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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

  • ECFE - My child was born a few days, weeks, months, outside the eligible age range for a specific class. They are ready to be in this class! Can you make exceptions?

    Unfortunately no. To ensure there is space for students in the targeted age we have to stick to the age range. For year long classes, students need to be the age required for the class by Sept 1st of that school year. For semester length classes they must be in the age range on the first day of the class. This is going to help you prepare for preschool and beyond as all of our programs have age eligibility requirements. Thank you for understanding!

  • ECFE - Can both parents come to class?

    Absolutely!  We welcome all parents and caregivers!

  • ECFE - Can I bring both my kids to class?

    Yes, if they both fit into the age group for that class. If they don't both fit into the age group, please look for a class that may offer sibling care. 

  • ECFE - Can I bring my baby to class for my older child?

    Sibling care is available for children ages birth to Kindergarten.  However, if you have a new baby who is not ready to attend sibling care, you may keep the baby with you in class until the baby is 6 months old.

  • ECFE - Can I join a class that already started?

    Yes!  As long as there is still space available you can join a class at any time.

  • ECFE - Do I have to be a Bloomington resident to attend ECFE classes in Bloomington?

    No.  We welcome everyone!

  • ECFE - Do I need to attend class with my child?

    Yes, there always needs to be an adult in attendance with a child for any ECFE class.

  • ECFE - Does the attending adult need to be a parent or guardian or can another caregiver attend class with my child?

    We welcome any and all adults to attend with your child to include grandparents, aunts and uncles, nannies and all other caregivers!

  • ECFE - How do I register?

    Please visit www.bloomington.ce.eleyo.com or call us at 952-681-6200.

  • ECFE - How many classes can I sign up for?

    You may register for one class per child.

  • ECFE - How many weeks do classes run?

    We run on a two-semester schedule unless a class is specified as year-long.  Fall semester classes begin in August/September go until mid January.  Then families can register for second semester which run mid-January through May.

  • ECFE - How much does it cost to register?

    Class fees are on a sliding fee scale based on family size and annual income.  All families are welcome.  No one will be denied participation due to the inability to pay.

  • ECFE - Is there a way to get involved beyond attending a class?

    Yes!  We have a very active parent/caregiver group called the Bloomington Early Learning Advisory Council that plans family events, fundraises, and advises on Early Childhood programs like ECFE and Preschool. For more information please visit their website at www.bloomingtonearlyadvisors.org/

  • ECFE - Still have questions?

    Contact us at 952-681-6200.
    952-681-6219 (Espanol)
    952-681-6269 (Soomaali)

  • ECFE - What does an ECFE class look like?

    ECFE classes are for you and your child (age birth-5 years-old) with time to:
    • Connect with your child
    • Talk with other parents and caregivers, and 
    • Learn together

    Classes are taught by licensed educators to provide a high quality experience for your family.  Some classes offer separating time in which adults meet in another classroom.

  • ECFE - What if the class I want is full?

    Please join the waiting list!  Often we are able to move people into the class if other families cancel.  Occasionally, we might add an additional section of a class if we see a long waiting list.

  • ECFE - What is Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)?

    ECFE is based on the idea that parents provide their child's first and most significant learning environment and parents are children's first and most enduring teachers.  ECFE works to support you as a parent/caregiver and to strengthen and empower families.  The goal is to enhance to ability of all parents and other family members to provide the best possible environments for their child's learning and development.

  • ECFE - What is parent education?

    Parent education is led by licensed teachers that focus on supporting parents.  They pull from research-based resources to help parents better understand their child's development, expand their parenting skills, and facilitate conversations between parents and caregivers about the daily challenges and joys of raising young children.

  • ECFE - What is the difference between a separating and a non-separating class?

    Separation time is an opportunity for adults to go to another classroom and talk with the parent educator.  The teaching team gradually works up to this over the weeks of the class based on the readiness of the children.  Other classes are non-separating and the parents stay in the same classroom as their children for the parent education time.  Classes without parent education do not separate or have this parent discussion time.

  • ECFE - What should I do with my other children while we are in class?

    We have a few options for families with more than one child:

    • We welcome young infants to join any class when they are able to be worn by an adult or can be left safely in a baby carrier in the classroom while you attend class with your older child.
    • We offer mixed aged classes for families who will be attending with multiple ages of children.
    • Sometimes we are able to offer sibling care with a separate registration and for an additional cost.  If sibling care is offered for a class, you will see that in the class description.

  • I don't have an email account, will I receive a confirmation after I have registered for a class?

    No, our system uses email addresses for confirmations. If you do not have an email address you will not receive a confirmation so assume you are in the class you registered for.  We will call you if you did not get into the class.

  • PRESCHOOL - Are there options for an extended preschool day?

    We offer before and after school childcare for our preschool classes.  Please visit bloomington.k12.mn.us/ce/childcare and scroll down to the Preschool portion of the page.  You will find information about our care sites there.

  • PRESCHOOL - Are there ways for parents to get involved?

    Yes.  We have a very active parent/caregiver group call the Bloomington Early Learning Advisory Council that plans family events, fundraises, and advises on Early Childhood programs like ECFE and Preschool.  They offer many ways to volunteer and get to know other parents/caregivers.

  • PRESCHOOL - Can I have a bus pick up or drop off at a daycare instead of my home?

    Yes, as long as the daycare address is within the attendance area for the school you wish to attend.  Additionally, a "Request for Transportation to and from Daycare" form must be submitted to the transportation department.

  • PRESCHOOL - Can I take a tour?

    We have classrooms at multiple different sites and sometimes it is difficult to coordinate a tour at a specific site. Before your child starts school in the fall, you will have the opportunity to see your child’s assigned classroom and meet the teacher.

  • PRESCHOOL - Can my child receive Early Childhood Special Education services in the classroom?

    Yes.  Children who qualify for an IEP can receive their services in a variety of ways and potentially one of those ways includes during preschool programming.

  • PRESCHOOL - Do I have to be a Bloomington resident?

    Bloomington Public Schools does allow students from other school districts to open enroll. Additional paperwork may be required to attend.

  • PRESCHOOL - Does my child need to be potty-trained to attend preschool?

    Yes.  Children should be potty trained or must be actively potty training before entering preschool.  Exceptions are made for children who have an IEP or 504 Plan.

  • PRESCHOOL - Does Preschool follow the district's school year calendar?

    Yes, for the most part our calendar does follow the district calendar, while adding a few additional no school days that are different from the rest of the school district.  Our calendar can be viewed athttps://www.bloomington.k12.mn.us/els/early-learning-services-calendar

  • PRESCHOOL - How can I obtain more information about Kindergarten/Bloomington Public Schools K-12 programming?

    If you have general questions regarding kindergarten options, open enrollment or early entrance for kindergarten, please call your home school or the district office at 952-681-6555.

  • PRESCHOOL - How do I find out my home school?

    Enter your address in the school locator on the Bloomington Public Schools website: https://www.bloomington.k12.mn.us/find-your-school

  • PRESCHOOL - Is busing available to preschool?

    It depends.  Busing is available for Preschool for 4's classes for children who live in the attendance areas of schools where preschool is offered.  Busing is not available to Preschool SAFARI, Preschool for 3's, or Step Into Preschool classes unless the child is on an IEP and receiving Early Childhood Special Education services.

  • PRESCHOOL - Is my child guaranteed a spot?

    All families are welcome. Program space is limited, so spots are filled first come, first served once all registration steps have been completed.  Priority is given to children with demonstrated need based on family income, language, development and family factors.  Final class placement is at the discretion of Early Learning Services.

  • PRESCHOOL - My child is 5 years-old. Can they attend preschool?

    Children who are 5 years-old as of September 1st may potentially attend a 4 year-old preschool class.  BUT because they are eligible for Kindergarten, they are ineligible for the sliding fee scale and will need to pay the full price (Level 4) tuition and fees.

  • PRESCHOOL - My child turns 3 or 4 years-old shortly after September 1st. Can I enroll them in 3-or 4-year-old classes once they turn that age?

    No, the Minnesota Department of Education sets September 1st as the age cut-off date for the ENTIRE school year, so children must be 3 or 4 years-old on September 1st in order to attend 3- or 4-year-old classes for that school year.  Our Step Into Preschool class is designed for children who turn 3 after September 1st, and we add registrations throughout the year as children turn 3.  Children MUST be 3 and potty trained for Step Into Preschool.

  • PRESCHOOL - Still have questions?

    Contact us at earlylearning@isd271.org or give us a call at 952-681-6200.  
    952-681-6219 (Espanol)
    952-681-6269 (Soomaali)

  • PRESCHOOL - What do preschool classes cost?

    Preschool has a sliding fee scale.  Tuition is based on family size and household income.  All income must be verified in order to qualify for the sliding scale fee.  Pathway 1 Early Learning scholarships are accepted.

  • PRESCHOOL - What if I live elsewhere, but my childcare is in Bloomington or my older kids go to a Bloomington school?

    Bloomington Public Schools does allow students from other school districts to open enroll. Additional paperwork may be required to attend.

  • PRESCHOOL - What is the curriculum like?

    Our licensed teachers use research and evidence-based methods to teach the state standards for Early Childhood.

  • PRESCHOOL SAFARI - How do I manage Authorized Pickups?

    Authorized Pickups -- How to Add & Remove

    To add Authorized Pickups:

    • In upper right click on “Explore...”
      • Select Preschool SAFARI Care - in the blue box on the left
      • Select Account Management
      • Sign in
      • Under the grey “Account Management” in the upper left
      • Select the blue button “Manage Authorized Pickups”
      • Add the authorized pickup information

    When finished click on the blue button "Save Authorized Pickups".



    To remove Authorized Pickups by the Parent/Guardian:

    • Follow the above steps
    • Select the Red Minus button for the person you want to remove as an authorized pickup.

    When finished click on the blue button "Save Authorized Pickups".

  • PRESCHOOL SAFARI - How do I request a Vacation Credit?

    Vacation Credit

    Vacation credit is available with a one-week written notice to the Administrative Office, once per school year for the equivalent of the weekly contracted schedule, up to 5 consecutive days. Children may not attend the program during the requested time off. If a child arrives, you will be charged, and the vacation credit will be voided. Please call 952-681-6128 or email kidssafari@isd271.org with questions.

  • PRESCHOOL SAFARI - How do I Withdraw my child from PRESCHOOL SAFARI?

    Withdrawal from the program requires: 

    1. A one-week written notice to the Administrative Office at kidssafari@isd271.org. 
    2. A telephone call to the Billing Department (952-681-6128) confirming your intent to withdraw. The weekly program fee will be charged for the one week following the date in which the Billing Department receives written notice. Payment in full is due upon withdrawal.

  • PRESCHOOL SCREENING - How do I set up an appointment to have my child complete the required Early Childhood Screening?

    You can log onto:  ecscreening.youcanbook.me

    OR call 952-681-6200.

  • SAFARI - How do I Change child's contract option (ie. from Drop-In to Consistent Schedule)?

    Contract Option Changes (for example: a change from Consistent Schedule to a Drop-In contract) require a one week's written notice via email to the Kids' SAFARI Administrative Office at: kidssafari@isd271.org with the new contract option and the needed days before &/or after school, if applicable.

    We're happy to make the change for you.  All changes incur a $10.00 per child contract change fee. If you have questions, please email kidssafari@isd271.org or call 952-681-6128.

  • SAFARI - How do I Change my child's Consistent Schedule contract?

    For Consistent Schedule contracts only:

    Permanent schedule changes (representing a new consistent pattern of attendance) require a one week's written notice via email to kidssafari@isd271.org with the new schedule days before &/or after school to the Kids' SAFARI Administrative Office.  

    You may also make a change request through your online account, however if we've already invoiced you for the month, the system won't let you make a change before the beginning of the next month.  If you need the change before the beginning of the next month, emailing us works best.  We'd be happy to make the change for you and then email you a revised invoice for the current month.  

    We require a one-week written notification. All changes incur a $10.00 per child contract change fee. If you have questions, please email kidssafari@isd271.org or call 952-681-6128.

    Please note that when you change your child's contract online and change the end date to some date other than the last day of school, it ends the contract on that date. Your contract will NOT automatically revert back to the schedule you had before the change.  If you want your child’s SAFARI contract to run through the end of the school year, you will need to go online and make a second change beginning with the day after the end date of your first change to the last day of school with the new schedule you need.

  • SAFARI - How do I manage Authorized Pickups?

    Authorized Pickups -- How to Add & Remove

    To add Authorized Pickups:

    • In upper right click on “Explore...”
      • Select Kids' SAFARI - in the blue box on the left
      • Select Account Management
      • Sign in
      • Under the grey “Account Management” in the upper left
      • Select the blue button “Manage Authorized Pickups”
      • Add the authorized pickup information

    When finished click on the blue button "Save Authorized Pickups".


    To remove Authorized Pickups by the Parent/Guardian:

    • Follow the above steps
    • Select the Red Minus button for the person you want to remove as an authorized pickup.

    When finished click on the blue button "Save Authorized Pickups".

  • SAFARI - How do I Register for Camp SAFARI or Super SAFARI?

    The information about Camp SAFARI and other SAFARI Summer programs is on our website. Please go to:

    www.kidssafari.org

    There is a chart for summer SAFARI programs listed on the middle of the page.

    The Family Handbook has lots of information and is located half way down the page.

    On the www.kidssafari.org page under Kids’ SAFARI, summer SAFARI registration will take you to the registration page.

    • Explore All Programs (upper right corner)
    • Select Camp or Summit SAFARI - in the blue box on the left
    • Select Registration, in the middle blue box
    • Sign In (if new, use your frequently checked email address and create a password you will need to remember)
    • Select “New Contract”
    • Select Your child or Add New Child
    • Choose and Verify Emergency Contacts or if none, then add them
    • Read the information box
    • Choose a Season (Camp SAFARI, Summit SAFARI, or Super SAFARI), you will need to register for each separately
    • Read the information box
    • Choose a Location
    • It will walk you through the rest step by step

    If your child is attending Summer School, or Extended School Year (ESY), as well as any Summer SAFARI program, please answer the question about other programs when you're filling out the contract.

    If you checked that you need childcare around one of the programs in the previous paragraph, after your contract is received you will receive an email, with a form attached, that you need to print off, fill out, sign and return to us via:

    Email the scanned pages of the form to: kidssafari@isd271.org or

    Fax: 952-681-6101 or

    Mail or Bring to Kids’ SAFARI administrative office:

    Kids’ SAFARI, 2575 W 88th St, Suite 200, Bloomington MN 55431

    Please note this must be returned to the SAFARI administrative office before your Kids’ SAFARI summer contract can be processed so that your child’s location for attendance (and billing) is correct for their safety.

    Then we will be moving your child(ren) to Extended Care for only the dates and time you selected.

    Please note that all invoices and communication will be via email.

    Invoices are emailed monthly.

  • SAFARI - How do I request a Vacation Credit since my child has a Consistent Schedule contract?

    Vacation Credit (applies to Consistent Schedule contract only)

    Vacation credit is available with a one-week written notice to the Administrative Office (email works: kidssafari@isd271.org), once per school year and once per summer for 3-5 consecutive days within a two-week time frame. Children may not attend the program during the requested time off. If a child arrives, you will be charged at the drop-in rate, and the vacation credit will be voided. Please call 952.681.6128 or email kidssafari@isd271.org with questions.

  • SAFARI - How do I request DROP-INs, Check if Drop-ins are approved, Remove Drop-ins before approval?

    To reserve drop-ins, go 

    bloomington.ce.eleyo.com

      • Click "Explore All Programs" in the upper right, then on the far left
      • Select Kids' SAFARI and in the center box, click on Account Management
      • log in to your account
    • You will see Buttons down the left side, under Account Management.
      • On the left, choose Register Drop-in Days
      • Follow the steps to get to the calendar where you choose the days you need care.
        • Be careful to watch for Before School or the After School section

      Be sure to click "Finish" at the bottom of the page.
      You will have to do this for each child.

    Drop-ins are accepted on a space-available basis and we cannot guarantee that space will be available.


    To check to see if Drop-ins have been approved:

    Here's how to check on your drop-ins online, go to:

    bloomington.ce.eleyo.com

    • click on the link “online account management”, then
    • In upper right click on “Explore...”
    • Select Kids’ SAFARI - in the blue box on the far left
    • Select Account Management
    • Sign in
    • On the upper right, under "Current and Upcoming Contracts" you'll see your child's name, to the very right click on the “>”

    You should see your child's schedule on the right and just below that are your Drop-in requests.

    If there is a red "x Remove" button on the right of the Drop-in date (am or pm), then your drop-in request has NOT be approved yet.

    If the "x Remove" button is gone, the site has approved your drop-in request


    To Remove Drop-in before it's been approved:

    When you're in your child's contract page (directions above), you should see your child's schedule on the right.

    • Just below their schedule are your Drop-In requests.
    • If there is a red "x Remove" button to the right of the Drop-in date (am or pm), then your drop-in request has NOT be approved yet. 
    • Click on the "x Remove" button to get rid of the drop-in request.
    • If the "x Remove" button is gone, the site has approved your drop-in request.

    Please note that no refunds are are available for canceling an approved Drop-in date per the Family Handbook near the bottom of the webpage www.kidssafari.org .

  • SAFARI - How do I request NON SCHOOL DAYS(NSDs), Check to see if NSDs are approve, Remove NSDs before approval?

    Information about Non-School Days on our portion of the District's website.

    Please go to www.kidssafari.org and half way down the page is a link to Non School Day information.  There are charts with the registration deadline dates and cancellation for 50% credit deadline dates.

    To Register for Non-School Days online, go to bloomington.ce.eleyo.com.

    • Under the red Kids' Safari heading, click on "online account management"
    • Click Explore All Programs in the upper right,
    • Then on the far left in dark blue box, Select Kids' SAFARI and i
    • In the middle blue box, select Account Management
    • log in to your account

    You will see Buttons down the left side, under Account Management.

    • On the left, choose Register Non School Days
    • Follow the steps to request Non School Days

    Be sure to click Finish at the bottom of the page.You will have to do this for each child.

    Non-school days are contracted separately via your online account. Contracts must be submitted on or before the date listed on our website in order to be registered for Non-school Days at the Early Bird or Guaranteed Rate. Charges are billed monthly.


    To check to see if Non School Days have been approved:

    Here's how to check on your Non School Days online, go to:

    www.kidssafari.org

    • click on the link “online account management”, then
    • In upper right click on “Explore All Programs”
    • Select Kids’ SAFARI - in the dark blue box on the left
    • Select Account Management  - in middle blue box
    • Sign in

    Under "Current and Upcoming Contracts" you'll see a box with your child's name & school, to the very right click on the “>”

    You should see your child's schedule on the right and just below that are your Non School Day requests.

    If the red "x Remove" button is on the right of the Non School Day date, then your Non School Days request has NOT be approved yet.

    If the "x Remove" button is gone, your Non School Days request has been approved.


    To Remove Non School Days before it's been approved:

    When you're in your child's contract page, you should see your child's schedule on the right.

    • Just below their schedule are your Non School Day requests.
    • If the red "x Remove" button is to the right of the Non School Days date, then your Non School Days request has NOT be approved yet.
    • Click on the "x Remove" button to get rid of the Non School Days request.
    • If the "pending approval" is gone, your Non School Day requests have been approved.

    Please note once the contract is approved, schedule changes and/or switching of days is not permitted. Please do not submit your Non School Days until you are sure of the dates care is needed. Vacation credit is not available per the Family Handbook near the bottom of the webpage www.kidssafari.org .

    "Cancellation of Non-School Days

    Non School Days may be cancelled for a 50% credit if requested in writing (email works) to the Administrative Office (kidssafari@isd271.org) by the deadlines listed on our website."

    If it's before the deadline, we can credit your account 50% of each date's tuition you want cancelled. To see the deadline dates, please go to: www.kidssafari.org

    • Off on the left side, highlighted in blue, under Kids' SAFARI is the
    • Non School Day Information page with a chart of the deadlines.

  • SAFARI - How do I request PICK YOUR DAY DATES for or make change for whole summer Camp SAFARI contract dates before the cut-off date?

    Please go to bloomington.ce.eleyo.com

    • In upper right click on "Explore All Programs"
    • Select Camp/Summit SAFARI in the blue box on far left
    • Select Account Management in the middle box
    • Sign in
    • Under "Current and Upcoming Contracts" (upper right) you'll see your child's name, to the very right click on the ">"
    • Select "Change Schedule" button and select the next month's dates.

  • SAFARI - How do I request PICK YOUR DAY DATES for the upcoming month - School Year contracts only

    For Pick Your Day contract only - to submit your monthly schedule of dates during your school year contract only. 

    Please note you need to email us if you want to change your contract option (for example:. from Drop-in to Consistent Schedule) :

    bloomington.ce.eleyo.com

    • In upper right click on “Explore All Programs”
    • In the dark blue box on the left - Select Kids’ SAFARI
    • In the middle blue box - Select Account Management
    • Sign in

    On the Right, Under "Current and Upcoming Contracts" see your child's name, to the very right click on the “>”

    Click on the “Change Schedule” button on the left, make your changes and

    ***Be sure to watch for the Before School or the After School section, so you select the times of the day you need childcare.

    Click on “Submit contract Schedule Changes”

    The $10 change fee does not apply to selecting Pick Your Day monthly dates.

  • SAFARI - How do I view my INVOICE details or print off my invoices?

    To see the details on your invoices, view payments or to obtain receipts for childcare reimbursement, please go to:

    • In the upper right click on “Explore All Programs”
    • Select “View your dashboard”
    • Sign in
    • Click on your child’s name under “Your Account”
    • On the lower right see "Recent Activity"
    • See all your Invoice numbers and payments by month
    • Click on “>” after you invoice number which shows the details
    • Click on Download (upper left) if you want a complete invoice (like in the mail) which includes our Federal ID # 

  • SAFARI - How do I WITHDRAW my child from Kids' SAFARI?

    Withdrawal from the Program 

    Withdrawal from the Kids’ SAFARI program requires: 

    1.  A one-week written notice to the Administrative Office. AND 
    2. Cancellation of your online contract. The weekly program fee will be charged for the one week following the date in which the Billing Department receives written notice (email to kidssafari@isd271.org works). Payment in full is due upon withdrawal. Please call 952.681.6128 or email kidssafari@isd271.org with questions.

Still have questions?

Feel free to contact us with what's on your mind.