Preschool Program: Ages 33 Months to Pre-K

The Kinderberry Hill Preschool childcare program is thoughtfully designed to support children’s growing curiosity about the world around them. Our daycare centers are located in the Twin Cities, including Minneapolis, St. Paul, Eden Prairie, Edina, Plymouth, Roseville, and Woodbury. Our Minnesota childcare centers provide a safe, cozy, and comfortable environment that feels much more like home than a classroom. As preschoolers’ language skills develop and strengthen, teachers encourage them to ask questions and express their emotions.

Communication

Thoughtful and outstanding communication is essential to a family’s experience in our preschool childcare care program. Expect face-to-face interactions with your child’s teachers every day. Families are invited to stay connected to their child’s daily activities via the Procare Connect app

Preschool Curriculum

Guided by the interests of the children, our teachers deliver an emergent preschool curriculum designed to nurture students’ developing questions, theories, and ideas. These activities foster self-help skills, encourage social emotional development, and deliver a wide variety of educational experiences.

Focused Attention

Unique to Kinderberry Hill, our lower teacher-child ratio of 1:8 and small group size of just 16, allows your preschooler to grow and develop in an intimate learning environment. Teachers build strong, trusting relationships with children, supporting both their emotional and physical development while helping them form friendships.

The Kinderberry Experience

Tour our Preschool

We currently offer both in-person and virtual tours at our Minnesota childcare centers, including locations in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Eden Prairie, Edina, Plymouth, Roseville, and Woodbury. Click here to schedule a tour at a school near you!

Visit Us

The only way to fully appreciate the advantages of Kinderberry Hill is to come see for yourself. We welcome the opportunity to meet your family, share our programs, and introduce you to our Kinderberry community.

Preschool Enrollment

A completed application and payment of the registration fee (non-refundable) secures your admission to Kinderberry Hill. Once a start date is confirmed, we will be in contact with you regarding visits to the classroom and preschool enrollment paperwork.

What to Expect in the Preschool Classroom

Loving and caring teachers who are committed to providing the highest level of care.
High level of communication. The preschool program provides families with a detailed daily update which explains the events of your child’s day.
In addition to sign language, verbal communication is encouraged and modeled.
Preschoolers are more independent at mealtimes. They assist in setting the table, serving their own food, pouring their own beverages, and clearing their own dishes.
Family involvement and home activities increase for preschoolers.
Preschoolers will begin to have stronger friendships, a greater need for a sense of control, and may even develop a sense of humor.
In our preschool age program, we encourage self-help skills and independence by supporting children to dress themselves for outdoor play.

Preschool Classroom Environment

Designed to be welcoming and captivating, our classrooms provide areas for children to be curious, energetic, and eager learners. Art, sensory, blocks, language, manipulatives, science, math, and dramatic play areas are all richly enhanced with unique and beautiful loose parts materials that encourage open-ended play. These natural, found, and real-life items help to provide endless opportunities for children to use their creativity, develop their emerging sense of self, and learn at their own pace.

Through ongoing observation and assessment our teachers intentionally plan activities and invitations to support children. Our teachers ask open-ended questions to encourage children to further their discussions and thinking. Play opportunities are provided throughout the day to encourage each child’s sense of discovery.

Where do I begin? I love Kinderberry Hill Minneapolis! The security and having to go through two doors to get to my child. I love the app they use to update the parents of their child’s activities and meal info. I like the teachers and the way they teach as well as the curriculum. I think the curriculum helps kids have a great chance at learning what’s needed to be successful, while having it be fun and challenging. I like the fact that they provide everything and that’s already included in the tuition cost. There’s no surprise fees or anything. I love how this location had a chef on-site that makes fresh meals every day for the kids. I love that my child spends 2 hours a day outside. I could go on and on and on. Kinderberry is truly the very best!

–Kinderberry Hill Minneapolis Parent

Childcare Supplies

The following supplies are provided:

Nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snacks.
Personal care items, including diapers and wipes.
Sunscreen.
Art supplies.
Toothbrush & toothpaste.

Childcare

Teachers dedicated to the development of trust, security, and emotional growth through prompt, tender, and responsive care.
Partnership with families in toilet training.

Communication

Daily individualized reports on each child’s activities via family communication app.
Semiannual parent-teacher conferences.

Early Childhood Education

On-site field trips and special guests.
Preschool curriculum designed to provide theme-based, hands-on opportunities that allow children to make choices and be successful.
Lesson plans are created to enhance and stimulate early childhood development.
Activities focused on developing independent self-help skills, simple problem-solving, verbalizing needs and wants, appropriate manners, and pre-kindergarten readiness skills.
Assessment profiles used to identify developmentally appropriate learning objectives for each child.
A literacy and language rich environment designed to encourage a love of books and reading. This includes multiple daily read aloud stories, a print rich classroom, and responsive adults engaging in meaningful conversations.
STEAM Wonder Lab enrichment class which includes age-appropriate studies that delve deeper into science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
Spanish Wonder Lab enrichment class which includes age-appropriate introduction to the Spanish language.

The Benefits of an Outdoor Classroom

Kinderberry Hill’s Nature Explore certified outdoor classrooms offer an ideal setting for child development, supporting early childhood development through hands-on exploration and discovery in nature. These outdoor spaces encourage physical activity, creativity, and cognitive growth, allowing children to engage in open-ended play and problem-solving. By incorporating nature-based experiences into the preschool age curriculum, Kinderberry Hill fosters essential aspects of early education like social interaction, curiosity, and emotional resilience.

Explore Outdoor Classrooms

What You Can Expect at Kinderberry Hill:

Expect to see the same teachers and familiar faces every day who understand the unique needs of preschool care.
Expect a safe and secure environment monitored by an on-site school nurse to ensure your preschooler’s well-being.
Expect your child to feel loved by and bonded to their caregivers.
Expect to develop a partnership with your child’s teacher to work together in doing what is best with your child.
Expect to use our teachers as a resource for questions you may have regarding your preschooler and their development.
Biannual comprehensive child progress assessment conferences.

Tour our Preschool

I love the all-inclusive tuitition. I only need to bring my child and everything else is provided by the team at Kinderberry Hill Woodbury.

–Kinderberry Hill Woodbury Family

A Preschooler's Day at Kinderberry Hill

Welcome to Intermediates! Each day is thoughtfully planned and enriched for the ever-changing specific interests of the children. Our classrooms are the third teacher as they play a foundational role in making learning meaningful. Our spaces empower children to explore and discover independently, while surrounded by materials that reflect their interests. Our teachers are attentive and responsive, engaging in back-and-forth interactions to help children build a strong foundation for learning and play in a trusting, and welcoming environment.

Arrival & Pick Up

Our Kinderberry Hill families are essential to our Kinderberry Hill community. We invite families to join us to read stories, celebrate special occasions and even share in play and learning with other Kinderberry families. We encourage our families to join us on field trips, share their family traditions or even come in and cook a favorite family recipe. When you and your preschooler arrive at school, your child will be eagerly welcomed into their classroom by our nurturing teachers and their excited friends. We incorporate special greetings from Conscious Discipline to promote belonging and connection among our classroom community. They will then be invited to place their belongings in their very own locker and begin exploring a classroom intentionally set up for learning and play. At pick-up you will find your preschooler eager to see you and share their excitement about their day at Kinderberry Hill. We encourage families to come into the classroom and see the documentation and progress on projects after a full day! Teachers will pass along specific details about your child’s day and wish your family a good night. We can’t wait to see you tomorrow!

Mealtimes

Balanced and healthy meals including breakfast, lunch and snack, are prepared on site and served family style. Self-serving is an important part of our mealtime routine. This promotes making choices, appetite awareness, and develops a sense of independence and capability. Your child will enjoy delicious meals while growing a strong sense of community through engaging and lively conversations with peers and teachers.

Group Time

Favorite songs, books, games, and conversations bring this small community together during group times. Using a variety of music, fingerplays, props and FUN children practice letters, numbers and letter sounds, as well as explore new vocabulary each week. In-depth discussions take place regarding our current study. The class will take time to share discoveries of yesterday and ask more questions to guide learning going forward. Our long-term projects often take center stage during group time. This time is also used to share kindness and express care for our community members. We celebrate each other and extend happiness and friendship through the practice of kind words and actions to express these feelings.

Small Groups and Classroom Explorations

The entire classroom is open for classroom exploration. Our teachers intentionally set up provocations to promote curiosity and challenge children through play. During this exploration time, teachers also work with small groups of children to focus on specific educational outcomes, i.e. fine and large motor skills, letter sounds, letters of our names, number concepts, as well a social emotional skills and practices like recognizing emotions of others, sharing, taking turns and more.

Outside Play

Sunshine and fresh air are highly valued at Kinderberry Hill. At least once daily, whether it’s sun, rain, wind or snow, your child will enjoy running, climbing, digging, and pedaling outside. This space is specifically designed for preschoolers, and we encourage children to engage in risky play that tests their body’s abilities and improves strength and coordination. This play builds confidence and can reduce injuries, as children learn to understand their body’s abilities! Our teachers enrich outdoor spaces regularly with new provocations, water play experiences, art activities, instruments, games, songs and more. Your child will also be able to enjoy a full day outside in our outdoor classroom. These spaces are designed for all day outdoor learning and teachers form lessons and experiences just as they would inside. We enjoy naps and meals outside when possible and each of these spaces are Nature Explore Certified.

Nap & Rest Time

Your preschooler will be invited to snuggle up with their favorite blanket and favorite comfort toy on their very own cozy cot for naptime. Dimmed lights, soft music and teachers rubbing backs ensure naptime is a soothing transition in which children can recharge for the full and fun afternoon ahead.

WonderLab Enrichments

Your curious preschooler will thrive in our STEAM and Spanish WonderLab classes! These classes encourage children to experience hands on play and fun while learning STEAM concepts and building a strong foundation in the Spanish Language! Music, movement, and exploration are key components of these engaging classes.

Transitioning from the Preschool Care Program

Transitioning from the preschool care program to the pre-kindergarten care program at Kinderberry Hill is a thoughtfully guided process that ensures a smooth and comforting experience for both children and their families. As children grow and develop new skills, they are gradually introduced to a more structured environment tailored to their evolving needs. This transition is marked by increased opportunities for exploration, social interaction, and the development of independence, all within a nurturing and supportive setting. Teachers work closely with families to ensure that each child’s unique needs are met, making the move to the next program a positive and enriching experience.

Our Pre-K Care Program

Nature explore certified outdoor classrooms

Kinderberry Hill’s outdoor classrooms are Nature Explore certified, providing a unique, hands-on learning environment that is thoughtfully designed to connect children with nature, enhancing their physical, emotional, and cognitive development.

Small Group Sizes

At Kinderberry Hill, small group sizes ensure personalized attention and tailored learning experiences for each child. This approach fosters strong relationships, supports individual growth, and creates a nurturing environment where every child can thrive in their early childhood education.

Chef-Prepared, Nutritious Meals

Our schools are equipped with a full-service kitchen, and meals are cooked on-site by our school chef. Our school chefs are trained in USDA guidelines and food safety. Additionally, our school chefs follow allergy restrictions for those children who have been diagnosed with food allergies.

STEAM WonderLab

Our STEAM Wonder Lab provides a dynamic, hands-on learning experience that integrates science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. This innovative approach enhances cognitive development, stimulates creativity and problem-solving skills, preparing children for future success while making learning engaging and fun.

On-site School Nurse

Unique to Kinderberry Hill, each of our schools has an on-site school nurse. Our nurse leads our health and wellness efforts, provides first aid, and monitors food allergies, medications, dietary restrictions, and health conditions throughout the school.

Spanish WonderLab

Our Spanish Wonder Lab blends play with learning, offering interactive activities and cultural exploration that build Spanish skills and global awareness, setting the stage for lifelong bilingualism.

Expert Educators in Early Learning

Kinderberry Hill educators must meet high standards with advanced certifications and ongoing training. They implement evidence-based practices, create individualized learning plans, and maintain a nurturing, inclusive environment for each child’s early childhood education.

Sign Language

Our sign language program introduces children to communication through expressive gestures, enhancing their ability to connect and understand each other. This inclusive approach supports language development and builds valuable skills for all learners.

Daily Communication

Kinderberry Hill is committed to daily communication with families, ensuring they stay informed about their child’s progress and experiences via our family communication app. Through real-time updates, photos, and messages, we keep parents connected to their child’s development and milestones.

Biannual Assessments

Kinderberry Hill utilizes Teaching Strategies Gold to evaluate children’s growth and early childhood development. In addition, pre-kindergarteners participate in executive-function assessments. Our early educators continuously assess learning objectives to foster academic, executive function, and social-emotional development and growth.

Community

Kinderberry Hill offers opportunities to come together as a classroom and as a school community throughout the year for gatherings, celebrations, parent-teacher conferences, and family education.