Early Childhood Resource Hub
All the resources you need to navigate your child’s journey from birth to Kindergarten.
Navigating this Page
Here, you’ll find lists of resources you’ll need as your child continues their journey from early childcare to Kindergarten. Use the menu below to jump to different sections.
Clickable links are underlined in yellow or orange and say ‘👈 (click here)’. These will take you to the organization websites with applications, forms, and more.
What is the Early Childhood Resource Hub? Click here to learn about it’s creation & the mission of those behind it. 👈 (click here)
Need a different language? Click here to learn how to change the language of this website. 👈 (click here)
What You'll Find Here
-
Preschool Resources
Children Ages 3-4
When children turn 3 by September 1st, they are eligible to enter Preschool. Click below to see what you need to do to prepare and enroll.
-
Kindergarten Resources
Children Aged 5
When children turn 5 by September 1st, they are eligible to enter Kindergarten. Click below to see what you need to do to prepare and enroll.
-
Whole Family Resources
All Ages
Here you'll find for a robust toolkit for screenings, disability services, and other resources to make your early childhood journey easier. Click Below!
Preschool - Ages 3-4
Preschool is a time for children ages 3-5 years old to learn beginning skills that are the base for all future learning. Preschool is about play and all of the ways you can learn through play.
When you select a preschool program, they will walk you through the application process and support you in finding the best fit for your child. Most preschools offer scholarship options to help families afford the care.
Below you will find information about many programs, each will help you find the best fit for your child.
For children UNDER 3 after September 1st:
Families First Early Head Start 👈 (click here)
For children who are at 3 years of age by September 1st:
Rochester Public Schools Preschool Enrollment 👈 (click here)
Families First School Readiness 👈 (click here)
Families First Head Start 👈 (click here)
Other Early Education Options 👈 (click here)
School Enrollment:
School Immunizations 👈 (click here)
Your child must have their immunizations for preschool. If you would like to opt out, please complete this form 👈 (click here))
Olmsted County Public Health Immunizations👈 (click here)- Reduced Cost
Early Childhood Screening 👈 (click here)
Dental Care Resources for Children in Olmsted County 👈 (click here)
Health Access MN 👈 (click here)
Minnesota Health Care Programs 👈 (click here)
Bridges Health 👈 (click here) - Free Health Services
Community Health Service Inc. 👈 (click here)- Affordable Health Card Provider
Good Samaritan Health Clinic 👈 (click here)- Free or Reduce-Cost Healthcare
Health Care:
Rochester Public Schools Financial Assistance 👈 (click here)
Families First Early Learning Scholarships 👈 (click here)
Financial Support:
Free And Reduced Price Meal Application Information 👈 (click here)
Olmsted County Cash & Food 👈 (click here)Assistance
Channel One Food Shelf 👈 (click here)
Olmsted County Green Book 👈 (click here) List of Food Pantries & Free Meals on pages 10 - 13
Food Access:
Social Emotional Learning:
Social Emotional Calendar 👈 (click here)
Transition 2 Kinder! Cards 👈 (click here)
Kindergarten - Age 5
Kindergarten is filled with learning, fun, and new adventures. Students will explore exciting subjects such as reading, math, and science. They will be helped by teachers and staff to grow in every way: socially, emotionally, physically, academically, and creatively. They will be encouraged to make decisions, solve problems, and get along with others. Kindergarten will get them ready for what comes next in their schooling!
Your child must be 5 years of age on or before September 1, of the calendar year in which the school year starts.
Rochester Public Schools Kindergarten Enrollment Guide 👈 (click here)
Rochester Public Schools Kindergarten Enrollment 👈 (click here)
Rochester Public Schools Account Request for New Student 👈 (click here)
A Day in the Life of an RPS Kindergartener 👈 (click here)
Other K-12 Educations Options 👈 (click here)
School Enrollment:
Olmsted County Financial Assistance 👈 (click here)
Rochester Public Schools Financial Assistance 👈 (click here)
Families First Early Learning Scholarships 👈 (click here)
Financial Support:
School Immunizations 👈 (click here)
Your child must have their immunizations for kindergarten. If you would like to opt out, please complete this form 👈 (click here))
Olmsted County Public Health Immunizations👈 (click here)- Reduced Cost
Early Childhood Screening 👈 (click here)
Your child must have this completed before they begin kindergarten.
Dental Care Resources for Children in Olmsted County 👈 (click here)
Health Access MN 👈 (click here)
Minnesota Health Care Programs 👈 (click here)
Bridges Health 👈 (click here) - Free Health Services
Community Health Service Inc. 👈 (click here) - Affordable Health Card Provider
Good Samaritan Health Clinic 👈 (click here) - Free or Reduce-Cost Healthcare
Health Care:
Free And Reduced Price Meal Application Information 👈 (click here)
Summer EBT Food Program 👈 (click here)
Olmsted County Cash & Food Assistance 👈 (click here)
Olmsted County Green Book 👈 (click here)
List of Food Pantries & Free Meals on pages 10 - 13
Channel One Food Shelf 👈 (click here)
Food Access:
Social Emotional Learning:
Social Emotional Calendar 👈 (click here)
Transition 2 Kinder! Cards 👈 (click here)
Resources for Families
Click the buttons to jump to sections relevant to you and your family!
Early Childhood Development and Activities
-
Imagination Library
The Dolly Parton Imagination Library provides one book each month to children in Olmsted County from birth to age 5 whose parents register to receive them.
These sturdy, colorful, age-appropriate books are delivered directly to the child. Each book is selected for the developmental benefits it brings and for fun.Free enrollment
507-287-2000
903 West Center St, Ste 100
Rochester, MN 55902 -
Monkey Junction
Monkey Junction is an indoor play space for children 0-6 years old. They are usually open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 8:30am – 1:00pm. Contact (507) 282-8280 to confirm availability.
Admission is $2 per child ages 1 or older (Cash or online payments)
Infants are free
A 5-day pass is available for $10
4500 60th Ave NW Rochester, MN 55901
-
SPARK
The Children's Museum of Rochester is a venue full of opportunities for shared essential experiences, focusing on learning through play and providing a sense of community.
Closed Mondays
Tuesday - Sunday 9:00am - 5:00pm
Thursdays open until 6:00pmChildren under 1 year of age: free
Adults and childen over 1: $12
Seniors (60 and older): $11
Military and family members (with valid ID): $11.00
Play for all (EBT/SNAP): $6.00
Located in the Apache Mall 1201 12th St SW Suite 632 Rochester, MN 55902
-
Pipsqueaks
Pipsqueaks is Rochester’s INDOOR play zone, is designed for children kindergarten-age and younger to play under parental/guardian supervision.
This is seasonal so check the website for availability and reservations.
United Way gymnasium
903 West Center Street
Rochester, MNParking is free
Season is closed as of right now
Monday - Saturday 9:30am - 1pm
$2 per child
Free for children 0-6 months
$10 punch card (6 punches)
-
Parks & Rec. Programming
Explore the different parks, trails, recreation centers, sport classes, and so much more that are offered in Rochester!
Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm
201 4th Street SE
Rochester, MN 55904
Room 150 -
Transition 2 Kinder! Cards
Kindergarten Ready! Cards are free, play-based learning cards for you and your child. They help kids prepare in four domains of Social-Emotional Learning.
Digital Download
Free to All
Cradle 2 Career
Community and Education Services
-
Rochester Public Library
The local public library that offers not just books but also access to technology, and fun events for kids such as storytelling sessions, meeting characters, crafting, playing board games, having fun with Legos, and so much more. Check out their calendar for events!
101 2nd Street SE Rochester, MN 55904
Free library cards and events
Monday - Thursday, 10am - 8pm
Friday - Sunday, 10am - 6pm
-
Community Education
Rochester Public Schools Community Education offers a wide variety of enrichment opportunities for community members from birth through adulthood.
Learn new skills, make new connections, explore our community and so much more through Community Education Enrichment.
rochesterce@rochesterschools.org
201 8th St NW
Northrop Education Center
Rochester, MN 55901 -
Family Literacy Program-Hawthorne
Hawthorne Adult Education Center offers a variety of programming available to those 17+ who are not currently enrolled in another K-12 program. They offer support with English as a Second Language, Citizenship, GED, Adult Diploma, opportunities for college and careers, family literacy, computer literacy, and much more!
Income based
700 4th Ave SE Rochester, MN 55904
Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm
-
Early Childhood Family Education (EFCE) Classes
Early Childhood Family Education (EFCE), also known as PAIIR, is a public school program for families with children ages birth to kindergarten enrollment. Both parents and children participate in PAIIR.
The mission of PAIIR is to strengthen families with young children through education and support.
rochesterce@rochesterschools.org
201 8th St NW Northrop Education Center Rochester, MN 55901
-
Olmsted County Public Health
Public Health Services provides: individual visits, classes, and groups in the home, clinic, and community setting to families who are pregnant or have infants and preschool children.
Check out the website for information on nurse visit programs, benefits, car seats, screenings, etc.
Childcare Programs
-
School Age Child Care (SACC)
The School Age Child Care Program offers before- and after-school child care. It is available at all Rochester Public Schools Elementary sites. The program provides a safe, nurturing environment where children can feel they are significant and they belong.
201 8th St NW Rochester, MN 55901
-
Preschool Age Child Care (PACC)
Preschool Age Child Care Program (PACC) is a extended day care option for enrolled RPS Preschool students. PACC provides a variety or developmentally-appropriate activities which will help your child practice new skills learned during their preschool day.
201 8th St NW Rochester, MN 55901
-
Crisis Nursery
Crisis Nursery is a family support program serving Olmsted County. The program provides short-term childcare with licensed providers while families address a crisis situation. Additional services include assist families with exploring ongoing childcare options, support, diaper services, and referrals to community resources.
Monday - Friday 8am to 4:30pm
Appointments recommended
126 Woodlake Drive SE Rochester, MN 55904
-
Childcare Assistance Program (CCAP)
Childcare Assistance Program (CCAP) provides financial assistance to help families with low incomes pay for childcare.
This is to help parents may pursue employment or education leading to employment, and that children are well cared for and prepared to enter school.
Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm
Support and Assistance Programs
-
Bridge to Benefits
A project by Children’s Defense Fund-Minnesota to improve the well-being of families and individuals by linking them to public work support programs and tax credits.
555 Park Street, Suite 410 St. Paul, MN 55103
-
Parent Aware
Parent Aware profviedsFree tools and resources to help families find quality child care and early education programs.
Monday - Thursday
8am to 4:30pmFriday: 8am to 3pm
-
Help Me Connect
A resource directory developed and managed by the Minnesota Departments of Health, Education, Human Services, and the Governor’s Children’s Cabinet.
Event Calendars
-
Rochester Public Library Calendar
-
Rochester Local Calendar
-
Experience Rochester Calendar
-
Mayo Civic Center Events
Infographics for Families
-
Safely Use Tech to Connect
-
Screen Limits at Bedtime
-
Borrow Free Books Online
-
Get your Library Card in Person
-
Get your Library Card Online
Description goes here -
Information Security for Parents
Description goes here -
The Importance of Reading to Your Child
Description goes here
Notice something missing?
Raising children takes a village—and so does creating an all-encompassing early childhood resource hub! If you think something is missing or have any comments on how to improve this page, please fill out the below form.
Thank you for your help in our mission to provide adequate access to early childhood resources for everyone in our community!
What is the Early Childhood Resource Hub?
The Early Childhood Resource Hub is a collaborative effort between Cradle 2 Career and Intercultural Mutual Assistance Association (IMAA). The idea for the resource hub was inspired by the stories and experiences learned through IMAA’s Whole Family Systems, a partnership between the Minnesota Department of Human Services, BUILD Initiative, and local community sites.
Our mission is to help families with young children in Olmsted County in accessing a wide range of resources and services. We aim to connect families to early learning opportunities to improve education and early development for all children in our community.
At the heart of our mission is a commitment to collaboration with local partners. We work closely with schools, community organizations, and others to make connections and ensure all systems are working as one. They should all be available to support families!
Through these partnerships, we can make access to resources easy. We can also use them to learn from one another within our many cultural communities. This partnership will help us address the diverse needs of families with young children in Rochester.
How to Change the Language
Locate the yellow button in the corner that says “English”.
2. Click the button and choose from Spanish, Somali, or Arabic*.
*The Early Childhood Resource Hub will be available in more languages in the future.