats—think toast with jam, fruit kabobs, or a yogurt parfait.

5. Simply Say Thank You
Encourage kids to say what they love most about their mom. You might be surprised (and amused!) by what they come up with.
Let’s not forget that many children are surrounded by incredible women who take on a mother’s role—grandmas, aunties, guardians, teachers, and more. Mother’s Day is a great opportunity to honor all of them.

From our Early Childhood Academy family to yours: Happy Mother’s Day to every mom and mother figure.
You are seen, loved, and appreciated.

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Early Childhood Academy: Premier Daycare and Preschool in Red Wing, Belle Plaine, and New Prague, Minnesota

4/16/2025

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Early Childhood Academy MN
Are you a parent in Minnesota searching for a nurturing, high-quality early childhood education center for your child? Look no further than Early Childhood Academy, with locations in Red Wing, Belle Plaine, and New Prague. This blog post will dive into what makes Early Childhood Academy a top choice for families, while also exploring the broader landscape of early childhood education in Minnesota. Whether you're seeking daycare, preschool, or toddler care, Early Childhood Academy offers a supportive environment for your child’s growth and development.

What is Early Childhood Academy?
Early Childhood Academy is a trusted childcare provider serving families across three Minnesota locations: Red Wing, Belle Plaine, and New Prague. With a mission to provide high-quality, consistent care, the academy creates a welcoming environment that gives parents peace of mind while they’re away from their children. They offer a range of programs, including:
  • Daycare: For infants and toddlers, ensuring a safe and stimulating environment.
  • Preschool: Focused on preparing children for kindergarten through structured learning and play.
  • Toddler Care: Tailored activities to support early developmental milestones.

The academy emphasizes meaningful employment for its staff, fostering a team of dedicated educators who are passionate about early childhood development. They also actively engage with families, building strong partnerships to ensure every child is supported academically, emotionally, and socially. As stated in their mission, they aim to be "an asset to the community by being involved, offering families opportunities to spend quality time together, and being the first choice for early childhood education."

In Red Wing, Early Childhood Academy operates as a licensed child care center with a maximum capacity of 164 children, accepting infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children.

Why Choose Early Childhood Academy?
Here are some standout features that make Early Childhood Academy a top pick for parents in Minnesota:
  • High-Quality Care and Education
Early Childhood Academy is committed to delivering consistent, high-quality care. Their programs are designed to nurture children’s growth through love, education, and fun. Parents rave about the supportive staff, with testimonials highlighting the academy’s impact:  
“Our child started attending ECA at 8 weeks old, he is now almost 8 months old and thriving! The staff is amazing and so supportive - we are comforted knowing our child is getting the BEST care each day!” – RP  

“We love it here and our child loves it here! It’s a clean and safe environment full of enriching activities to promote learning.” – AR

Community Involvement
The academy prides itself on being an influential role model in the community. They welcome families, foster partnerships, and provide opportunities for quality family time, making them a cornerstone of early childhood education in Red Wing, Belle Plaine, and New Prague.

Developmental Support
Early Childhood Academy offers guidance on developmental milestones. For example, they share insights on what 3-year-olds should be achieving, such as asking “who, what, where, and why” questions, joining other children to play, drawing simple shapes, and dressing themselves. They also provide resources like CDC milestone checklists to help parents track progress. [Ref web ID: 2]

Family Engagement
The academy keeps parents connected through regular updates, such as messages and photos, which provide peace of mind. Parents appreciate this transparency, with one noting, “The message and picture updates of our son give us so much peace of mind throughout the day!” – JZ

Career Opportunities
For those passionate about working with children, Early Childhood Academy is hiring talented educators and support staff at all three locations. This commitment to meaningful employment ensures a dedicated and skilled team for your child’s care.

Early Childhood Education in Minnesota: A Broader Perspective
Minnesota is a leader in early childhood education, with a strong emphasis on preparing children for kindergarten and lifelong learning. Here’s how Early Childhood Academy fits into the state’s broader educational landscape:

Statewide Support for Early Learning
The Minnesota Department of Education supports initiatives like Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE), School Readiness, and Head Start, which provide programming for children from birth to age 5. These programs align with Minnesota’s vision that all children are prepared for kindergarten and third-grade reading. Early Childhood Academy complements these efforts by offering high-quality preschool and daycare services that align with state standards.

Developmental Standards
Minnesota’s Early Childhood Indicators of Progress (ECIPs) set developmentally appropriate expectations for children from birth to kindergarten. Early Childhood Academy incorporates these standards by focusing on milestones like language development, social skills, and early literacy, ensuring children are ready for the next steps in their education.

Access to Scholarships
Minnesota offers Early Learning Scholarships to help families access high-quality childcare. These scholarships can be used at Parent Aware-rated programs, which include many centers like Early Childhood Academy, ensuring affordability for families in Red Wing, Belle Plaine, and New Prague.

Screening and Special Education
Minnesota requires Early Childhood Screening before kindergarten to identify potential health or developmental concerns. Early Childhood Academy supports this process by fostering an inclusive environment and collaborating with families to address individual needs. Additionally, centers like Colvill Family Center in Red Wing provide early childhood special education services, which complement the academy’s offerings.

Focus on Literacy and Social Skills
Programs like SEEDS of Literacy, offered through New Prague Area Schools, emphasize literacy-rich environments and social-emotional development. Early Childhood Academy aligns with this focus by creating engaging, play-based learning opportunities that prepare children for kindergarten.

Tips for Parents Considering Early Childhood Academy
Choosing the right daycare or preschool is a big decision. Here are some prompts to help you evaluate if Early Childhood Academy is the right fit for your family:
  • What do I want for my child’s care? Consider if you prioritize a nurturing environment, structured learning, or community involvement—all of which Early Childhood Academy offers.
  • What is my top hope for my child’s experience? Reflect on whether you want your child to gain social skills, independence, or a love for learning, which the academy fosters through its programs.
  • What am I excited for my child to experience? Think about the joy of your child making new friends, participating in enriching activities, or enjoying a clean, safe environment—hallmarks of Early Childhood Academy.

Visit Early Childhood Academy Today
If you’re in Red Wing, Belle Plaine, or New Prague, Early Childhood Academy is a fantastic option for your child’s early education. Their commitment to high-quality care, family engagement, and community involvement sets them apart as a leader in Minnesota’s early childhood education landscape.

For parents seeking a daycare or preschool that combines education, care, and community, Early Childhood Academy is a shining choice in Minnesota. Give your child the best start—explore Early Childhood Academy today!


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How Early Childhood Academy Fosters Early Literacy and Language Skills

1/27/2025

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Learning to read is a major milestone in your child’s life. Building early literacy and language skills early in life make learning to read easier and more enjoyable for your child later on. At Early Childhood Academy, we work on these skills daily to prepare your child for a lifetime of reading.

Build a Large Vocabulary

Vocabulary is a major predictor of reading success in children. The more words your child knows, the greater their ability to comprehend text. Building early literacy and a large vocabulary starts young. A study of 18-month-olds found that children who are surrounded by adults who speak with them have a vocabulary that is 185 words larger than their peers who have not been exposed to verbal interactions.

From birth to age 5, children acquire new words at a faster rate than at any time of their lives. Kindergarteners have mastered three-fifths of all the vocabulary they will ever acquire. This means your child’s time with us is a precious opportunity to build a large vocabulary that prepares them for reading success throughout their lives.

Every activity at the Academy is an opportunity to build your child’s vocabulary. On any given day, we may discuss the sizes, colors, and shapes of objects your child is playing with, or of objects in the room. We may point out the position of objects using location words (on, off, in, out, behind, on top of, over, under, etc.). This gives your child the language to describe the world around them.

Teach Book Etiquette

Did you know how to handle a book is an early literacy skill? At the Academy, we include book etiquette as part of our early literacy and language curriculum. We teach children how to hold a book right-side-up and start reading at the front of the book. We show them how to turn pages one at a time and treat books with care. We also help your child understand that books live in a special place, and that we need to put them back when we are finished reading. 

Practice Critical Thinking Skills

Critical thinking is your child’s ability to evaluate a situation. This may be a real-world situation or something they encounter as they read or learn. Critical thinking questions encourage higher-order thinking that builds your child’s ability to think abstractly, make connections between two concepts, and solve problems. Higher-order thinking is what helps your child be a creative, evaluative, and innovative learner throughout their lives.

Developing higher-order thinking skills starts in early literacy. Here are some of the questions we ask our young readers during and after story times:
  • What do you see in the pictures?
  • Why do you think that character is acting that way?
  • What will happen next?
  • What was your favorite part?
  • Which character would you want to be?
  • How would you change the ending?

Encourage Reading at Home

Finally, our teachers understand that developing your child’s early literacy and language skills is a joint effort. We encourage you to spend at least 20 minutes every day reading with your children. Reading at home is an enjoyable way to connect with your child, expand their knowledge of the world, and help them process strong emotions. 

Here’s how you can build early literacy and language skills at home with your kiddos:
  • Choose stories or topics that interest your child.
  • Find books with words that will expand their spoken language.
  • Include informational books, such as books on animals, nature, trucks, space, etc.
  • Ask your child to identify the letters they know and teach them the sounds those letters make.
  • Use your finger to track the words as you read.
  • Ask your child the critical thinking questions we use at the Academy.
At Early Childhood Academy, our teachers are committed to building your child’s early literacy and language skills throughout their time with us, from infancy to preschool. To learn more about our literacy curriculum or to schedule a tour of one of our location, get in touch with us today!
Academy

In Conclusion

We are committed to providing high quality early childhood education to the community. We believe that all children deserve the opportunity to reach their full potential, and we are dedicated to providing them with the tools and support they need to succeed.

If you are looking for a high-quality early childhood education program for your child, we encourage you to contact us today. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have and schedule a tour of our academy.

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10 Tips for Keeping Kids Healthy This Winter

11/27/2024

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Early Childhood Academy
Keeping your young kiddos healthy and helping them avoid getting sick can be challenging, especially over the winter, when we spend more time indoors. Here are some proactive tips you can model and use with your children as we head into the busy holiday season and colder months.

1. Wash Hands Frequently is key to Keeping Kids Healthy

Hand washing is a regular part of your child’s day at Early Childhood Academy. We reinforce good hand washing habits at the academy by having children wash their hands before eating, after using the bathroom, and after playing outside.

At home, you can use songs or a timer to make handwashing time fun and make sure they wash their hands for at least 20 seconds. The choruses to “Let It Go,” “Baby Shark,” and “Happy Birthday” all last about 20 seconds.  

2. Fill Plates with Colorful Foods

A balanced diet full of colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins gives your child the vitamins and minerals their body needs to build a strong immune system and fight off bugs. If getting your kids to eat fruits and veggies is difficult, try including them in the preparation of their food, experiment with the size of the food you offer (ex: offer a whole green bean instead of cut up pieces), or offer fruits and veggies in a smoothie.

3. Prioritize Sleep

Good sleep contributes to a strong immune system. The CDC recommends infants get 12 to 16 hours of sleep every 24 hours (including naps), while toddlers should get 11 to 14 hours. Preschool-aged children should get 10 to 13 hours of sleep every 24 hours.

Getting enough sleep helps your child get sick less often, reduces stress, and improves their mood. A consistent bedtime routine can help your child fall asleep and stay asleep, ensuring they get the recommended hours of rest.

4. Visit the Pediatrician

Your pediatrician will recommend an appropriate vaccination schedule for your child, including flu shots and COVID shots. Staying up to date on vaccinations not only protects your child against severe illness, it also helps protect those around them.

5. Stay Home When You’re Sick

If your child or a family member is sick, consider keeping them home and avoiding contact with others. This helps prevent the spread of illness. At Early Childhood Academy, we ask families to notify the program within 24 hours, exclusive of weekends and holidays, when a child is diagnosed by a child’s source of medical or dental care as having a contagious disease.

6. Teach Safe Coughing and Sneezing Etiquette

At ECA, we teach your kiddos to cough and sneeze into their elbows. This helps prevent the spread of germs and keeps germs off of your kids’ hands when they do cough or sneeze. We also encourage kids to wash their hands after coughing and sneezing.

7. Keep Them Hydrated

Winter is cold and dry, which means you and your children need to drink more water to stay hydrated. Proper hydration flushes out toxins and supports immune health. Just be sure to avoid sugary drinks, which do the opposite!

8. Get Them Moving

Moving regularly can boost immune system health, too. Minnesotans know all too well that there’s no such thing as bad weather, just poor preparation. At the academy, we will continue to go outside daily until the temperatures drop below -0 Fahrenheit. Be sure to send your child to school with a coat, hat, snow pants, boots, and gloves. When it is bitter cold or snowing outside, you can increase indoor activity at home with an obstacle course, dance party, or visiting an indoor playground.

9. Use Antibiotics Wisely

Antibiotics are important drugs that can be literal lifesavers that protect against bacterial infections. However, they do nothing for viral infections. If you suspect your child requires antibiotics, speak with your pediatrician and follow their instructions carefully.

10. Disinfect Toys and Surfaces Regularly

Regularly sanitize and wipe down doorknobs, countertops, play structures, and other toys to stop the spread of germs, especially if your household is recovering from illness. At the academy, we follow a strict cleaning protocol that includes a 3-step Step Surface Cleaning Process.

Your child’s health is our priority, especially during the winter months when cold and flu are prevalent. To learn more about how we keep your kiddos healthy at school or to schedule a tour of one of our locations, please get in touch with us.
Early Childhood Academy
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It’s School Conference Time! Here’s What to Expect at Your Child’s Conference at ECA

10/23/2024

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School Conference
Fall is school conference time! At Early Childhood Academy, we hold school conferences with our families to share their children’s progress, identify areas of need, and create a plan to address them. Your school conference provides us with the opportunity to share what we’re seeing at the academy and work with you to establish priorities for your child’s care and development, as well as address any concerns or questions you may have.

At Early Childhood Academy, we use the HELP assessment plan to identify areas of strength and areas of need for your child. This evidence-based assessment provides us with a data-driven framework to assess your child’s progress on developmental skills. It is designed specifically for children from birth to six years old and covers seven major areas of skill development, from cognitive, language, and social-emotional skills to fine and gross motor skills. It also helps us assess your child’s self-help and regulatory/sensory organization skills.

During the school conference, we will also review how your child interacts with peers and responds to guidance, which is crucial for their social development.
The school conference is a great opportunity to celebrate your child’s growth and to set new goals together.
An important part of the HELP assessment is the family conference, where you have the opportunity to discuss your priorities, questions, and concerns with us to round out the overall picture we have of your child’s developmental progress. Here’s what you can expect at your next conference at ECA.
We will highlight specific achievements during the school conference and discuss the skills your child is developing.
At the school conference, we encourage you to express any concerns or insights about your child’s development at home.

Celebrate Milestone Achievements at the School Conference

During your conference at Early Childhood Academy, we’ll celebrate all of your child’s milestone achievements, both big and small. We may have noticed that your infant has mastered the pincer grasp or that your preschooler is able to dress themselves when it’s time to go outside to play.

We will cover all seven areas of skill development during your conference. You will have the opportunity to share what you have noticed at home and share any concerns or questions you have about your child’s progress. We will also share what skill developments you can expect over the next 6 to 12 months.

Identify Areas of Need

We believe that the school conference is essential for building a partnership that supports your child’s educational journey.

Our team will ensure you have all the information needed to make the most of your upcoming school conference. We value your involvement and look forward to your insights.
Once we celebrate your child’s successes, we will take a close look at their areas of need. We may have noticed that your child is still struggling with toilet learning or having a hard time sharing during free play.
At your school conference, we will thoroughly review any and all areas of need our HELP assessment has identified for your child. We will work with you to create a plan for supporting your child in mastering these skills, including outside resources if our professional team feels that is appropriate.

Share Your Insights

Your conference is also a time for us to learn more about your child from you. We will encourage you to share any successes and challenges you are having at home and any strategies you are using to help your child achieve their developmental milestones. Our goal is that you see us as a trusted partner on your parenting journey, one that works with you to help your child grow.

If you are a current family, the team at your academy will reach out to you with information about how to schedule your next conference. If you’re new to ECA and would like to learn more about our evidence-based approach to childcare or schedule a tour of one of our locations, please get in touch with us.

School Conference
We love our ECA families, which is why we’re committed to providing high-quality early childhood education to every child in our care. The entire ECA team looks forward to serving your family now and into the future. For more information on our centers, Contact Us Today or Call Us at Red Wing 651-388-8905. Please Stay Connected With Us Through Our Social Media Channels for the Latest Updates, Tips, and Special Offers on Facebook and Instagram.
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Happy Birthday, Early Childhood Academy–Red Wing!

6/21/2024

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Early Childhood Academy
Last month, we celebrated our Red Wing location’s first birthday! We are so grateful for the trust our Red Wing families have put in us last year. We look forward to supporting you and your kiddos for years to come!  

Our Birthday Bash

On May 17, we threw a party to celebrate our first year of operations. We invited our amazing families to join us for an evening of fun. We had a bounce house, temporary tattoos, a prize wheel, yard games, and lots of cupcakes, lemonade, and other treats. You can check out all the fun we had on our Facebook page. Thank you to everyone who joined us on the 17th!

Reflections on Our First Year

Our first year of operations in Red Wing was full of fun, family, and growth. Our team of 35 employees, including 5 who have earned or are working on their child development associate credential, served 247 children last year. Here’s what we got up to.

Fun at Early Childhood Academy – Red Wing

We kicked off the fun at ECA–Red Wing by participating in our first-ever Red Wing River City Days. We had a blast meeting the community and getting the word out about our academy. This year, we’re thrilled to support the event as a lifeboat sponsor.

The fun continued at our center when the firetrucks stopped by in October. Santa made a visit to the academy in December, and in February, our preschoolers started a pen pals program with our academies in Belle Plaine and New Prague. We held our first Easter event in March and got our school pictures taken in April. May was a month of celebrations, including pre-K graduation, teacher appreciation week, and our first birthday party.
This summer, we’re hosting our first Camp Academy for our School agers, with summer fun events that include special guests from a landscaping company, a garbage truck, and the Teddy Bear Band. Want to participate in the fun? Schedule your tour today!

Family at Early Childhood Academy – Red Wing

Family is at the heart of what we do at Early Childhood Academy. That’s why we try to involve you and your family at our event throughout the year. In the last year, we hosted grandparents for a special grandparents’ day in September and treated moms to muffins for Mother’s Day. Dads got donuts for Father’s Day in June. We look forward to having you visit your child at the academy this year!

Growth at Early Childhood Academy – Red Wing

We are so grateful for the families who made our first year successful. With your support, we were able to achieve many milestones that will help us serve you for years to come. We are very proud to have started the process of becoming Parent Aware certified in January and look forward to sharing the results of that process with you soon.

In addition to this major endeavor, we also installed new mulch on the playgrounds, trimmed the trees, and updated our HVAC system to keep your kiddos safe and comfortable at the academy. We spruced up our entryway to make it more welcoming for families, including a TV with pictures and announcements to keep you informed of everything that’s going on at ECA. We also created a lactation/mother’s room for staff and families to use while at the academy.

The entire team at Early Childhood Academy–Red Wing thanks you for your support and confidence in us. It is a privilege to care for your children. We look forward to another year of fun, family, and growth with you! For more information about ECA or to schedule your tour, please get in touch with us.

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Red Wing Early Childhood Academy
469 12th Street
Red Wing, MN 55066
Phone: 651-388-8905
Fax: 651-327-2227
Director: Stephanie Quam
Belle Plaine Early Childhood Academy
900 East South Street
Belle Plaine, MN 56011
Phone: 952-873-3331
Fax: 952-855-8515
Director: Savannah Kuhn
New Prague Early Childhood Academy
1501 1st Street NE
New Prague, MN 56071
Phone: 952-758-5437
Fax: 952-758-5438
Director: Alex Conway
Maple Grove Early Childhood Academy
DBA Tender Time Learning Center
11199 96th Ave N
Maple Grove, MN 55369 
Phone: 763-425-7777
Director: Nichole Cooper
North St. Paul Early Childhood Academy
DBA World Around Us Child Care
2290 11th Ave E
St. Paul, MN 55109
Phone: 651-773-1400
Director: Dawn Ratajczak ​
White Bear Lake Early Childhood Academy
DBA World Around Us Child Care
5065 Stewart Ave
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Phone: 651-773-1406
Director: Kristen Kostuch 
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