Northfield Community Education Programs: Lifelong Learning for Everyone
Northfield Community Education offers a wide array of programs designed to cultivate skills, foster creativity, and encourage healthy lifestyles for individuals of all ages, from infants to adults. By providing access to diverse learning opportunities and resources, Community Education strengthens the bonds within the Northfield community and supports the growth and development of its members.
A Hub for Learning and Community Engagement
The Northfield Community Education Center (NCEC), located in the former Greenvale Park Elementary building at 700 Lincoln Parkway, serves as a central hub for many of these programs. Opened in September 2020, the NCEC houses Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE), Hand in Hand Preschool, a licensed childcare center for children from birth to age 5 (Early Ventures), Adult Basic Education (ABE), and the main offices of Community Education.
The NCEC also boasts a new community playground outdoors, a result of collaboration between KABOOM, StriveTogether, HCI, and Northfield Promise. Inside, a playful learning space designed by the Minnesota Children’s Museum offers interactive, child-led experiences for families enrolled in NCEC programs.
Programs for Early Learners
Northfield Community Education recognizes that every child is unique and develops at their own pace. Programs for early learners are designed to support this natural progression.
- Learning Center: The Learning Center caters to infants and preschoolers and is licensed by the Department of Human Services. Openings are available for the Year Before K for the 2025-2026 school year.
- Public Preschool: Public preschool is available for children ages 3-5.
- Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE): Located within the NCEC.
- Hand in Hand Preschool: Also located within the NCEC.
- Early Ventures: A licensed childcare center within the NCEC for children from birth to age 5. Families enrolled in NCEC programs will learn through play in interactive, child-led, whole body experiences.
- Kid Ventures: School-age care program operated through Community Education with Northfield Public Schools. The mission of Kid Ventures is to provide care for school-age children in a safe, enriching environment that supports the individual needs of children and families while building positive relationships. Throughout Kid Ventures, children will participate in a variety of hands-on activities that build social, emotional, physical, and academic development. Kid Ventures is offered at all elementary schools from 6:30 am- school start and until 6:00 pm after school ends, Monday through Friday. Kid Ventures is also open at one location in the summer and on most non-school days.
Kid Ventures Program Details
Kid Ventures offers before and after-school care, as well as programming on non-school days and during the summer.
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2025-2026 School Year
Registration for the 2025-2026 school year opens online on April 4th at 8 am. A $35/child registration fee applies if registering before April 30th, 2025. The registration fee increases to $45/child if registering after April 30th, 2025. Children must be registered for a minimum of 2 days per week, unless only registering for Wednesday mornings before school. Registrations are approved on a first come, first served basis and will remain open until August 1st OR when staffing capacity is reached, whichever comes first. Registrations received after August 1st or after capacity is reached will be placed on the wait list.
Rates:
- Before School: $8.75/Day (*Drop-In: $10.75/Day)
- After School: $13.50/Day (*Drop-In: $16.00/Day)
- 1 Hour ONLY Late Start Wednesday: $3.00/Day
- Non-School Day: $49.00/Day
*Drop-Ins are ONLY for children with an established KV contract (Ex. child attends T/Th afternoons and needs to add a random Wed). Drop-Ins will be approved as space and staffing allow. There is NOT a drop-in only contract.
Summer 2025
Registration for Summer 2025 opened online on March 6th. The summer program will be located at Bridgewater and will run M-F from Wednesday, June 11th-Friday, August 22nd. KV will be closed Thursday, June 19th, and Friday, July 4th. Hours are 6:30 am-6:00 pm. There is a $30/child registration fee if registering before Friday, March 21st. The registration fee increases to $40/child if registering after March 21st, 2025.
Rates:
- Consistent Schedule (minimum of 2 days/wk): $49/Day
- Variable (minimum of 20 days for the summer): $59/Day
- Before & After Full Day PLUS: $25/Day
Summer Themes and Field Trips:
- June 11-13: Hello Summer! - The Fun Lab
- June 16-20: Abracadaba - The Science Crew (on site)
- June 23-27: Down on the Farm - Faribault Aquatic Center
- June 30-July 3: Stars and Stripes - CLOSED
- July 7-11: Hurray for the Holidays - Apple Valley Aquatic Center
- July 14-18: Animal Adventure - Como Zoo
- July 21-25: Super Sleuths - Science Museum
- July 28-Aug 1: Wild West - River Springs Water Park
- Aug 4-Aug 8: Heroes - Nickelodeon Universe
- Aug 11-15: Party Express - Shoreview Commons Park
- Aug 18-22: The Magic of Disney - Crayola Factory
Current Status: Kid Ventures is currently WAITLIST only for the 2024-2025 school year at Bridgewater, Greenvale Park, or Spring Creek due to staffing capacity. By submitting a registration, individuals are registering for the waitlist.
By submitting a registration for Kid Ventures, you are creating a pending contract. Contracts must be approved in order to be considered officially registered.
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Enrichment Classes and Activities for All Ages
Beyond early childhood programs, Northfield Community Education offers a diverse range of enrichment classes and activities for all ages. These programs cover a wide spectrum of interests, including:
- Enrichment Classes: Languages, technology, health, art, and more.
- Fitness and Recreation: Community Education leagues, fitness classes, and open gym opportunities.
Community Engagement and Support
Northfield Public Schools’ Community Education Department actively promotes community engagement and collaboration.
- Citizen Involvement: Encouraging residents to participate in shaping community programs.
- Access to Resources: Providing access to school and community resources for learning and development.
- Collaboration and Partnerships: Fostering partnerships between schools, organizations, and community members.
Community Education aims to bring the community together through these initiatives.
Supporting Access and Opportunity
Northfield Community Education is committed to making learning accessible to all.
- Sponsor a Kid: Donations to the scholarship fund help make learning and fun possible for all kids.
Important Information for Participants
- Photography: Northfield Public Schools Community Education often takes photographs of classes or programs for promotional materials. Individuals who do not want their or their child's picture used should call 507.664.3649 to 'opt out.'
- Accident Insurance: Northfield Public Schools Community Education does not provide accident insurance for participants in any of its programs or activities.
- Weather-Related Class Changes: A link is provided to view current class changes due to weather.
Advertising Opportunities
Businesses and organizations can reach over 13,000 local households by advertising in the Community Education brochure.
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