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Early Learning

two girls with facepaint

Our Mission & Philosophy

Orono Early Learning programs strive to provide every child with a valuable, safe and developmentally appropriate learning experience. In developing young minds, we recognize the importance of collaboration among parents and teachers and therefore we cultivate open, mutually respectful and communicative relationships with parents. We build a solid foundation for each child’s school and life success by helping them gain key social, emotional, academic, physical and creative skills as outlined by the Minnesota Early Childhood Indicators of Progress standards. By holding ourselves to high standards of excellence, we can help each child develop a love for learning which they will keep with them far beyond their Orono Schools experience.

Discovery Center Early Learning Programs are part of the Orono Community Education Department of the Orono School District. The program does not discriminate based on race, color, creed, national origin or religion.

Program Goals & Standards

Our goal is to provide a safe, caring place where each child can enjoy creative learning activities that provide a feeling of success. Our play-based approach utilizes the Creative Curriculum to support learning in the areas of personal and social development, language and literacy, mathematical thinking, scientific thinking, social studies and physical development.

 To accomplish our goals, we adhere to the following standards:

  • Early Childhood Family Education and School Readiness statutes

  • Department of Human Services guidelines for child care centers under Rule 3, Chapter 9503

  • Orono Public School and Community Education Department policies and procedures

  • Four-Star Parent Aware Rating best practices

  • National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Accreditation Standards

Contact Us

Discovery Center
5050 Independence Street
Maple Plain, MN 55359
952-746-5895
earlylearning@orono.k12.mn.us

2024-2025 School Year

parent and child

ECFE

Parent-child classes that focus on early childhood development while supporting and strengthening families.

More info on ECFE

preschool child

Preschool

Minnesota Department of Education School Readiness program for ages 2 1/2 - 5 taught by licensed teachers.

More info on Preschool

child playing in gym

Discovery Kids Child Care

Year-round, full-day licensed child care for ages 6 weeks - PreK.

More info on Discovery Kids

child with a snack

Clubhouse & Add-Ons

Multi-age programs designed to extend your child's day. 

More info on Clubhouse and Add-Ons


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Accreditations & Ratings


The Backyard

Orono Early Learning has a wonderful nature-based outdoor learning space that we like to call “The Backyard." There are numerous benefits of outdoor experiences for young children. Components of nature-based learning and use of The Backyard space are integrated into all of our programs. 

For more information on outdoor and nature-based learning, visit the Minnesota Department of Education site.

outdoor nature based classroom