Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
EBE is located at 15033 Highway 13 South, Suite 2000 in Prior Lake, MN. Call 952-226-2013 for more information.
Is EBE a childcare center or a preschool?
Both. We have a license through the State of Minnesota as a childcare center because of our students’ ages and EBE hours of operation. However, we maintain a rigorous full-day educational curriculum and offer much more than daycare.
Please see our specific Toddler and Preschooler programs for an example of a typical day.
Do one or both parents need to speak Spanish in order for a child to learn Spanish?
None at all! We expect that most of our students will have had little or no access to Spanish language instruction when they enter El Bosque Encantado.
At the same time, children that already speak Spanish, or are in various stages of language acquisition, will also benefit from attending.
Will my child understand what the teachers are saying?
In a word, yes, they will. Children’s brains—unlike ours—are hard-wired to acquire language, and even though it sounds strange, they will quickly pick up on what is being said to them. Initially, they will rely on contextual clues, actions, songs, inflection and pictures, but very quickly they will begin to understand words and syntax.
Young children do not have the same inhibitions that teens and adults have and typically speak out with little fear of making mistakes. Children absorb a second language much more naturally and with excitement, which is one of the joys of teaching them!
Will learning Spanish negatively impact my child’s ability to learn English?
In most cases, learning another language enhances a child's ability to communicate in English. Children can learn much about English by learning the structure of other languages. Common vocabulary also helps children learn the meaning of new words in English.
Experimental studies have shown that no long-term delay in native English language development occurs in children participating in second language classes, even in full immersion programs.
Is any English spoken in the immersion classroom?
Only very small amounts of English are spoken to the children in the classrooms. Teachers will speak a little English when the children are new, and we will also use students with a high level of fluency to help new students. We expect that parents of our students will reinforce English education at home. English will also be spoken in times of emergency or distress for the kids.
All of our teachers speak English and will understand when the children speak to them in English. However, teachers will respond in Spanish.
What type of curriculum does the school offer?
We offer a custom curriculum designed by our staff that uses a thematic approach and is based on best practices for Early Childhood Education. See Our Programs for more information.
What is a typical class size?
Our ratio in the Toddler classes is one teacher to seven students, with the largest class size at 14 students and two teachers. Our ratio in the Preschool classes is one teacher to 10 students, with the largest class size at 20 students and two teachers.
These ratios are mandated by the state and we will never exceed them.
What are your hours?
Hours are 7:00 a.m. - 5:45 p.m., Monday through Friday. Pick-up times must be observed without exception. A late fee of $3 per minute will be assessed for each minute after 5:45 p.m. that a child is left in our care.
What are your teachers’ qualifications?
All teachers at El Bosque Encantado are native Spanish speakers and have met the teaching requirements set by the state of Minnesota for Early Childhood Educators. They have degrees from either their home country or an accredited institution in the United States.
Additionally, our teachers and staff have:
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passed background checks through the Minnesota Department of Health and Human Services
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been certified in First Aid and CPR, and
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completed 40 hours of continuing education per calendar year
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passed an FBI fingerprint background check
Please ask to see the teacher credentials book in our office for more specific information.
Are all employees given a background check?
Yes. Any individual that is employed by El Bosque Encantado and works in the facility, or who will spend time at El Bosque Encantado, is thoroughly background-checked through the state of Minnesota.
Do you offer both part-time and full-time options?
Yes. Please know that part-time students must select their regular days of attendance at enrollment, and change requests must be made at least two weeks in advance. We cannot guarantee requested changes due to other families' needs; however, we will do our best.
Do you offer half-day options?
No, we do not. Half days are an ineffective and non-holistic way to learn another language. Full-day programs enable children to use the language in a natural school setting, and enjoy the full benefits of the richness and depth of the curriculum.
Do you have Spanish classes for parents?
Since the Prior Lake - Savage Community Education offers these classes, we have decided not to offer Spanish classes for parents. Please call 952-226-0000 for info on their classes.