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
- Summer 2026 Juniors Explorers now open
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School Year 2026-27 Junior Explorers now open
Click here to join our email list and get updates on Explorers registration.
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
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| After Preschool | 3-6 pm
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| Opposite Preschool
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6:30 am-12:30 pm or 11:15 am-6 pm |
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| Half Day AM | 6:30 am-12:30 pm |
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| Half Day PM
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Noon-6 pm |
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| Full Day | 6:30 am-6 pm |
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| Summer | 6:30 am-6 pm |
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Registration Questions
- How do I register for Junior Explorers?
- Can my child attend Junior Explorers on a day not regularly scheduled (add-a-day)?
- How do I change my child’s Junior Explorers schedule?
How do I register for Junior Explorers?
Can my child attend Junior Explorers on a day not regularly scheduled (add-a-day)?
How do I change my child’s Junior Explorers schedule?
Payment Questions
- How much does Junior Explorers cost?
- Is tuition assistance available for Junior Explorers?
- How does billing work for Junior Explorers?
- How do I make a payment for Junior Explorers?
- How do I update my auto pay for Junior Explorers?
- Is there credit for illness or absence from Junior Explorers?
- How do I get copies of my invoices?
- Can I get a year-end summary of my Explorers payments?
How much does Junior Explorers cost?
Is tuition assistance available for Junior Explorers?
How does billing work for Junior Explorers?
How do I make a payment for Junior Explorers?
How do I update my auto pay for Junior Explorers?
Is there credit for illness or absence from Junior Explorers?
How do I get copies of my invoices?
Can I get a year-end summary of my Explorers payments?
Program Questions
- Where is Junior Explorers located?
- Is Junior Explorers an accredited childcare program?
- How will Junior Explorers teachers communicate with me regarding my child’s progress?
- Will the Junior Explorers children be taking naps?
- Does my child need to be toilet trained?
- How do I authorize new people to pick my child up from Explorers?
- Can my Junior Explorers child ride the bus to and from school?
- How does the lunch program work for my Junior Explorers child?
- Will my child have a snack at Junior Explorers?
- How does Junior Explorers handle children with food allergies?
- Is Junior Explorers in session on non-school days?
- What is your security system for parent/child pick-up?
- What if I am unable to pick up my child by 6 p.m.?
Where is Junior Explorers located?
Is Junior Explorers an accredited childcare program?
How will Junior Explorers teachers communicate with me regarding my child’s progress?
Will the Junior Explorers children be taking naps?
Does my child need to be toilet trained?
How do I authorize new people to pick my child up from Explorers?
Can my Junior Explorers child ride the bus to and from school?
How does the lunch program work for my Junior Explorers child?
Will my child have a snack at Junior Explorers?
How does Junior Explorers handle children with food allergies?
Is Junior Explorers in session on non-school days?
What is your security system for parent/child pick-up?
What if I am unable to pick up my child by 6 p.m.?


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
Minnetonka Community Education Center
4584 Vine Hill Road
Deephaven, MN 55331
Hours: 6:30 AM-6 PM weekdays