The renovation of the Minnehaha Elementary School in Two Harbors has led to a new Early Childhood Education wing of the building. There, Little Agates Preschool is housed. An early childhood education program offered through Community Education and part of the Lake Superior School District, Little Agates is for 3 and 4 year olds. The 3’s preschool program meets Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday mornings, and the 4’s program has both morning and afternoon session options Monday through Thursday.
“We’re thrilled with our new learning space—it’s designed with young children and families in mind. Being together in one dedicated area fosters a strong sense of community and creates more opportunities for learning, social interaction, and school readiness,” Little Agates Preschool teacher Jennifer Koehler commented on the new wing of the Minnehaha. She continued, saying that the preschoolers “benefit from exploring the building, becoming familiar with key areas and staff, and practicing everyday skills like using lockers.” The new space also gives children who plan to attend the Minnehaha an introduction to school life and “eases the transition into Kindergarten,” Koehler added.
The preschool program is play-based and focuses on building good social-emotional development, cognitive skills, and Kindergarten readiness. “Learning is hands-on and engaging, with plenty of time for exploration and creativity,” Koehler explained. Little Agates educators are experienced in early childhood education and have a “deep knowledge” of child development. The 3’s teacher is Heidi Selvog, and the 4’s teacher is Jennifer Koehler.
Families can enroll in Little Agates Preschool through the Community Education website at https://lakesuperiorcomed.ce.eleyo.com/ . While there is a tuition cost, several financial assistance options are available on the Community Education site to increase accessibility to all families.
“Our preschool programs provide a high-quality educational experience tailored to young learners. Our teachers bring years of experience and a strong commitment to creating a positive, enriching environment for every child. The lead educators have invested significant time in professional development, including training in the LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) strategy—an approach that will also be implemented in the elementary grades, ensuring a consistent foundation for literacy development,” Koehler concluded. “We’re proud of the nurturing, engaging environment we’ve created at Little Agates and look forward to welcoming new families. It’s a wonderful place for children to learn, grow, and begin their educational journey with confidence.”
