South St. Paul Early Learning Programs (ECFE & Community Preschool)

South St. Paul Early Learning Programs (ECFE & Community Preschool) offers family classes and activities that include open play time, sensory experiences, songs, stories, and group play time. Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) classes are for children and their parent to attend together and include time for adult discussion about common issues that arise while raising a child. Preschool programs for children ages 3 and 4 provide a more independent learning experience away from their family and introduce academics through thoughtful play experiences, and Early Childhood Screening at age three provides free personalized information about a child's learning and growth and information about programs and services.

• Ages: 0–5 years old
• Schedule: Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) classes are scheduled throughout the day and evenings.

ECFE classes are taught by licensed teachers who specialize in early childhood. SSP Community Preschool classes encourage children to develop social and emotional skills including self-control/self-regulation, problem solving, safety and respect for others, and teachers use Conscious Discipline strategies to nurture social and emotional skills. Staff have developed “I CAN” statements for children from birth to kindergarten, aligned with state standards and school district benchmarks. The program’s mission is to strengthen families through education and support for all parents and to provide the best possible environment for the healthy growth and development of their children through research-based instructional/learning strategies.

The South St. Paul Early Learning Programs leadership team includes Jeanne Zehnder, Director of Community Education and Early Learning; Kristen Sammartano Weeks, Early Learning Coordinator; and Lu Campbell, Early Learning Administrative Assistant. The SSP Early Learning Advisory Council is made up of early learning/ECFE parents, staff and community members and supports Early Learning programs such as Preschool and ECFE through program planning, development and support, public relations, outreach activities, volunteer efforts, and fundraising; the council provides free childcare during each of the ELAC meetings and allows babies under 3 months in the meetings. According to South St. Paul Early Learning Programs, “Kindergarten teachers appreciate the skills that our preschool graduates bring with them to the ‘big kids’ classrooms!” and “Parents are their children's first and most important teacher and ECFE staff are here to support you.”

Last updated June 28, 2026.