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Edina Public Schools restores 'Family' in early-learning center name, plans full-day summer childcare pilot
Summary
District leaders announced restoring the 'family' name to the early learning center to reflect broader services and unveiled plans to offer comprehensive wraparound childcare next summer from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; presenters said developmental screenings already reach more than 500 families annually.
At the Aug. 11 meeting the Edina Public Schools board heard a presentation announcing that the district's early learning center will restore "Family" in its name to emphasize family-facing services and community connections.
Dr. Anne Marie Leland, director of community education and strategic partnerships, introduced the presentation and said the change is intended to "restore our family center legacy and come full circle." She was joined by Kim Eiseley, assistant director of early learning, and Laura Pongsabath, early learning center manager, who discussed programs and services tied to the name change.
Kim Eiseley said the centers developmental screenings "serve over 500 families each year," and that for many families the screening between ages 3 and 4 is their first interaction with Edina Public Schools. Laura Pongsabath, referencing work by early learning specialist Afe Sagat, said the district is "gearing up to offer comprehensive childcare programming next summer from 07:30AM to 05:30PM," describing the service as wraparound care to better support families balancing work and childcare.
"Restoring family to our name isn't just symbolic. It really reflects our commitment to being a true community resource," Leland said.
Presenters framed the change as honoring a legacy family-center identity while expanding services, including developmental screenings, parent supports and summer childcare. Board members did not vote on the name change during the meeting; the segment was presented as "Excellence in Action" and intended to inform the board and public about program direction and planned pilots.
The presentation included a new logo and references to outreach and connections with families; presenters emphasized equity and access, noting families new to the community and those facing financial or scheduling challenges among the center's users.
