Centaur Preschool offers a full-day, DHS-certified program designed to provide children 33 months and older with a strong foundation for school success. Through an engaging, play-based curriculum, children explore the world around them with curiosity, creativity, and confidence. Our program blends preschool learning, child care support, and social-emotional development to meet the needs of both children and families. Centaur Preschool operates as a combined classroom, where 3 to 4-year-old students learn and grow together in a supportive, inclusive setting. This model allows for peer learning, leadership opportunities for older students, and individualized support for each child based on their developmental stage. Please note: Half-day child care is only available for children enrolled in Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK/Pre-K). Centaur Preschool is open from 7:30am - 2:30pm on all school days. After school childcare is available through our Centaur Plus program. Please register using this link https://bccs286.arux.app/ Age Requirements: School-Year Program: Children must be 33 months old by September 1st to enroll. Children who are 4 years old by September 1st must be enrolled in our Pre-K program. If you have questions about age eligibility or placement, please email us at childcareprograms@bccs286.org. Students enrolled in Centaur Preschool are not eligible for district transportation.

The Early Childhood Centaur Plus program provides before, after school, non-school day and summer child care for students ages 3-5 attending Preschool & Pre-K.

In Pre-K, our 4 year old students spend time working on Social and Emotional Learning while working on Pre-K skills, including name writing, letter identification, letter sounds, picture naming, rhyming, alliteration, Concepts About Print (CAP) skills, and so much more. Active learning time gives students the opportunity to practice being a good friend and sharing in a safe and teacher-guided environment. Program options include: Morning Session: Monday - Friday from 7:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Afternoon Session: Monday - Friday from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. *Please note - Registration is not complete until Brooklyn Center Droplet registration is completed online - https://app.droplet.io/form/NwPRYK Please call our Early Learning Office at 763-561-4480 opt. 5 with any questions. Required Documentation to be uploaded in Droplet: Copy of Birth Certificate (Passport and Baptismal Certificate also accepted) Proof of Residency Most current immunization records Please note that child care will only be provided for students attending AM Pre-K. If you are interested in child care, please register your child for AM Pre-K, and register for Pre-K Child Care using this link

3’s Preschool - AM (3 years old 9/1) Who it’s for: 3-year-olds who attend preschool only in the morning Schedule: 7:30 AM–10:15 AM Focus: Structured preschool learning in a short, morning session Child Care Option: After school child care from 10:15-2:30 is offered to AM students only. Please see the After Preschool Child Care site to enroll. Extended day child care is also offered from 2:30-5:00pm through Centaur Plus, if interested, please see the Centaur Plus site to enroll. 3’s Preschool - PM (3 years old by 9/1) Who it’s for: 3-year-olds who attend preschool in the afternoon Schedule: 11:30 AM–2:15 PM Focus: Same preschool curriculum as the AM option, just later in the day Child Care: Child Care is offered through Centaur Plus from 2:30-5:00pm. Please see the Centaur Plus site to enroll.

Brooklyn Center Elementary

Our After Pre-K Child Care Program provides a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for young learners and is designed for children ages 4 - 5 attending AM Pre-K at Brooklyn Center Elementary School. Our program offers structured activities that promote creativity, social development, and early learning, all while ensuring a smooth transition between home and school. In the afternoon session, after a busy school day, children unwind with play-based activities, arts and crafts, music, movement, and outdoor exploration. Our dedicated and experienced staff ensures that every child feels safe, supported, and engaged in an enriching environment that fosters independence, creativity, and a love for learning. Whether before or after school, our program offers a comforting extension of your child’s school day, giving parents peace of mind and children a place to thrive. Your Pre-K contract must be approved prior to your child care contract. Registrations received after 12:00pm on Thursday, August 28th, will be processed the first week of school. You will receive an email once your application is approved. No child care will be provided for PM Pre-K.

Our After Pre-K Child Care Program provides a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for young learners and is designed for children ages 4 - 5 attending AM Pre-K at Brooklyn Center Elementary School. Our program offers structured activities that promote creativity, social development, and early learning, all while ensuring a smooth transition between home and school. In the afternoon session, after a busy school day, children unwind with play-based activities, arts and crafts, music, movement, and outdoor exploration. Our dedicated and experienced staff ensures that every child feels safe, supported, and engaged in an enriching environment that fosters independence, creativity, and a love for learning. Whether before or after school, our program offers a comforting extension of your child’s school day, giving parents peace of mind and children a place to thrive. Your Pre-K contract must be approved prior to your child care contract. Registrations received after 12:00pm on Thursday, August 28th, will be processed the first week of school. You will receive an email once your application is approved. No child care will be provided for PM Pre-K.

Our Before & After Pre-K Child Care Program provides a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for young learners and is designed for children ages 4-5, attending Pre-K at Brooklyn Center Elementary School. Our program offers structured activities that promote creativity, social development, and early learning, all while ensuring a smooth transition between home and school. In the morning session, children enjoy a warm and welcoming start to their day with quiet activities, storytime, and hands-on learning that prepares them for a successful school day. Our caring staff fosters a calm and supportive atmosphere to help children ease into their morning routine before starting their day at Pre-K. In the afternoon session, after a busy school day, children unwind with play-based activities, arts and crafts, music, movement, and outdoor exploration. Our dedicated and experienced staff ensures that every child feels safe, supported, and engaged in an enriching environment that fosters independence, creativity, and a love for learning. Whether before or after school, our program offers a comforting extension of your child’s school day, giving parents peace of mind and children a place to thrive. Si necesita ayuda para inscribir a su hijo, por favor envíe un correo electrónico a childcareprograms@bccs286.org para recibir apoyo. Transportation Information: Brooklyn Center Community Schools will provide transportation to and from Brooklyn Center Elementary (BCE) for students enrolled in both AM or PM Child Care and Pre-K who live within the district boundaries. To check for eligibility please Click here. Please note: Students enrolled in Centaur Preschool are not eligible for district transportation. Students who live outside of the district are also not eligible for transportation, regardless of program enrollment. Registrations received after 12:00pm on Thursday, August 28th, will be processed the first week of school. You will receive an email once your application is approved.

In Pre-K, our 4 year old students spend time working on Social and Emotional Learning while working on Pre-K skills, including name writing, letter identification, letter sounds, picture naming, rhyming, alliteration, Concepts About Print (CAP) skills, and so much more. Active learning time gives students the opportunity to practice being a good friend and sharing in a safe and teacher-guided environment. Program options include: Morning Session: Monday - Friday from 7:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Afternoon Session: Monday - Friday from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. *Please note - Registration is not complete until Brooklyn Center Droplet registration is completed online - https://app.droplet.io/form/NwPRYK Please call our Early Learning Office at 763-561-4480 opt. 5 with any questions. Required Documentation to be uploaded in Droplet: Copy of Birth Certificate (Passport and Baptismal Certificate also accepted) Proof of Residency Most current immunization records Please note that child care will only be provided for students attending AM Pre-K. If you are interested in child care, please register your child for AM Pre-K, and register for Pre-K Child Care using this link