The Advisory Council meets monthly. We meet virtually using Google Meet. The meeting agenda and join link for any meeting is posted to our News page a couple days before the meeting.

2022-2023 Meetings:

• Tuesday, August 9, 2022, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

• Tuesday, September 13, 2022, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

• Wednesday, October 12, 2022, 7:30-9:00 p.m.

• Wednesday, November 9, 2022, 7:30-9:00 p.m.

  **no meeting in December**

• Wednesday, January 11, 2023, 7:30-9:00 p.m.

• Wednesday, February 8, 2023, 7:30-9:00 p.m.

• Wednesday, March 8, 2023, 7:30-9:00 p.m.

• Wednesday, April 12, 2023, 7:30-9:00 p.m.

• Wednesday, May 10, 2023, 7:30-9:00 p.m.

• Wednesday, June 14, 2023, 7:30-9:00 p.m.

  **no meeting in July**

2022-2023 Events:

Playground Playdate at Pond Center
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
5:00-6:30 p.m.
Pond Center in Bloomington
All ELS families are invited to attend this free playdate on the Pond Center playground! Come play, enjoy snacks, bubbles and chalk, and learn more about our parent-led Advisory Council.

ECSE Connect Welcome Event
Saturday, October 8, 2022
10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Augsburg Park in Richfield
Have a child with a developmental delay or disability? Join us at this free welcome event for ESCE Connect, an online community for parents and caregivers. View Event Details

Dine-to-Donate Fundraiser
Tuesday, October 25, 2022
5:00-8:00 p.m.
Culver’s, 7801 Nicollet Ave, Bloomington, MN 55420
Eat dinner at this Culver’s location on this date and time and 10% of all sales will benefit our Advisory Council!
View Flyer

Diaper Drive
December 5-11, 2022
The Advisory Council will host a week-long Diaper Drive for families in need in Bloomington. Families can donate online (and our volunteers will buy diapers for you!) or drop off diaper packs in the mini school buses in the lobbies of Pond and Southwood Centers. View Flyer

Family Open Gym
Tuesday, December 6, 2022
4:30-6:30 p.m.
Pond Center in Bloomington
All ELS families are invited to attend this free indoor playdate on the Pond Center gym and motor room, hosted by our parent-led Advisory Council. Free snacks provided as well as a quiet, sensory-friendly space. Registration is required to attend. Register Here

“Corduroy” at the Children’s Theatre
March 7, 2023 at 10:30 a.m.
Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis
All ELS families are invited to attend a family field trip on this no-school day. It is a student matinee of Corduroy lasting 90 minutes with a 15-minute intermission. All ages are welcome, but the show is best enjoyed by those age 4 and older. We have secured discounted tickets for ELS families which will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Tickets will go on sale in January!

Teacher Appreciation
Week of April 24-28, 2023
Advisory Council volunteers organize ways for ELS families to thank teachers and staff for their hard work and dedication to our Early Childhood programs.

Upgrade Drive Fundraiser
May 2023
The Advisory Council raises money for areas of greatest need for Bloomington Early Learning Services (ELS). Advisory volunteers approach corporations and local businesses and families are also given the opportunity to donate.

Family Picnic
Thursday, May 18, 2023
5:00-7:00 p.m.
Moir Park in Bloomington
All ELS families are invited to attend this free family picnic at a centrally located Bloomington park. The Advisory Council hosts dinner and kid-friendly entertainment as a celebration of the end of the school year.