Registration for the 2026-2027 School Year is open! 2026-2027 Preschool Information Packet **Early Childhood Programming will not be held at Riverside Elementary School during the 2026-2027 School Year. Registration Step-by-Step Guide Brainerd Public Schools’ Preschool Programs: Preparing Your Child for a Bright Future! Brainerd Public Schools take pride in investing in our youngest learners and in preparing children and families for success in school. We have a variety of preschool options serving 2 ½- 5 year olds. Our preschool program prepares children to enter school by focusing learning around classroom routines and procedures, social and emotional development and academic development. A Four Star Parent Aware Rated Program! Our preschool programs have earned a four-star rating from Minnesota’s Parent Aware- the highest rating possible! The Parent Aware rating system helps parents find preschools and childcare programs focused on high quality early learning and kindergarten readiness. Our Staff: All of our classrooms are staffed by licensed Early Childhood teachers and include a qualified teaching assistant. Many on our classrooms also have a licensed Early Childhood Special Education teacher as part of the teaching team, making our staff to student ratio lower than the state recommended average. Our Curriculum: *Frog Street Pre-K is a research-based curriculum organized around 9 thematic units integrating literacy, math, science, social studies, social-emotional connections, STEAM, technology, assessment, and family engagement. *Pyramid Model innovations focuses on improving the social, emotional and behavioral outcomes of young children birth to 5. *Second Step helps young learners harness their energy and potential by teaching them self-regulation skills to help them listen, pay attention, manage their behavior and get along with others.*Handwriting Without Tears uses music, movement and manipulatives to help teach students correct grip, letter formation and placement.*Gross Motor play is built into our preschool schedule each day whether it be gym time, playground time or even yoga and dancing in the classroom. Students at our WELC location participate in a Motor Lab at least once a week designed by Physical & Occupations Therapists from the Paul Bunyan Co-op. Please note that the following classes are CURRENTLY ON A WAITLIST for the 2026-2027 School Year: -All classes at Nisswa Elementary -WELC (including VPK): *Mon/Wed Full Day classes *Tu/Thu Full Day classes *M-Th Morning classes Click here to schedule your child's early childhood screening.

ECFE offers many special events throughout the year for families with birth-5 yr olds.  These events take place across our community to provide fun and meaningful experiences for families. 

Learn something new, connect with others in the community, stimulate your creativity or improve your health. Youth Sports offers a variety of fee-based classes and activities designed for youth of every age.

Time Together Classes provide weekly time for parents/guardians and their children birth-5 years old. Parent Education time is included in all of our Time Together classes with a Parent Educator (parents separate during parent time once the child is two or older).

Little Warrior Childcare 2026-2027 Preschool Information Packet Step-by-Step Registration Guide Little Warrior Childcare information can be found on page 3 of the packet.Early Childhood Programming will not be held at Riverside Elementary in the 2026-2027 school year. Brainerd Public Schools Community Education is proud to offer Little Warriors Childcare, a collaboration between CHILD CARE and SCHOOL READINESS PRESCHOOL. Children will spend part of their day in Little Warriors Childcare and the other part in a School Readiness classroom. Little Warrior Child Care provides: *Convenience for families*Childcare is available for 3 years old to Pre-Kindergarten who are potty-trained*Flexible drop off and pick up times*Aligned curriculum so children receive enhanced learning around social, emotional, and academic development during the daily schedule.*Well-trained childcare staff that bring skills and knowledge that enhance each program.*Once a child has completed their final year of preschool, they would then be eligible to attend Fun & Friends School Age Care the summer before Kindergarten through 8th grade.Little Warrior Childcare services families and children at Nisswa Elementary School, Riverside Elementary (new site for 2026-2027 school year) and the Warrior Early Learning Center. The Little Warrior Childcare Handbook contains our childcare's policies and procedures. Hours of Operation: 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM ●Half Day Childcare for students attending 1/2 day preschool: Child care on scheduled class days between 7:00 AM–5:30 PM when your child is enrolled in a half day M–Th, M/W or T/Th School Readiness class. Part of the day the child would be in their school readiness classroom and the other part would be in childcare. District Food Service available. Cost: $30/day (4 day/week min. for M-Th, 2 day/week min. for M/W or T/Th)● M–Th Full Day Childcare for students attending Full Day preschool: Before/after childcare for your child on scheduled class days between 7:00 AM–8:00 AM and 2:45 PM–5:30 PM when enrolled in a Full Day M/W or T/Th School Readiness class. Cost: $20/day (2 day/week min.)● Non School Day: Provides child care for your child between 7:00 AM–5:30 PM on days their School Readiness class is not in session (with Monday–Friday options). Excludes major holidays. District Food Service available. Cost: $45/day County Child Care Assistance and Pathway I scholarships accepted. Child must be independently toilet trained by first day of attendance. Summer child care for summer 2026 yet to be determined. A two week notice is required for cancellation once child care service has begun. Priority given to 4 & 5 year olds without district busing options. Please note that the following are on a waitlist for the 2026-2027 school year: -Nisswa Little Warrior Childcare -WELC Little Warrior Childcare

Warrior Early Learning Center

Registration for the 2026-2027 School Year is open! 2026-2027 Preschool Information Packet **Early Childhood Programming will not be held at Riverside Elementary School during the 2026-2027 School Year. Registration Step-by-Step Guide Brainerd Public Schools’ Preschool Programs: Preparing Your Child for a Bright Future! Brainerd Public Schools take pride in investing in our youngest learners and in preparing children and families for success in school. We have a variety of preschool options serving 2 ½- 5 year olds. Our preschool program prepares children to enter school by focusing learning around classroom routines and procedures, social and emotional development and academic development. A Four Star Parent Aware Rated Program! Our preschool programs have earned a four-star rating from Minnesota’s Parent Aware- the highest rating possible! The Parent Aware rating system helps parents find preschools and childcare programs focused on high quality early learning and kindergarten readiness. Our Staff: All of our classrooms are staffed by licensed Early Childhood teachers and include a qualified teaching assistant. Many on our classrooms also have a licensed Early Childhood Special Education teacher as part of the teaching team, making our staff to student ratio lower than the state recommended average. Our Curriculum: *Frog Street Pre-K is a research-based curriculum organized around 9 thematic units integrating literacy, math, science, social studies, social-emotional connections, STEAM, technology, assessment, and family engagement. *Pyramid Model innovations focuses on improving the social, emotional and behavioral outcomes of young children birth to 5. *Second Step helps young learners harness their energy and potential by teaching them self-regulation skills to help them listen, pay attention, manage their behavior and get along with others.*Handwriting Without Tears uses music, movement and manipulatives to help teach students correct grip, letter formation and placement.*Gross Motor play is built into our preschool schedule each day whether it be gym time, playground time or even yoga and dancing in the classroom. Students at our WELC location participate in a Motor Lab at least once a week designed by Physical & Occupations Therapists from the Paul Bunyan Co-op. Please note that the following classes are CURRENTLY ON A WAITLIST for the 2026-2027 School Year: -All classes at Nisswa Elementary -WELC (including VPK): *Mon/Wed Full Day classes *Tu/Thu Full Day classes *M-Th Morning classes Click here to schedule your child's early childhood screening.

Registration for the 2026-2027 School Year is open! 2026-2027 Preschool Information Packet **Early Childhood Programming will not be held at Riverside Elementary School during the 2026-2027 School Year. Registration Step-by-Step Guide Brainerd Public Schools’ Preschool Programs: Preparing Your Child for a Bright Future! Brainerd Public Schools take pride in investing in our youngest learners and in preparing children and families for success in school. We have a variety of preschool options serving 2 ½- 5 year olds. Our preschool program prepares children to enter school by focusing learning around classroom routines and procedures, social and emotional development and academic development. A Four Star Parent Aware Rated Program! Our preschool programs have earned a four-star rating from Minnesota’s Parent Aware- the highest rating possible! The Parent Aware rating system helps parents find preschools and childcare programs focused on high quality early learning and kindergarten readiness. Our Staff: All of our classrooms are staffed by licensed Early Childhood teachers and include a qualified teaching assistant. Many on our classrooms also have a licensed Early Childhood Special Education teacher as part of the teaching team, making our staff to student ratio lower than the state recommended average. Our Curriculum: *Frog Street Pre-K is a research-based curriculum organized around 9 thematic units integrating literacy, math, science, social studies, social-emotional connections, STEAM, technology, assessment, and family engagement. *Pyramid Model innovations focuses on improving the social, emotional and behavioral outcomes of young children birth to 5. *Second Step helps young learners harness their energy and potential by teaching them self-regulation skills to help them listen, pay attention, manage their behavior and get along with others.*Handwriting Without Tears uses music, movement and manipulatives to help teach students correct grip, letter formation and placement.*Gross Motor play is built into our preschool schedule each day whether it be gym time, playground time or even yoga and dancing in the classroom. Students at our WELC location participate in a Motor Lab at least once a week designed by Physical & Occupations Therapists from the Paul Bunyan Co-op. Please note that the following classes are CURRENTLY ON A WAITLIST for the 2026-2027 School Year: -All classes at Nisswa Elementary -WELC (including VPK): *Mon/Wed Full Day classes *Tu/Thu Full Day classes *M-Th Morning classes Click here to schedule your child's early childhood screening.