MAPSEarlyLearning

08/26/2026

Consistent morning goodbyes help children feel secure and ready to start their day. Keep it short and simple. Try a special hug, a high-five, or a short phrase each morning at drop off to build a positive routine that makes transitions smoother for everyone!

08/18/2026

🌟 MAPS Early Learning offers a weekly Newborn Discovery Class – A Special Space for New Parents! 🌟
Are you a new parent looking for support, connection, and expert guidance? Join our FREE Newborn Discovery class! 👶
📅 Wednesdays | 9:00 – 10:30 AM
📍 Center for Learning, 15 Map Dr., Mankato, MN 56001
This class is designed for parents and caregivers with newborns aged 0-12 weeks. Meet other families, get support from a licensed parent educator, public health nurse, and lactation specialist, and navigate the early weeks of parenthood together! No registration is required—just drop in!

08/15/2026

🌿 Getting Ready for a New Year of Outdoor Learning! 🌱

Our School Forest and Prairie are getting a fresh look as we prepare for an exciting new school year! We’re excited to have new interpretive signs throughout these outdoor learning spaces, giving students and visitors opportunities to learn more about the plants, wildlife, ecosystems, and natural features all around them.

These spaces are more than just beautiful places to explore—they’re classrooms without walls! 🌻🦋🌳

We can’t wait to welcome students and watch them explore, discover, ask questions, and learn in nature all year long. Our outdoor learning spaces are getting ready… and we’re just getting started!

Funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). We are grateful that the legislative subcommittee (LCCMR) has awarded two more years of funding 2026-2028 to continue our collaboration.💚

08/14/2026

Starting the school day with a healthy breakfast helps your child stay focused, alert, and ready to learn. Pairing foods like whole-wheat toast or eggs with fresh fruit keeps their blood sugar balanced so they stay energized until lunch. Avoiding sugary options prevents mid-morning crashes, helping your child have a successful day at school.

08/05/2026

School is almost here! Help your child succeed by resetting night and morning routines now. Aim for 8-10 hours of sleep by keeping bedtimes and wake-up calls consistent. Predictable routines build a rested, ready-to-learn student!

08/05/2026

The Mankato Mixed Delivery Community of Practice is hosting a FREE event- "Building Community Around Early Childhood" on Tuesday, September 15th from 6:00-8:30 at the Children's Museum of Southern MN.

This event is focused on and open to anyone supporting children and families in any capacity. Light dinner and refreshments will be available.

Please Register here by September 9th:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=9xn3yN_RiEq4Gs1ONY0rSuRfSYnBVx9IrFa2ydNYp3lUMTRBMlhURkpCODVTMEVTMzdQMzNNMlM4Mi4u&route=shorturl

08/03/2026

Is your student heading off to kindergarten this fall? Community Education offers ACES- a certified child care program before and after school. There is still availability for mornings and afternoons at all 10 elementary schools. The school year is right around the corner so make sure to get registered today!

We have Morning + Afternoon care available at all 10 elementary schools!
Opening at 6:30am and closing at 6:00pm, school will be here soon...

07/29/2026

Making mistakes and messy exploration are important parts of the learning process. Provide children with simple tasks, choices, and chances to make decisions. By trusting their abilities and letting them try things on their own, you help them build the confidence and skills they need to succeed.

07/29/2026

✨️ Our One Stop Shop is back! ✨️
Join us on Tuesday, August 4, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mankato East High School. Families are welcome to stop by anytime during the event. No appointment is needed!
This event is open to ALL Mankato Area Public Schools families, including families enrolling new students and current MAPS families. Whether your student attends school on the east side, west side, or anywhere else in the district, everyone is welcome. Mankato East High School is simply where we're hosting the event!
Stop by for help with:
✔️ Enrolling new students
✔️ Returning family census verification
✔️ Address changes (verification is required)
✔️ Grades 6 to 12 sports registration
✔️ Educational benefits applications
✔️ ECFE and Community Education registration
Our staff will be available throughout the day to answer questions, provide support, and help you get everything ready for the new school year.
We look forward to welcoming families from across the district!

✨️ Our One Stop Shop is back! ✨️

Join us on Tuesday, August 4, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mankato East High School. Families are welcome to stop by anytime during the event. No appointment is needed!
This event is open to ALL Mankato Area Public Schools families, including families enrolling new students and current MAPS families. Whether your student attends school on the east side, west side, or anywhere else in the district, everyone is welcome. Mankato East High School is simply where we're hosting the event!

Stop by for help with:
✔️ Enrolling new students
✔️ Returning family census verification
✔️ Address changes (verification is required)
✔️ Grades 6 to 12 sports registration
✔️ Educational benefits applications
✔️ ECFE and Community Education registration

Our staff will be available throughout the day to answer questions, provide support, and help you get everything ready for the new school year.
We look forward to welcoming families from across the district!