Junior Explorers - Ages 3-5

Junior Explorers is a flexible, high-quality childcare program for preschool-aged children. Children enjoy a balance of structured and unstructured play with age-appropriate activities like stories, art and science projects, and outdoor play, all led by highly qualified staff.

Families may enroll in Junior Explorers only or combine it with Minnetonka Preschool for a full-day option. Staff escort children between programs and ensure continuous supervision. 

Junior Explorers is held Monday–Friday before and after school, opening at 6:30 AM during the school year (7 AM in summer) and closing at 6 PM. Non-school day care is available with registration. Children must attend on a consistent schedule of 2–5 days per week, at the same time increments, for a minimum of four weeks. Children must be toilet trained by age 4.

A non-refundable $100 registration fee per child is due at registration, along with a $100 deposit that will be applied to the first monthly invoice.

2026-27 Registration 

Registration accepted on a space available basis.
  • Summer 2026 Juniors Explorers now open
  • School Year 2026-27 Junior Explorers now open

Click here to join our email list and get updates on Explorers registration.

Wrap Community Ed activities into your child's day
Minnetonka Community Education offers a variety of enrichment and recreational activities that can be wrapped into your child’s day at the Minnetonka Community Education Center (MCEC). Your child can attend preschool, take a dance, gymnastics, music or language class and go to Junior Explorers childcare— all between drop-off and pick-up! Our staff will accompany children between each activity to ensure a safe, supervised transition.

 

Childcare Options Schedule Notes
Before Preschool 6:30-9 am

 

  • Includes a nutritious breakfast snack
After Preschool 3-6 pm

 

 
Opposite Preschool

 

6:30 am-12:30 pm
or 11:15 am-6 pm
  • Includes a nutritious snack
  • Send a bag lunch each day.
Half Day AM 6:30 am-12:30 pm
  • Includes a breakfast snack.
  • Send a bag lunch each day.
Half Day PM

 

Noon-6 pm
  • Includes a nutritious snack.
  • Send a bag lunch each day.
Full Day 6:30 am-6 pm
  • Care for days when your child is not in preschool.
  • May be combined with other Community Ed classes or activities (i.e. Tonka Dance Academy, Music, etc.).
Summer 6:30 am-6 pm
  • Care is available when school is not in session.
  • Ages 33 months (3 by September 1) - 4 years old by September 1

 

Registration Questions

Payment Questions

Program Questions

preschool students

 

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K-5 Explorers: Please note that there is a $100 registration fee per child, which is non-refundable.

Summer Explorers: Please note that there is a $50 registration fee per child, which is non-refundable.

Junior Explorers: Please note there is a $200 fee due at the time of registration approval. $100 of this fee is a non-refundable registration fee. The remaining $100 is a deposit for care that will be applied to your first months invoice as a credit.


Contact

Molly Bahneman
Coordinator
molly.bahneman@minnetonkaschools.org
952.401.6838
 
Kris Fasnacht
Enrollment & Billing
kristi.fasnacht@minnetonkaschools.org
952.401.6832
 

Minnetonka Community Education Center
4584 Vine Hill Road
Deephaven, MN 55331

Hours: 6:30 AM-6 PM weekdays

Additional Contacts by School



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