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Early childhood center opens in Blaine
Some of Anoka-Hennepin ’ s littlest learners are getting highquality early childhood education in a new space this fall .
The Blaine Early Childhood Center , located at 13001 Central Ave . NE in Blaine , opened its doors to families at the beginning of the 2023-24 school year . Since early September , the building has been filled with young children eager to connect , learn and play .
In addition to preschool and Early Childhood Family Education ( ECFE ) classrooms , the freshly remodeled space supports early childhood special education programming . It is also home to the C . A . P . E . Child Care Center which provides care for the children of secondary students while they work towards earning their high school diploma at any Anoka-Hennepin school .
Formerly a charter school , the district purchased the facility in 2022 and renovated the building , and playground , to meet the needs of early childhood students , families , and staff .
The new location will provide additional early childhood services and opportunities to residents on the east side of the district .
“ This will impact a lot of families
Blaine Early Childhood Center : 13001 Central Ave . NE ( located north of Highway 14 / Main St and east of Highway 65 ) More information : www . ahschools . us / ecfe because we did not have an early learning facility in this area until now ,” said Tracy Knighton , director of community education . “ We are excited to be able to serve children in the community where they live .”
The new building in Blaine is the district ’ s third early childhood center . Other locations include Sorteberg Early Childhood Center in Coon Rapids and Riverview Early Childhood Center in Brooklyn Park . n
State award : Participants can ’ t help falling in love with inclusion event
Anoka-Hennepin Community Education is set to receive an outstanding project award from the Minnesota Community Education Association ( MCEA ) for its introduction of inclusion activities .
This past spring , Anoka-Hennepin piloted Community Inclusion events within the Adult Learning and Adults with Special Needs programs . These classes and activities combine people with and without intellectual disabilities to participate together with the goal of promoting social inclusion . The first highlighted event was an April concert , to bring together people with a common interest –
Preschool classes started at Blaine Early Childhood Center the week of September 11 . The new space was enjoyed by both students and staff .
Above : The Community Inclusion event offered opportunities for participants to get out of their seats and dance to their favorite songs .
Left : Todd Anderson poses for photos with fans after his Absolutely Elvis show .
music . “ Absolutely Elvis ,” by Todd Anderson , brought in more than 100 participants between the two programs . Since this event , the fall programming expanded to offer eight community inclusion activities including arts and crafts classes , social events such as bingo and bowling , and baking classes .
The MCEA project awards recognize chapters whose work meets the principles of Community Education by highlighting the importance of lifelong learning , diversity and inclusivity , and community enrichment . n
COMMUNITY EDUCATION
Discover Community Education
Anoka-Hennepin Community Education is dedicated to lifelong learning , involving people and enriching communities . We value the opportunity to bring high-quality educational programs to our community members , and there is something for everyone !
Adult learning
No matter what your interest or skill level , Community Education offers hundreds of yearround classes for adults ages 18 and up . Classes focus on technology , money , creativity , hobbies , home improvement , health , fitness and more . Call 763-506-5766 with questions .
ahschools . us / adultlearning
Adults with disabilities
Specialized classes offer educational , recreational and social activities for adults with developmental disabilities to practice life skills and to increase independence , communication and community integration . Call 763-506-1290 with questions .
ahschools . us / projectpower
Early learners
Educational and enrichment classes are available for families with young children ages birth to kindergarten . Early Childhood Family Education ( ECFE ) classes give children the chance to build school readiness skills while parents discuss ways to help their children become confident , independent learners . Many preschool options are also available providing early learners with a wide variety of learning experiences to prepare them for kindergarten . Call 763-506- 1275 with questions .
ahschools . us / ecfe
Youth enrichment
The Community Schools program coordinates a wide variety of fun classes and activities to enhance your child ’ s academic and social experiences afterschool , in the evening , and over the summer . Opportunities for students in preschool through grade eight include arts and crafts ; science , technology , engineering and math ( STEM ) classes ; language and performing arts ; sports and recreation ; and swimming . Call 763- 506-1260 with questions .
ahschools . us / communityschools
www . discovercommunityed . com
facebook . com / DiscoverCommunityEd
@ AHCommunityEd @ AHCommunityEd