Brainerd Public Schools

Fun & Friends is a child care program for students in kindergarten through 8th grade. It has served the students of Brainerd Public Schools for over 30 years with age-appropriate, fun, recreational activities. Care is provided before school, after school, on non-school days, and over the summer. Sites include Nisswa Elementary, Baxter Elementary, Riverside Elementary, and Harrison Elementary (also servicing Garfield and Lowell). Summer registration has ended and all sites are full. To be added to a waitlist, please contact Cassandra Hale at 218-454-6956 or cassandra.hale@isd181.org. SUMMER 2024: Locations: Fun & Friends will be open at the following locations: Riverside Elementary Baxter Elementary Nisswa Elementary Families can choose any site for summer programming regardless of where their child attends school. Dates & Hours: Wednesday, June 5- Friday, August 23. Monday-Friday, 6:30am-6:00pm. Rates: $40/day or $45/day for a drop in, 3 days/week minimum Registration: Summer registration will open in three different phases starting at the end of February. Please note that you can sign up any time during your registration window. See the table below. Current families: all past due invoices must be paid in full before a registration is processed. If it is not paid in full by March 5, your registration will be waitlisted. Fun & Friends Summer 2024 Registration Registration Windows: Phases: Who’s Included: February 28 - March 5 Opens at 9:00 AM Early Registration: Phase 1 All families who have students currently attending the Fun & Friends program during the 23-24 school year. March 6 - March 12 Opens at 9:00 AM Early Registration: Phase 2 All families who had students attend Fun & Friends Summer 2023 (summer only registrations). Families that were on the 23-24 waitlist prior to December 31, 2023. March 12 8:00am-8:00pm PreK+ Registration All current PreK+ families who have a student going into kindergarten can register on this date. Fun & Friends has 6 spots reserved at each location for PreK+ students. All PreK+ enrollments will be placed in a lottery to fill those spaces. March 13 - March 19 Opens at 9:00 AM Public Registration: Open to everyone to complete enrollment. All public enrollments will be placed in a lottery. The number of spaces will be based on staffing availability.Families will be notified of their status on March 25. *Families must sign up during the correct stage for their application to be considered. Signing up before your registration window will result in a denied application. For more information or to view our handbook, please visit the Fun & Friends website, HERE.

Registration for the 2024-2025 School Year is open! 2024-2025 Preschool Registration Packet Registration Step-by-Step Guide Brainerd Public Schools’ Preschool Programs: Preparing Your Child for a Bright Future! Brainerd Public Schools take pride in investing in our youngest learners and in preparing children and families for success in school. We have a variety of preschool options serving 2 ½- 5 year olds. Our preschool program prepares children to enter school by focusing learning around classroom routines and procedures, social and emotional development and academic development. A Four Star Parent Aware Rated Program! Our preschool programs have earned a four-star rating from Minnesota’s Parent Aware- the highest rating possible! The Parent Aware rating system helps parents find preschools and childcare programs focused on high quality early learning and kindergarten readiness. Our Curriculum: Preschool in Brainerd Public Schools uses Frog Street Curriculum, Pyramid Model and Second Step which align with Minnesota Early Learning Standards and with our district’s kindergarten standards. Licensed teachers develop hands-on learning activities that promote creativity and confidence. Our programs provide children with experiences that build relationships, enhance problem solving and communication skills, and sets the foundation for successful, lifelong learning in the areas of: ● Social and emotional development ● Positive approaches to learning ● Physical and movement development ● Literacy ● Math ● Arts ● Science Little Warrior Childcare is available for students registered in either a four half day or 2 full day preschool class at both our Nisswa Elementary and Warrior Early Learning Center locations. Children will spend part of their day in childcare and the other part in School Readiness Preschool. Limited spots available. Flexible drop off and pick up times between 7:00am and 5:30 pm. County Child Care Assistance and Pathway I scholarships accepted Child must be independently toilet trained by first day of attendance Summer child care is not available A two week notice is required for cancellation once child care service has begun Priority given to 4 & 5 year olds without district busing options. See page 4 of the Preschool Registration Packet for more information. THE FOLLOWING LITTLE WARRIOR CHILDCARE OPTIONS ARE CURRENTLY FULL. Register to be placed on the waitlist: NISSWA ELEMENTARY WARRIOR EARLY LEARNING CENTER MW & TTH FULL DAY Click here to schedule your child's early childhood screening.