By Martha Smithson | Early Learning principal at the Warrior Early Learning Center

When it comes to first-rate early childhood education, I am proud to say that Brainerd is writing its own success story and am honored to be in my third year as principal for Early Learning. I personally grew up going to Early Childhood Family Education classes, and am a Brainerd grad that proudly started my own children with the Brainerd early childhood as infants. Early Childhood is the foundation of success for our children. I also have had the privilege of hearing from families, community members, and leaders who see the impact of Early Childhood firsthand.

Matt Killian, president of the Brainerd Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, stated, “As young parents, one of our best decisions was to get our son enrolled in Early Childhood Education. It gave him a ton of support and confidence to hit the ground running in Kindergarten. Any success he has today can be traced back to those wonderful teachers and staff. We should all be very proud of our programs here in the Brainerd Lakes Area.”

A community of support

Early Childhood in the Brainerd School District is like a vibrant umbrella covering four cornerstone programs: Special Education, Early Childhood Screening, Early Childhood Family Education, and Preschool. Together, these offerings create a strong and flourishing ecosystem for families.

What makes our work successful is how early support begins. My staff and I work with children and families from the very beginning — even before birth — and continue through the transition into kindergarten. Services look different for each child: sometimes it’s direct classroom learning, and other times it’s meeting with the youngest learners right in their own homes. No matter the setting, the goal is always the same: to meet families where they are and give every child the best possible start.

ECFE: Families belong here

At the heart of our system is Early Childhood Family Education, a program that helps families feel confident, connected, and supported in the early years of raising children. ECFE is open to children from birth through kindergarten and their caregivers.

Classes take place at the Warrior Early Learning Center, Nisswa Elementary School and across the community at special events. Infant and toddler sessions invite caregivers and little ones to learn and grow together. By around age 2, ECFE offers short periods of separation, where caregivers dive into parenting topics while children explore and play with peers.

The more experiences we can provide families through ECFE, the stronger the foundation we help build — for children’s learning, growth, and overall well-being. My biggest goal is simple: I want families to feel like they belong.

Preschool and beyond

With more than 400 children enrolled in our preschool program every year and 200 families connecting through ECFE, our early learning programs continue to grow. That reach is thanks to a dedicated team of educators and staff who bring both expertise and heart to the classroom.

For working parents, we also offer a before- and after-preschool child care program. Open 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday — even on non-school days — it provides children with a full day of learning, play, and friendship while giving families peace of mind. This option is available at both the Warrior Early Learning Center and Nisswa Elementary School.

Early learning is about joy as much as it is about academics. That’s why families are invited to participate in lively community events throughout the year, from the Monster Bash and Snow Much Fun to the annual Valentine’s Dance. These gatherings celebrate childhood, strengthen relationships, and keep learning fun.

The long-term payoff

Research backs up what Brainerd families already know: high-quality Early Childhood Education pays dividends. According to the National Education Association, children in strong programs are less likely to repeat grades, more likely to graduate, and more prepared socially and emotionally for school. Long-term, those benefits translate into higher earnings and healthier communities.

Killian also sees the economic case clearly. “From a business perspective, it’s common knowledge that Early Childhood has a big return of investment for both companies and communities,” he said. “The Federal Reserve Bank once did a study that said every dollar spent on Early Childhood Education returns 16 dollars back in public benefits. That sounds like a lot, but it makes sense when you think about it. We all tend to make better choices if we have positive experiences early in life.”

Local families echo that perspective. Dr. Peter Dunphy, retired from Essentia Health, shared that it was easy to recommend Brainerd’s programs to patients because of the overwhelming research in their favor. “These programs improve academic achievement and social-emotional development, reduce child abuse and crime, and increase graduation rates,” he told me.

His wife, Bev Dunphy, a former kindergarten and Early Childhood teacher, agrees. “We started ECFE with our own kids over 36 years ago. Now several of our grandchildren have gone through the program. The children who had a structured early learning experience came into kindergarten already familiar with lining up, taking turns, and solving problems. Those social skills made all the difference.”

Looking ahead

Brainerd’s Early Childhood programs are more than just a stepping stone to Kindergarten — they’re a launchpad for lifelong learning. With dedicated teachers, supportive families and a community that values the earliest years, we are helping our youngest Warriors grow with confidence, joy, and curiosity. We are here to partner with families in the most important years of a child’s life. Together, we’re building something lasting.

Enrollment for ECFE programs are currently open, with options to meet every family’s needs — morning, afternoon, evening, and even weekend classes. From family-style sessions with sibling care to child-only experiences, some include meals or snacks, and scholarships ensure cost is never a barrier.

In Brainerd, the future is already bright — and it starts with the youngest learners.