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Early Learning Services

Intro

The Division of Early Learning supports districts, schools, Head Start programs and community partners to implement inclusive and comprehensive early learning systems.

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About Early Learning
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A parent reading a bedtime story to their newborn.
Sections
Group of kindergarten kids friends gardening agriculture.

Early learning programs

Minnesota has a variety of early learning programs. Programs include Early Childhood Special Education, Early Childhood Family Education, Early Learning Scholarships, Head Start and Early Head Start, and Voluntary Prekindergarten. Learn more about early learning programs.

A group of students with their teacher surrounding a globe.

Supports for high-quality early learning

View our resources to support high-quality early learning such as outdoor and nature-based learning, kindergarten transitions, curricula and instruction, and more.

The Successful Learner Equation reminds us that it is not the responsibility of the child to be “ready” for school. It is the responsibility of adults, programs and systems to be ready to support each child.

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Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)

Early Childhood Special Education provides supports and services to infants, toddlers, and preschool children with disabilities and their families. 

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Early childhood resources, referrals and screening

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Minnesota's Preschool Development Grant

Learn more about Minnesota's Preschool Development Grant, which supports pregnant families and families with children aged 5 and younger.

Data submissions

Data submissions for most early learning programs will be staying at the Department of Education.

Note: The Early Learning Scholarship Administration System (ELSA) will be moving to the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. 

Early Childhood Longitudinal Data System (ECLDS)

The Early Childhood Longitudinal Data System (ECLDS) combines data collected by the state departments of Education; Human Services; Children, Youth, and Families; and Health into one online, interactive dashboard to help our state answer questions about the experiences and outcomes of our youngest children.