When Sean and Jennifer Martinson walked into their first Early Childhood Family Education class, they felt both excited and overwhelmed. 

The new parents wondered if they would fit in. Were they the only ones trying to navigate all that comes with parenthood? Did others have the same questions as them? These were similar to the questions Krista Jordan had when enrolling her children in school-age care. Would they make friends? Could they find connection? And even though she was an empty-nester, Rose Bitter experienced the same feelings and questions as she stepped onto the stage for her first community choir practice. “Will I belong?” she asked herself.

In a thriving community, belonging doesn’t happen by accident — it’s nurtured, practiced and intentionally woven into everyday experiences. That belief is at the heart of the opportunities offered through Eden Prairie Schools Community Education. At every stage of life, from the earliest learners to adults rediscovering passions, Community Education creates spaces where everyone can feel seen, valued and connected. Its message is simple but powerful: You belong here. 

Giving Families A Strong Foundation

For Eden Prairie’s youngest residents, early childhood programs are often their first introduction to the community. In classrooms filled with curiosity and laughter, children from a wide variety of backgrounds learn more than letters and numbers — they learn they are important members of a larger group of peers. Families, too, come together in these spaces, building relationships that extend beyond the classroom walls. It’s here that belonging begins, rooted in shared experiences and the reassurance that every child and caregiver is welcomed just as they are.

For many families like the Martinsons, the early years of parenting can feel both joyful and overwhelming. Navigating questions about child development, social skills and finding the right start for your child’s education can be daunting. In the case of the Martinsons, though, enrolling their two young children Sophie and Luke in Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) became a foundation for connection, confidence and belonging.

Their journey with Eden Prairie’s early childhood programs began during the pandemic, a time when many families were isolated and seeking community. Encouraged by relatives who had positive experiences, they enrolled in ECFE and quickly found something meaningful. What stood out immediately wasn’t just the programming for their children, but the environment created for caregivers. 

While children engaged in learning and played with an ECFE teacher, adults participated in guided discussions led by licensed parent educators. Weekly classes created a space where caregivers openly talked with others navigating similar stages of life. Honest conversations about sleep, nutrition, toddler behavior and emotional development weren’t just welcomed, they were encouraged. “It was a friendly, open forum to discuss issues we were facing,” the Martinsons shared.

Over time, those weekly conversations turned into lasting relationships. Through ECFE, the Martinson family got to know others whose children are now in the same grades, building a natural support system outside the classroom. Rather than a single defining moment, they said their sense of belonging grew steadily. It showed up in familiar faces, shared experiences and the comfort of knowing they weren’t navigating parenting alone. 

The program’s intentional focus on inclusion also fostered connection. Families are invited to reflect on their own upbringings, values and traditions, and how those shape their parenting. That benefits not only a family’s social relationships, but also its identity. The Martinson children gained important developmental skills in social confidence and transitions. Both Sophie and Luke became comfortable interacting with peers and separating from their parents, an essential step in preparing for preschool, PreK and kindergarten. That early exposure made school transitions smoother and more successful.

For the Martinsons, the growth they experienced was just as beneficial. “We feel we are stronger parents due to the support and validation offered by ECFE.” Access to research-based information, guidance from licensed staff and even one-on-one support during challenging moments gave them tools they could trust.

The goal is for every family to feel the same. Flexible learning options, evening and virtual sessions, outreach classes hosted throughout the community, one-time opportunities like community open houses and resource fairs all help reduce barriers some families experience so they can be connected and empowered during some of the most formative years of family life. Because raising young children was never meant to be done alone — and thanks to early childhood programs in Eden Prairie, it doesn’t have to be. 

Reliable Support, Remarkable Growth

As children grow and their needs change, Eden Prairie Schools offers many options for youth and their families to discover their interests and explore their place in the world. In EPIC enrichment classes, Eagle Zone before- and after-school care and the Eagle Express mobile classroom, young people gain new skills while building confidence. They learn to collaborate, appreciate diverse perspectives and make friends with people they might not otherwise get to know.

For the Jordan family, Eagle Zone became more than just a childcare solution — it is a place where their sons, Daniel and Luke, are genuinely known, welcomed and excited to be. Since joining Eagle Zone in 2019, the Jordans have experienced firsthand how small, consistent moments can create a lasting sense of belonging. Each morning, Daniel and Luke are greeted with a smile and by name. Those simple gestures made an impact. 

“It’s always a warm welcome,” Krista Jordan shared. “Those small but important moments really made them feel like the staff are happy to see them and to have them there.”

For the Jordan family, that consistency and care led to trust. Knowing their children are supported by staff who take time to understand them as individuals brings deep comfort. “As a parent,” Jordan reflected, “it’s incredibly reassuring to know my kids are cared for by people who truly see them, enjoy being with them and are both caring and trustworthy.” 

Eagle Zone has also helped Daniel and Luke grow their relationships in tangible ways. Through before-school care and summer programs, they’ve had opportunities to meet peers from a broader circle. “Because of this, they’ve made a lot of friends beyond just their school class,” Jordan explained.

For the Jordans, the impact of Eagle Zone extends beyond just the children. With busy and often unpredictable work schedules, the program’s flexibility has been essential for the entire family. “We really appreciate the hours, the flexible scheduling, and the ability to do drop-in days if our schedule changes,” Jordan said. “It’s been a wonderful option for childcare that works for our family.”

When reflecting on her kids’ experience, one thing stands out above all else: the people. “The people make the program great,” Jordan affirmed. “The leaders are responsive and reliable, and you can tell they put a lot of effort into getting to know not only the kids, but the families.” From remembering details like food allergies to creating a welcoming, engaging environment each day, the Eagle Zone team has turned a program into a community. And for Daniel and Luke, that community starts each morning with a sense that they belong.

Lifting Voices & Pursuing Passions

Into adulthood, Community Education offers something for everyone, no matter their age. From one-time cooking classes to ongoing language and exercise classes to classes that help people earn their GED, adult education provides people lifelong learning and a chance to reconnect — with interests, with neighbors and with themselves. In the midst of busy lives, these programs create space to explore new interests and meet new people. 

For Rose Bitter, joining the Prairie Sound Community Choir marked a return to something long missed. Bitter and her family moved to Eden Prairie in 1977, and she worked for Eden Prairie Schools for almost a decade. Her sons also attended EP, and with one heavily involved in the music program, Bitter was no stranger to the wonderful people and facilities that inspire students to explore their musical interests. “It’s been many years since I’ve belonged to a music group (hey, life gets busy!) and joining the EP choir has been wonderful,” she shared. 

What began as a personal challenge led to an unexpectedly fulfilling journey. “It’s been a challenge to strengthen my voice after all these years of not singing, but it’s also been very rewarding,” Bitter said. “The music we’ve been introduced to is meaningful and fun to sing. We have an enthusiastic director who has been willing to help expand my musical interests and knowledge.”

For Bitter, though, the impact of the choir extends far beyond music. “It’s fun to meet new people and to hear their stories,” she said, highlighting the camaraderie that defines the group. Prairie Sound is now a beloved gathering place for participants ranging in age from 23 to 75. For most of them, the choir is more than a class.

“It’s been great to be part of a singing group again!” Bitter said, beaming. The joy of rediscovering her voice, and her community, has changed her for the better. And she’s not alone. Prairie Sound shares that joy and promotes belonging through concerts open to the public and performances in the community – even sharing their talents with furry friends (and staff) in a recent visit to Mission Animal Hospital. 

They know, as do the participants and staff in Community Education programs ranging from birth to adulthood, that our community is better together. Better because each person can weave their thread into a larger tapestry, one that reflects the diversity, resilience and shared spirit of Eden Prairie. Better because when people feel they belong, communities flourish.