Albert Lea Community Education

Explore a world of learning and self-improvement by registering for our diverse range of adult enrichment classes. Whether you're looking to enhance your driving skills, embark on exciting daytime adventures, navigate the complexities of finance and retirement, master the art of cooking, prioritize your health and wellness, indulge in creative hobbies and crafts, or pursue online certificates for professional development – our comprehensive selection has something for everyone.

Are you looking for a preschool experience for your child for 2024-2025? Please complete the application form links below that pertains to the opportunity you are interested in. We will then send you a paper version of our preschool application to fill out and return. You can also stop by Brookside Education Center at 211 W. Richway Drive and visit our Early Learning Department in room 203B. We are here from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday. Contact Amber Mattson with questions at 507-379-4838. Early Learning Application Request (Preschool, VPK, Outdoor Adventures) Summer Preschool Opportunity at a Glance

WHAT IS ECFE? Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) is an Albert Lea Area Schools program that provides parenting information and support for parents with children ages Birth to Grade 3. Parent-child activities and classes are also available for families with children ages Birth to 5 years old (not yet enrolled in kindergarten). A variety of classes, preschool options, and outreach activities are offered for all age groups. What does a typical ECFE class include? Parent-Child Activity Time Families explore a classroom filled with developmentally appropriate play materials and learning activities planned by a licensed early childhood teacher. Parent Education Time Parents meet with a licensed parent educator to share support, experiences, and information about child development and parenting techniques. Children’s Activity Time Children learn with the early childhood teacher and practice social skills as they interact with one another. View ECFE Parent Handbook here.

What is it? Early Childhood Screening is a quick and simple check of how your child is learning and growing. It identifies possible health or learning concerns so children can get help before starting school. What to expect at a screening appointment: Vision and hearing Height and weight Immunization review Motor development Thinking, language, and communication skills Social and emotional development Is there a charge? IT'S FREE - All children must participate in order to start kindergarten in a Minnesota public school. When should I schedule an appointment? Screening at 3 is preferred, but a child may be screened between the ages of 3 and the start of kindergarten, as required by Minnesota state law. Earlier is better! The purpose of Early Childhood Screening is to identify children who may need additional time and experiences to be ready for school.

What is it? Early Childhood Screening is a quick and simple check of how your child is learning and growing. It identifies possible health or learning concerns so children can get help before starting school. What to expect at a screening appointment: Vision and hearing Height and weight Immunization review Motor development Thinking, language, and communication skills Social and emotional development Is there a charge? IT'S FREE - All children must participate in order to start kindergarten in a Minnesota public school. When should I schedule an appointment? Screening at 3 is preferred, but a child may be screened between the ages of 3 and the start of kindergarten, as required by Minnesota state law. Earlier is better! The purpose of Early Childhood Screening is to identify children who may need additional time and experiences to be ready for school.

What is ‘Experiential Education’? Experiential Education is a teaching philosophy which engages learners with direct experiences. It focuses on moral values, increasing knowledge and awareness, developing life skills, and understanding their contribute.

Tiger Cub Child Care Center is excited to serve the Albert Lea Area Schools' staff, family and the surrounding community. We provide an environment that encourages adventure, creativity, health self-concepts, respect for others, responsible behavior and positive attitudes. We look forward to providing quality child care in the Albert Lea area for years to come. Please note: Our licensed child care center is for children six weeks - preschool age. Tiger Cub Child Care will strengthen families and support the ability of all parents to provide the best possible environment for the health, growth and development of their children. We will provide a comprehensive curriculum based on best practices and research on early brain development and learning. At Tiger Cub Child Care we offer a wide variety of activities to promote children's brain development, including curriculum provided by Creative Curriculum Gold. Our infant & toddler child care programs are licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (651-431-6500). We are currently licensed to serve up to 44 children at a time in the infant and toddler/preschool classrooms, 16 infants and 28 toddlers/preschool age. The maximum child to staff ratio is 7:1 for toddlers/preschool and 4:1 for infants. Infant Program (6 weeks – 15 months) Contracted Rate: $6.87/Hour 40 hour/week minimum Hours per day Amount per Day Based on Full Contract Daily Drop-In Cost Option A- 8 hours $54.96 $66.32 Option B- 8.5 hours $58.40 $70.46 Option C- 9 hours $61.83 $74.61 Option D- 9.5 hours $65.26 $78.75 Option E- 10 hours $68.70 $82.90 Option F- 10.5 hours $72.13 $87.04 Contracted Rate: $6.37/Hour Toddler Program #1 (16 mo.–preschool age) 40 hour/week minimum Hours per day Amount per Day Based on Full Contract Daily Drop-In Cost Option A- 8 hours $50.96 $61.44 Option B- 8.5 hours $54.14 $65.28 Option C- 9 hours $57.33 $69.12 Option D- 9.5 hours $60.51 $72.96 Option E- 10 hours $63.70 $76.80 Option F- 10.5 hours $66.88 $80.64 Please review the following documents prior to registration. 2024-2025 Tiger Cub Child Care Center Calendar

A variety of opportunities for youth to learn, grow and build friendships.