Preschool registration is now open for the 2026-2027 school year. Willmar Public Schools Preschool Willmar Public Schools Preschool serves children ages 3–5 and provides a high-quality, inclusion-based program intentionally designed to prepare every child for Kindergarten success. All 3-year-olds must be 3 years old on or before September 1, 2026. All 4-year-olds must be 4 years old on or before September 1, 2026. Our preschool program follows the district calendar and is led by highly qualified, Minnesota-licensed teachers and trained paraprofessionals. We use state-approved curriculum and standards to guide instruction and ensure children are building the foundational skills needed for lifelong learning. Our Mission & Approach At Willmar Public Schools Preschool, we believe early learning lays the foundation for future success. We are committed to: Building strong partnerships with families and the community Valuing diversity and inclusion in every classroom Creating safe, welcoming environments where all children belong Providing hands-on, play-based learning experiences that spark curiosity and creativity Through developmentally appropriate instruction, intentional teaching practices, and individualized support, we nurture the whole child—socially, emotionally, physically, and academically. We believe every child deserves a strong start. Our goal is for each preschooler to enter Kindergarten confident, capable, curious, and fully prepared to thrive. Please note that completing registration does not guarantee placement. A $25 non-refundable registration fee is required at the time of registration. If you are unable to pay this fee, you may register in person at Jefferson Learning Center, and the fee will be waived. If your child is currently receiving services through an IEP with the district, you do not need to complete the registration process. Please contact us if you have any questions, we look forward to welcoming your family!

Become certified with the American Red Cross.

Summer session #1: June 22-25 and 29-July 2, 2026 Summer session #2: July 6-9 and 13-16, 2026 Summer session #3: July 20-23 and 27-30, 2026 AquaTots: ages 1-4 (with parent/guardian) The purpose of this class is to provide a confidence-building experience while guiding adults in helping their child explore the aquatic environment through water play. Swim diapers are required in the pool for any children that are not yet potty trained. A parent, guardian, or household member (at least 15 years old) must accompany the child in the water. Session 1 2:35-3:00 PM S26-SWIM-AT-FS1-2:35 Session 2 2:15-2:40 PM S26-SWIM-AT-FS2-2:15 Session 3 11:40 AM-12:05 PM S26-SWIM-AT-FS3-11:40 Tadpole: ages 4+ This class introduces a child to a structured lesson with an emphasis on having a fun and fearless experience. They work on getting face wet, basic float techniques, rolling from front to back, and more. Safety skills include asking permission before entering the water and using a lifejacket. No prior swimming lessons required. Octopus: ages 4+ Students will work on the fundamentals of the front and back stroke using a combined arm/leg motion and learn to achieve independent floats. The desired outcome is for the student to be comfortable with less instructor assistance. Safety skills include calling for help, throwing assists, and treading water. Prerequisite: Must be comfortable putting face in the water while doing assisted front float. Jellyfish: ages 5+ Students continue to work on the front and back stroke, working toward swimming 10 yards with face in the water and without assistance. Safety skills include treading water and survival float. Prerequisite: Independent front and back float. Seal: ages 5+ Students will work on freestyle and backstroke with an emphasis on rotary breathing, body roll, and arm extension. Safety skills include using a lifejacket. Prerequisite: Be able to swim 10 yards independently with face in the water (no doggy paddle). Sea Otter: ages 6+ Students continue to refine freestyle and backstroke for the full length of pool and butterfly is introduced. Safety skills include learning how to help others in an emergency. Swordfish: ages 6+ Students continue to refine freestyle, backstroke, and butterfly. The breaststroke, open and closed turns are introduced. Safety skills include water safety concepts, treading water, and survival float. Unsure of your child's swimming skill? Let us help you determine the appropriate swim level for your child in our program. Please call 320-231-8492 for more information. Registering for a wait listed class does not guarantee you a spot. Our swim lessons are held at the Willmar Senior High School pool. Cancellations at least 5 business days prior to the first class will receive program refund less a $10 processing fee. Cancellations fewer than 5 business days prior to the start will receive a refund for half the class cost less a $10 processing fee. We reserve the right to adjust the length of classes, combine classes, or cancel classes with low enrollment. The pool will open 10 minutes prior to the lesson. no food in pool area participants should wear a swimsuit no swim masks that cover the nose or nose plugs, goggles that cover the eyes only are fine

Self-published or indie authors—this high-impact session gives you the insider playbook for marketing on a budget. Explore the fastest, smartest ways to grow your author platform, engage readers, leverage social media, organize book launches/signings, run ads, secure reviews, and other proven tactics to turn your book into a must-read and keep sales climbing. The instructor LeeAnne Krusemark is a former journalist, current author and editor, and a nationwide Professor of Publishing at higher learning institutions, including Harvard Adult Education. Informative handouts for future use are included in class fee. This is a virtual class. Participants must have audio and visual technology capabilities such as a laptop, tablet, or a smartphone.

The Bounce Back Project is focused on promoting health and resiliency. Our book reads allow us to share laughter and perspectives with one another as we learn to better understand ourselves, allow ourselves grace, and develop the courage to be who we are. Our June discussion will feature The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. Our August discussion will feature The Power of Bridging: How to Build a World Where We All Belong by John A. Powell. Books in various formats may be requested through the Pioneerland Public Library System online at https://www.pioneerland.lib.mn.us/ or by visiting your local library. Learn more about the Bounce Back Project™ and connect with the Willmar group HERE.

Step into the arena with Build & Battle Robotics (LEGO Edition), where creativity meets competition! Working in small teams, students will use LEGO robotics kits to design and build their own battling machines—whether it’s a powerful pusher, a clever wedge, or a spinning striker. Along the way, they’ll learn the engineering behind gearing, traction, and armor as they tweak and improve their designs. The camp culminates in fast-paced, ring-style matches that bring excitement and strategy to life. Packed with action and hands-on learning, this camp is the perfect way for kids to dive into robotics while having a blast in friendly, high-energy competitions!

If you are looking to learn or recertify in CPR, use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and help someone who is choking, then this hands-on class is for you. Upon successful course completion, students will be certified through the American Heart Association in adult/child and infant CPR. Don't wait! Learning CPR today could save a life tomorrow!

Cardinal Kids Preschool program will provide students the exposure to developmentally appropriate practices that are proven to better prepare children for Kindergarten. Program goals are for students to: *Develop pre-reading and pre-math readiness skills *Develop listening skills and self-help skills *Improve social skills * Improve fine and gross motor skills * Gain self confidence

Our mission is to provide a safe, caring, and fun environment for children that meets social, physical, and emotional needs through a variety of experiences and activities. We will encourage children to make positive choices while promoting self-awareness, fostering creativity, and providing leadership opportunities. We offer homework help, crafts, activities, organized physical activities, outside time, social opportunities, computer lab, science experiments, cooking projects, and so much more! Once a month, we collaborate with 4-H/University of Minnesota Extension to offer a fun alternative to our regular programming. We are open holiday breaks, during late starts and early releases, and on days when school is cancelled. All non-school days must be registered for separately. Refunds will not be given for pre-registered non school days. Your child will need to bring a home lunch. Morning and afternoon snack is provided. School Year Pricing (Price based on number of days) 1 day/week 2 days/week 3 days/week 4 days/week 5 days/week Morning $8.25 $16.50 $24.75 $33.00 $38.50 Afternoon $10.75 $21.50 $32.25 $43.00 $51.00 Non School Day $40.50 per day Drop in rate: $10.00 before school, $15.00 after school Summer Pricing (Price based on number of days) 1 day/week 2 days/week 3 days/week 4 days/week 5 days/week Full Day Rate—$40.50/day Drop in rate: $45.00/day $40.50 $81.00 $121.50 $162.00 $202.50 Summer School Rate—$25/day $25.00 $50.00 $75.00 $100.00 **A membership fee of $25.00 needs to be submitted with your registration form to guarantee a spot in Cardinal Place. Cardinal Place will submit vouchers to Kandiyohi County if you qualify for assistance. County co-payments are due bi-weekly on Thursday of the current county billing period. You will be considered self pay until we receive your contract. Family Handbook

Children must be registered with Cardinal Place in order to attend any field trips. Movie Theater - All Groups$5.00June 15th, 2026Bus departs @ 9:15 amReturns @ 11:45 am Pine Grove Zoo - All Groups$10.00July 10th, 2026Bus departs @ 7:30 amReturns home @ 4:30 pm Movie Theater - All Groups$5.00July 13th, 2026Bus departs @ 9:15 amReturns @ 11:45 am Great River Children's Museum - Group 1 & 2$10.00July 16th, 2026Bus departs @ 7:00 amBus loads for Munsinger @ 11:45Returns home @ 4:00 pmAirMaxx - Group 3 & CIT'S$15.00July 16th, 2026Bus departs @ 7:30 amReturns home @ 4:00 pmPaul Bunyan Land - Group 1 & 2$20.00August 14th, 2026Bus departs @ 7:30 amReturns home @ 5:30 pmItasca State Park - Group 3 & CIT's$10.00August 14th, 2026Bus departs @ 6:30 amReturns home @ 5:30 pm

These courses are not full, please click into the featured courses below for more information! To register for Behind The Wheel (BTW) with Willmar Community Education, students must have successfully completed 30 hours of Driver’s Education Classroom training. The Certificate of Completion from the classroom course must be provided at the Community Education office along with a $300 fee in order to register and receive a blue card. A blue/e-card is required for students to take the permit test at the Driver’s License Exam Station. Once you have passed the permit test, please call Pam at 320-231-8492, ext. 6335 to report your Driver ID #. Students must practice driving a minimum of 10 hours with a parent/guardian before their first BTW driving session. BTW registration fee is non-refundable. Missed or cancelled driving lesson will incur a $50 fee and require rescheduling that driving lesson. Unused BTW driving lessons are non-transferable. We offer a driver training program approved by the State of Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Our instructor is a licensed school teacher with special certification in driver education from the state of Minnesota. How To Get Your Driver License (ages 15-17) Classroom Instruction: Students are eligible to register and attend the classroom portion of the training program. You must attend all 30 hours of the training to be eligible for the next step of training. The Blue/e-card: After completing 30 hours of classroom training, you will receive a certificate of completion that you must provide when registering for Behind the Wheel (BTW) instruction. You must be registered for a BTW program in order to receive the blue/e-card. Get Your Driving Permit: Arrange for the permit test independently at a Minnesota Drivers and Vehicle Services location. You will need the blue/e-card, appropriate ID, your social security number, corrective lenses (if needed), and payment for the permit test fee. Notify the Community Education office when you have received your permit. Practice: You will need to practice driving. Minnesota law requires a student to have a permit for six months and maintain a driving log. The driving log must be submitted at the time of the road test. You must practice driving a minimum of 10 hours before your first BTW driving lesson with the instructor. Complete BTW Instruction: BTW consists of one instructor and one or two students in a school district vehicle. After completion of the required six hours, you will receive a white/e-card necessary for the license test. Road Test: Schedule the road test at a Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services location. Students must be 16 years old to take the road test. Bring your white/e-card, driving log, proof of insurance, fee, permit, social security number, and corrective lenses (if needed).