Connections Preschool

Two preschool children working with shapes

2020-2021 (Current School Year)
On January 21, students currently enrolled in the Connections Preschool Base model (formerly Hybrid), returned to in-person learning. Students enrolled in Connections Preschool Digital Academy are continuing in the digital model through the end of the school year. Click here for more information.

We are no longer accepting applications for the 2020-2021 school year.

2021-2022 School Year (beginning September 2021)
Planning is underway for the 2021-2022 school year. To receive an email when more information is available, please click here.

Questions? Email us at connectionspreschool@district196.org

Connections Preschool is for 3- and 4-year old children living in District 196. We provide a safe, fun and engaging opportunity for your family.

Young children are eager to learn and play. Connections Preschool gives children an opportunity to interact with other children in fun, engaging activities while learning important skills. The curriculum supports young children in developing skills in the following areas: creativity and the arts, language and literacy, mathematical and scientific thinking, physical and motor, and social and emotional. Children in Connections Preschool assume increasing personal responsibility and independence as they grow and develop.

Pay Preschool Invoice

ECFS Advisory Council

ECFS Advisory Council

Parent Advisory Council Members Needed

The ECFS (Early Childhood Family Services) Parent Advisory Council supports Early Childhood programming within District 196. This programming includes Early Childhood Family Education, Connections Preschool and Family School. The Parent Advisory Council is a highly valued resource for District 196 ECFS and assists in the development, planning and monitoring of Early Childhood Family Education programs within the District. Parents involved in any District 196 Early Childhood programs are welcome to join.

Meetings are held from 7:15-8:15pm via Zoom on the third Tuesday of every month during the school year. New members are always welcome. This is a wonderful opportunity to enhance the programs and make connections with other parents. For more information, please click here and a staff member will be in touch with you. We look forward to meeting you!

Program Beliefs

Early childhood is a remarkable time of psychological, physical, social and academic development.
Learning is a social process where children grow through play, exploration and inquiry.
Families are a child's first and most influential teachers.
Each child has unique strengths.
Children thrive in a safe environment where their needs are met through mutual respect, nurturing and consistency.
Strong family, school and community partnerships help ensure a child's success in school.

Meet Our Teachers

Parenting Resources

District 196 Information

Early Childhood Screening - 14301 Diamond Path, Apple Valley, MN 55124. Call 651-423-7899.

Early Childhood Special Education - For information on evaluations and early intervention. Call 952-388-1900.

Kindergarten and Magnet Schools - General information for incoming kindergarten families. Or go directly to kindergarten enrollment to start the pre-enrollment process.

New Baby - Do you have a new baby? Are you new to town? If so, please contact Student Information Services at 651-423-7640 with your family’s updated information so you receive important program information and updates.

School Attendance Locator

Activity Ideas

Favorite Links

Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University
Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning at Vanderbilt University
Common Sense Media
Conscious Discipline
The Ellyn Satter Institute - Models for Feeding Dynamics and Eating Competence
Healthy Children (American Academy of Pediatrics)
Help Me Grow Minnesota
Kids in the House
Mary Sheedy Kurcinka, Ed.D.
Mom Enough
Pacer Center - Champions for Children with Disabilities
ParentAware - Tools and information to find quality childcare and early education
Parenting Counts
PBS Parent Resources
Positive Discipline
Simplicity Parenting
Zero to Three

Parent Aware 4-Star Rating

Connections Preschool is a 4-Star Parent Aware Rated Preschool based on demonstrated use of practices that best prepare children for kindergarten.
Parent Aware is the State of Minnesota's Early Childhood Quality Program Indicator. Star ratings help families identify programs using the practices that best prepare a child for kindergarten.
Learn more at www.parentaware.org

parent aware with tagline a rating tool for selecting high quality child care and early education

Contact Connections Preschool

Administrative Office:
Dakota Valley Learning Center (DVLC)
office 952-388-1960
email connectionspreschool@district196.org
address 4679 144th St. W., Apple Valley, MN 55124

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