StoryEarly Learning and Family Center ReportJune 3, 2026

Edina Public Schools Unveils Vision for Future Early Learning and Family Center

Published Jun 3, 2026

Edina Public Schools officials presented a comprehensive report on the future of the Early Learning and Family Center (ELFC) during a recent school board work session. The presentation, led by Dr. Annmarie Linglin, the district’s Director of Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships, outlined a strategic vision to elevate the district’s early childhood programming and solidify the center's role within the broader educational landscape.

It's been a pleasure working alongside the ELFC team and the many different voices and partners who have added to the idea of taking our outstanding staff and programming to another level by positioning the new ELFC as the destination for upcoming families and the foundational cornerstone for the district.
— Dr. Annmarie Linglin, Director of Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships

As part of the update, district leaders addressed evolving facility needs and clarified the instructional philosophy guiding the program. Kim Elsley, Assistant Director of Early Learning, noted that current classrooms are at capacity, fueling the need for a modern facility that reflects the district's commitment to high-quality early education.

Edina has a strong need to create a continuum of excellence that we're very proud of here and we are just asking for a building that reflects our rich play-based learning community.
— Kim Elsley, Assistant Director of Early Learning

Clarifying Curriculum and Community Expectations

During the discussion, administrators addressed community feedback regarding the pedagogical approach at the center. Elsley clarified that previous discussions concerning 'nature-based' programming had caused some confusion. She emphasized that the district’s goal is to embed access to nature into a research-based curriculum that aligns with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) standards.

Other Topics from This Document

Elementary Acceleration Plan Update

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Areas of Interest (15)

The district is reviewing its elementary acceleration plan, which impacts gifted students in math and reading.

Concerns raised about transparent communication and consistency across elementary sites regarding gifted programs.

The district is exploring ways to increase rigor in first and second grades for gifted students.

Social-emotional support for students transitioning in and out of flexible grouping in gifted programs is a focus.

A significant cultural shift is needed to normalize flexible grouping and address anxiety around perceived 'special' classes.

The district is developing a 'Ready Set Kindergarten' program, potentially to retain families and attract new ones.

The district has a deliberate philosophy against specialized elementary schools, prioritizing E-12 continuum and social-emotional well-being.

A new Early Learning and Family Center is envisioned as a cornerstone for the district, aiming to increase enrollment and retention.

Investment in early childhood education is highlighted for its significant financial return ($7-$13 per dollar invested).

The term 'nature-based' was clarified to mean 'access to nature' and embedding nature into STEAM-aligned curriculum for the ELC.

The district is at capacity for its current early learning classrooms, indicating strong demand.

Measuring the success of the elementary acceleration plan through concrete outcomes and tracking student participation over time is crucial.

Student agency and having a voice in their educational path is becoming increasingly important in program design.

The district emphasizes 'right fit' and 'right time' for students in accelerated programs, focusing on social-emotional needs.

There is a need to clearly communicate the district's unique value proposition for its early learning and elementary programs.

Notable Quotes (15)

As we begin, I just want to make sure that we ground that the update in the is in the the holding view is in the broader scope of our work. Um the academic acceleration is one critical component of the comprehensive Edina Talent Development Framework, designed in tight alignment with our vision and our mission.
— Jody B. Saint Hubert

Elementary Acceleration Plan UpdateIntroducing the update on the elementary acceleration plan.

Um the goal really was to continue um the excellence that Edina is known for. And we wanted to um take a look at what um Edina is doing well within their talent development program, or also kind of be open to looking at those opportunities that we have to continuously improve.
— Deb Richards

Elementary Acceleration Plan UpdateProviding an overview of the review of the talent development program.

Um a need for more robust and like transparent communication about like what we do and why we do it. Um stronger consistency between the elementary sites. Um increased opportunities for first and second grade in rigor to be added, and um more targeted social emotional support for kids um transitioning in and out of in that flexible grouping.
— Aaron Ash

Elementary Acceleration Plan Update

People (15)

Jody B. Saint HubertDirector of Teaching and Learning

Introduced to present the year-end update on the elementary acceleration plan.

Deb RichardsTalent Development Coordinator

Collaborated on the audit of accelerated math and reading practices and provided an overview of the review.

Aaron AshTalent Development Teacher at Countryside

Represented TD teachers and shared areas for continuous improvement outlined in the report.

Chair Day BlairChair

Presided over the work session and facilitated discussions.

Superintendent BittmanSuperintendent

Attended the work session.

THE EDINA RECORDER

Edina Public Schools Unveils Vision for Future Early Learning and Family Center

Clarifying Curriculum and Community Expectations

Other Topics from This Document

Elementary Acceleration Plan Update

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Areas of Interest (15)

Votes (1)

Notable Quotes (15)

People (15)

Places Mentioned

Events & Meetings (3)

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