Early Childhood Education: Preparing Children for Success from the Beginning  

As parents, we all want to see our children happy, interested, successful—not just in school but in life. As research shows, the foundation for academic and social success starts earlier than you might think. Compassion, curiosity, and resilience—the ability to navigate challenges with confidence and adaptability—are critical skills, even for children in their toddler years. And at St. David’s Center, we know the pivotal role these skills play in each child’s life-long journey.  

ECE Enrollment is now open at St. David’s Center. We serve children and families of all abilities from ages 16 months to preschool. A few of our parents took some time to share their experience in their own words with our team recently. Tune in to hear what they have to say and don’t forget to apply for admission to the 2025 summer program and the 2025-2026 school year by March 1.  Learn more about what our ECE program experience is like below the video.

1. Structured Play and Routines 

Toddlers thrive in environments where they can explore and play within predictable routines. Structured play helps children process emotions, practice patience, and teaches collaboration and compromise, skills essential for classroom success. At St. David’s Center, our toddler classrooms are thoughtfully designed to balance structured activities like group story time with opportunities for independent exploration. This approach nurtures both emotional growth and essential self-regulation skills that will serve your child in kindergarten and beyond. 

2. The Power of Relationships 

In the early years, a child’s relationship with their caregivers—including their teachers—is just as important as the curriculum. Positive, nurturing relationships with trusted adults help children feel safe, which encourages them to explore. Build trust and a sense of belonging. Lay the groundwork for positive attitudes toward school and learning. 

Our committed, experienced teachers create an environment where children feel seen, heard, and supported. By cultivating trust, we help your child navigate relationships, learning, and the emotional ups and downs of early childhood with confidence, ensuring they feel ready for the next steps in their journey. 

3. Teaching Skills for Life Through Everyday Moments 

The small challenges children and toddlers face daily—sharing toys, waiting their turn, or navigating a big emotion like frustration or anger—are opportunities to develop emotional resilience. At St. David’s Center, we utilize these foundational to help children build the confidence, cooperation, and adaptability they’ll need to handle the academic, social, and emotional challenges of school. For parents who value educational excellence, resilience, and community engagement, there’s no place like St. David’s Center. Every day, we prepare children to thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced world by regulating their emotions, working collaboratively with peers, and fostering their innate curiosity. 

That’s how St. David’s Center sets children and toddlers on the path to a lifetime of success—academically, socially, and emotionally. 

Give your toddler the gifts of curiosity, kindness & compassion. They’ll last a lifetime.  

Spots are filling especially quickly for our toddler program at St. David’s Center in Minnetonka.