Early Childhood Programs

All students ages 3-5 are required by the state of Minnesota to have an early childhood screening. Screening is also required for participation in preschool and when entering kindergarten. We recommend that children be screened at age 3.

About the Screening

• It takes less than an hour.
• This developmental checkup is provided free of charge by our staff of trained professionals.
• Screenings are age-based, so it is not necessary to wait until your child is 5 to make an appointment.
• Your child will be checked in four areas: social-emotional, motor skills, concepts and communication skills. This is not an IQ test.
• Most children enjoy the activities and attention they receive during the screening.
• For the most accurate results, it is best if you are not in the same room as your child. You can be close by and can accompany your child if necessary. Please prepare your child for this before the screening appointment.
• Following screening, a teacher will talk with you about your child’s results.

• If possible, please complete the early childhood screening registration form prior to your arrival. (English) (Spanish)

• Note that we are not able to provide childcare for siblings. Please do not bring siblings to the screening appointment.

Early Childhood Screening Helps You

• Find out how your child is developing.
• Connect with early childhood programs and services.
• Answer your parenting questions.

Three Ways to Schedule Your Child's Screening

• Schedule an appointment online
• Call 612-243-3048
• Email ecscreening@rpsmn.org

Our ECFE program offers free home visiting by appointment for Richfield families with children from birth to 36 months (age 3). A licensed parent educator can support you with your child’s development and connect you to community resources as needed.

Make an appointment by calling 612-243-3007 or email us at earlylearning@rpsmn.org. You can also use the form below to request a home visit and receive a free parent reource bag.

Registration opens on April 1, 2024 for the 2024-25 school year, and will remain open until each class is filled or canceled. 

Geared towards parents with children ages birth to 5-year-old, our Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) parent education program offers classes and events to help you learn about stages of child development, connect with other parents and have fun!

A typical ECFE class includes parent discussion by a licensed parent educator, while children learn together in an early childhood classroom. Parents and children later join each other for fun learning activities. In some classes, parents and children spend the entire time interacting and learning together. Classes meet all school year. Sign up for the full year or one semester at a time. Sibling care is available for ECFE classes on a limited basis and registration is required.

Browse ECFE Classes Online 

Classes are held at the Central Education Center and at other locations in Richfield. Payment is based on a sliding fee scale. No families will be turned away due to inability to pay. Use your family’s annual income and ECFE’s sliding fee scale to determine class fee.

Registration Options

1. Register online through Eleyo.
2. Download and complete the registration form and then send it in. Make checks payable to ISD #280 Or include your credit card information. You can get it to us in one of four ways:

• Email it to: communityeducation@rpsmn.org
• Fax it to: 612-243-3067
• Drop it off at the Central Education Center (7145 Harriet Avenue South). Our office hours are Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.
• Mail it to:

Richfield Community Education
7145 Harriet Avenue South
Richfield, MN 55423

Important Details for Registering

• You must register and pay any fees in advance for all classes and activities.
• No walk-ins or payments at the class or event, unless otherwise noted.
• Registration begins when you receive your catalog and remains open until each class is filled or cancelled.
• Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage you to register early.
• Your email address is used for your registration confirmation and receipt, and for a reminder when your class is coming up. Please include your email and keep it updated in your account.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Customer initiated cancellations received within five or more business days prior to the start of the class will qualify for a refund minus a non-refundable $10 processing fee. Cancellations made fewer than five business days prior to the start date of activity/class will not be eligible for a refund.

Community Education reserves the right to cancel any activity/class that does not meet minimum enrollment. You will be contacted and complete refunds will be given when this occurs.

Additional Registration Notes

• Confirmations: When you register with a valid email address, you will receive an immediate receipt/confirmation. No news is good news, so if you do not hear from us assume you are in the class.
• Accommodations: If you need a sign language interpreter, note taker or other accommodations to participate in Community Education classes, we are here to help! Please provide at least ten days notice if possible.
  • For adult classes, call the Learning Exchange at 952-681-6121.
  • For youth and other classes, call 612-243-3000.
• Age restrictions: Note the age or grade level specified for each class. Adult classes are open to individuals age 16 or older unless otherwise indicated.
• UCare MN: Members of UCare-eligible plans can receive $15 off their Community Education class. The UCare ID number must be provided when registering. Most plans allow three or more yearly discounts.
• Inclement Weather: Decisions for cancellations due to weather generally follow Richfield Public Schools guidelines and will be posted on local news sources, Facebook and Twitter. We will also do our best to contact participants if we have current contact information.
• ECFE Classes: Early Childhood Family Education parent and child registration is based on your child's age as of September 1.
• ECFE Sibling Care: Sibling care is available for ECFE classes on a limited basis. Registration is required.
• After School Youth Classes: Send a note to your child’s teacher with your after school class dates. Children check-in after school at the advertised classroom. Parents must pick up their child immediately after the class ends at the advertised location.

• We provide a high-quality experience that will introduce your child to school while igniting a love of learning.
• All sessions are held at the Central Education Center.
• Children must be 3-years-old by September 1 of the school year.
• If you do not qualify for a Pathways Scholarship (which is part of the Preschool 3s application packet), you can enroll in preschool for a fee based on a sliding fee scale. The maximum possible monthly rate for a child/family that has a family income above the maximum would be $160 per month (for 2 days per week) or $230 per month (for 3 days per week).

• Our focus is to provide your child with a high-quality and engaging learning experience to prepare them for kindergarten.
• Children must be 4 years old by September 1 of the school year. 
• The prekindergarten program for 4-year-olds is available at each of the District’s four elementary schools and the Central Education Center and follows the school calendar.
• Prekindergarten is free for students and families who meet eligibility requirements. 
• Families who do not meet eligibility criteria can enroll for a fee. We provide a sliding fee based on income. Please contact our office for more information if you are concerned about fees.