We cater to children from infancy through preschool age, typically ranging from 6 weeks to 5 years old. Our Red Wing and New Prague location can also accommodate school-age children up to 12 years old. A great option for before/after school and SUMMER care!
Our Academy’s operate from Monday to Friday, with hours ranging from 6:30am-5:30pm at New Prague and Belle Plaine, and 6:00am-5:30pm at Red Wing. We are only closed 12 days of the year for major Holidays and training. ECA has the right to close in the event of inclement weather if we feel that the safety of staff and families are at risk to due weather conditions or road conditions. ECA does not follow the local school district closures. ECA will close if the Governor of the State of Minnesota orders that there is to be no travel or business operations are not to be open. We ask parents to use their best judgment when choosing to transport their child.
We follow a comprehensive curriculum designed to foster early childhood development, incorporating elements of play-based learning, social-emotional development, literacy, and STEM activities. This curriculum is Parent Aware endorsed and approved!
The safety and well-being of your child are our top priorities. Our Academy’s adhere to strict safety protocols, including secure entry and surveillance systems, regular health and safety checks, and CPR/first aid trained staff. We practice tornado and fire drills monthly, as well as specific site Risk Reduction Plans and Child Care Emergency Plans that all staff are trained on and reviewed annually.
We take allergies and dietary restrictions seriously. Our staff works closely with families to accommodate any special dietary needs and ensure a safe environment for all children. We are a peanut-free Academy too.
We believe in positive reinforcement and teaching appropriate behaviors through guidance and support. Our staff members are trained in positive behavior management techniques and work collaboratively with families to address any concerns.
Yes, we understand that families may have varying needs. We offer part-time enrollment options to accommodate different schedules.
We maintain open communication with parents through our parent communication app, Child Pilot. Here, parents receive regular updates, ability to send messages, and view all the fun activities happening during the day! We also hold parent-teacher conferences twice a year, and have online platforms, including website, Facebook, and Instagram to show the world all the ‘growing and glowing’ happening!
At our Early Childhood Academy, we pride ourselves on our nurturing environment, dedicated staff, and commitment to providing high-quality early childhood education. We strive to create a home away from home where children can thrive and families can feel confident in their choice of childcare.
We hope these FAQs have provided valuable insights into our childcare centers. If you have any further questions or would like to schedule a tour, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you and your child to our Early Childhood Academy!