Cardinal Place is the before/after school program located within the Willmar Public Schools. We currently have three sites – at Kennedy Elementary School, Roosevelt Elementary School, and Lakeland Elementary School.
Promoting families healthy growth and development through education, support and community building.
School Readiness preschool is a program for families with children 3 to 5 years old. Parents do not attend class with their child. However, they are required to be involved with the program. Many opportunities are available for families.
Become certified with the American Red Cross.
Willmar Community Education offers private or semi-private swimming instruction for all ages and ability levels. These lessons are 30 minutes in length and geared toward specific goals of each student.
Willmar Community Education swim lesson curriculum.
These classes are for children who are 4 by September 1, 2017
F.R.E.D. Families Reading Every Day. Children will discover a world of learning and friendship in our preschool classroom.
These classes are geared for parents and children under the age of 1.
These classes are for families with children from birth to pre-kindergarten.
In-person or online classes for parents.
Time to join other families for a special day far or near.
A Saturday morning of fun for children up to age 6 and their parents.
Summer session #1: June 17-18, 20-21 and 24-27, 2024
Summer session #2: July 8-11 and 15-18, 2024
Summer session #3: July 22-25 and 29-August 1, 2024
AquaTots: ages 1-4 (with parent/guardian)
The purpose of this class is to provide a confidence-building experience while guiding adults in helping their child explore the aquatic environment through water play. Swim diapers are required in the pool for any children that are not yet potty trained. A parent, guardian, or household member (at least 15 years old) must accompany the child in the water.
Tadpole: ages 4+
This class introduces a child to a structured lesson with an emphasis on having a fun and fearless experience. They work on getting face wet, basic float techniques, rolling from front to back, and more. Safety skills include asking permission before entering the water and using a lifejacket. No prior swimming lessons required.
Octopus: ages 4+
Students will work on the fundamentals of the front and back stroke using a combined arm/leg motion and learn to achieve independent floats. The desired outcome is for the student to be comfortable with less instructor assistance. Safety skills include calling for help, throwing assists, and treading water. Prerequisite: Must be comfortable putting face in the water while doing assisted front float.
Jellyfish: ages 5+
Students continue to work on the front and back stroke, working toward swimming 10 yards with face in the water and without assistance. Safety skills include treading water and survival float. Prerequisite: Independent front and back float.
Seal: ages 5+
Students will work on freestyle and backstroke with an emphasis on rotary breathing, body roll, and arm extension. Safety skills include using a lifejacket. Prerequisite: Be able to swim 10 yards independently with face in the water (no doggy paddle).
Sea Otter: ages 6+
Students continue to refine freestyle and backstroke for the full length of pool and butterfly is introduced. Safety skills include learning how to help others in an emergency.
Swordfish: ages 6+
Students continue to refine freestyle, backstroke, and butterfly. The breaststroke, open and closed turns are introduced. Safety skills include water safety concepts, treading water, and survival float.
Unsure of your child's swimming skill? Let us help you determine the appropriate swim level for your child in our program. Please call 320-231-8492 for more information. Registering for a wait listed class does not guarantee you a spot.
Our swim lessons are held at the Willmar Middle School pool. Please access the Middle School pool by entering through door #22 on the east side of building (facing football field), then go up the steps to pool entrance.
