Friendship Connection gives children time to socialize, develop skills, work on discovery projects and participate in relaxing activities. Because every child has special and unique needs, we strive to work with families to create an atmosphere that encourages growth. The partnership between parent, child, school and staff is key to our success.

The Board of Education and our communities have adopted the following Community Values: Respect for Self and Others, Honesty and Integrity, Compassion, Responsibility, Commitment, Valuing Families, Sense of Community.

As part of this philosophy, our staff ensures high quality care, safety, nurturing and enrichment for your children. We make certain that all of our staff (Site Leaders, Activity Leaders, and Assistants) meet the proper formal educational and experience requirements required by the School Board and the State of Minnesota. In addition, our highly qualified staff must formally demonstrate the following qualities before becoming a part of Friendship Connection: care and respect for children, an ability to relate well to children, sound judgment, dependability and cooperation with others.


Family Handbook


Please review our family handbook to learn more about our program. You will find information about our registration process, policies and procedures, enrollment options, billing and payments, staffing, accommodations and much more.


Staff/Student Ratio


To ensure quality and compliance, we staff our sites in accordance with Minnesota Laws and School Board Policy:

1 staff person per 12 Kindergartners
1 staff person per 15 children for grades 1 - 6

Quality School-Age Care


Friendship Connection follows the National Standards for Quality School-Age Care. We continually evaluate our program based on the following: Human Relationships, Indoor and Outdoor Environment, Activities, Safety, Health and Nutrition, Administration.


Fees


Making quality child care affordable is one of our top priorities. Friendship Connection is funded solely by tuition payments. For families that have financial limitations, we provide information about financial assistance programs and payment arrangement plans.


Parent Advisory Council


An informal parent advisory council meets monthly to discuss policy and program issues. The council supports the continued growth, quality and success of Friendship Connection. We welcome all parents and encourage them to attend these meetings.


Registration Process (click here for registration materials)
March is registration month for both summer and fall sessions. Registrations are open to all members of the community. Currently enrolled families receive priority. We encourage new families to visit a site. To schedule a visit or to receive registration material, stop by your school's Friendship Connection room or call 651-604-3505.


Hours

Friendship Connection is open from 6:30 AM to 6 PM, Monday - Friday, providing care before and after school. We also offer a mid-day child care program for kindergartners during the school year.

Non-School days / Summer Care
Child care is provided on non-school days and during the summer, except major holidays. Participants will receive special notice requesting preregistration for non-school days. Also, all Friendship Connection sites are closed for two weeks during the summer; alternate care will need to be found.


Transportation / Bus


Parents are responsible for their children's transportation to and from Friendship Connection.