Frequently asked questions
How do I find out more information or enroll my child in these services?
Please email Cara Berger or call (651) 789-3604 for morning Small Steps enrollment.
What are the overall services offered by the PECE program?
Childcare for children ages 1-5 years old, while their parent is attending an Adult Education class in the Wellstone Center.
Our early childhood education services are designed to help young children gain the academic and social-emotional skills they need to be ready for school. Teachers partner with students’ caregivers to provide fun and educational activities that identify child and family needs, promote healthy development, and address developmental issues.
What are the hours of the program?
We are relaunching our Small Steps childcare program for the 2026–2027 school year. Childcare will be available 9:00–11:00 a.m., Monday–Friday, and 6:00–8 :00 p.m., Monday–Thursday, only at the Wellstone Center location
How can I volunteer to support this program?
You can find current volunteer opportunities at Neighborhood House by clicking here to be directed to our volunteer page.
Who is eligible to enroll in your programs?
We keep our eligibility requirements simple. Child care eligibility requirement: the child is ages 1–5 years old, and their parent is attending a class inside the Wellstone Center at the same time.
What are the costs for my family to participate in your services?
All of these services are tuition free.
Does your program serve meals during class?
Our program provides all children a snack during each class session. We encourage caregivers to feed their child a meal before class if they anticipate their child may be hungry during class.
Do you provide transportation for my child to and from early childhood education classes?
We do not provide transportation to and from early childhood education classes.
What does my child need to bring to class?
Your child does not need to bring anything to class. We provide all materials and snacks. Bringing a spare set of clothes in a backpack is recommended, but not a requirement.
My child has never attended a child care program before. What happens if they cry while I am dropping them off for class?
It is normal for children to be nervous or sad to be away from their parent or caregiver for their first few weeks of school. Most children become increasingly comfortable in class the longer they attend. Bringing your child to class regularly will help your child become familiar with their new routine of going to school.
English is not my family’s native language. Can my family participate in this program successfully?
Yes. We serve many dual-language families. The teachers will work to help your child increase their English language acquisition skills during their time in class. If bilingual staff who speak your home language are available, teachers can arrange for them to be present during meetings with students’ parents or caregivers. Teachers also have access to the Instant Language Assistant a live translation application.
My child has a disability and/or needs tailored assistance. Can the teachers make accommodations for my child in class?
Yes. The teachers are committed to inclusive programming and serving students who need additional support or assistance. Please share your child’s needs with the teachers during your enrollment meeting.
What will my child learn in class?
The skills children work on in class depend on the child’s age and development level. All children will be immersed in activities that build on literacy, math, language, motor, and cognitive skills, such as exploring the alphabet, nurturing emergent reading and writing skills, and learning number concepts and operations. Student growth in social-emotional skills will also be fostered, like identifying feelings, emotional regulation, developing friendships with peers, and sharing.
Are at home visits and online sessions an option?
No, at-home visits and online sessions are currently paused for the 2026–2027 school year.
How do I find out more information or enroll my child in these services?
Please call our Service Connect line at 651.789.3602. You will complete a brief intake and then will be connected to a teacher. The teacher will coordinate a time for you to tour the classroom, meet the teaching team, and fill out registration paperwork. After the paperwork is completed, your child can begin attending class and participating in online or in-home learning sessions.
