Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) - District 196 Community Education

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Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)

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About Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)

ECFE offers a variety of classes all designed to help strengthen families through interactive play and relevant, research-based parent education. We invite you to join our ECFE family as we share and learn together.

A typical ECFE class includes:

Parent-Child Interaction - Time where parent and child together enjoy a classroom filled with developmentally appropriate learning activities.
Parent Education - Provides relevant, effective education and support that encourages a healthy environment for the growth and development of families.
Children’s Activity Time - During parent education time, children explore, gain independence and practice social skills while under the supervision of a licensed children’s teacher.

Additional Information: Our class fees are based on your family annual income and determined by a sliding fee scale. District 196 residents are encouraged to register regardless of their ability to pay. Babies nine weeks or younger are not counted as a second child when determining class fee.

REGISTRATION TIMELINE

Winter registration: December 6, 8:00 a.m. through January 16, 11:00 p.m. Out of district families can register beginning December 22.

Babies: Birth through 11 Months

Extended Age Groups

Parents and Ones

Parents and Twos

Topic Classes (mixed ages)

Featured Courses

Building Blocks for School Success
Preschoolers

Parents With Children Ages 3-Prekindergarten. Prekindergarten Siblings Welcome. Separating Children who are three, four and five years old are learning skills that will support them in preparing for a school experience. The MN Department of Education defines school readiness as children having the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary for success in primary school, later learning and life. Physical, cognitive, social and emotional development are essential ingredients of school readiness. School readiness refers not only to ready children, but to ready communities, families and schools. Children will have the opportunity to practice skills in a play-based environment. The focus of the parenting discussion is on child development, learning styles and ways you can engage in your child’s readiness for school. Please register all prekindergarten children who will be attending class.

Parents and Twos
Parents and Twos

Parents With Children Ages 24-35 Months. Prekindergarten Siblings Welcome. Separating Twos are growing at high speed, so they require guidance and limits as they set out to try everything in sight. Make a date with your two-year-old and learn delightful ways to enjoy time together. You will value a parent group where you can learn about and share this super stage in your child’s development. Please register all prekindergarten children who will be attending class.

Conscious Discipline
Extended Age Groups

Parents With Children Ages Birth Through 6 Years Separating Children’s brains are changing every day and it can be hard to keep up with all the new behaviors that can push our buttons. You will learn how brain state affects how we as parents approach our children’s behavior. Conflict can be an opportunity to teach and learn. This class will explore the two parts of discipline: the health of the relationship and the skill set involved. You will walk away with new insights about your child and yourself as well as strategies to try immediately.

Growing Together
Topic Classes (mixed ages)

Parents With Children Ages Birth Through Prekindergarten Separating Come together in a supportive environment that celebrates the unique joys and challenges of parenting multiple ages. This class offers playful learning for children and meaningful connection for adults. While children explore sensory play and early social experiences, parents and caregivers participate in group discussions guided by a licensed parent educator. Each session is shaped by the interests and needs of the group, including sleep routines, sibling relationships, picky eating, emotional development or screen time strategies. Whether you’re parenting a baby, toddler or preschooler, this class creates space for real conversations, shared wisdom and family growth.

Growing Together
Extended Age Groups

Parents With Children Ages Birth Through 6 Years Separating Come together in a supportive environment that celebrates the unique joys and challenges of parenting multiple ages. This class offers playful learning for children and meaningful connection for adults. While children explore sensory play and early social experiences, parents and caregivers participate in group discussions guided by a licensed parent educator. Each session is shaped by the interests and needs of the group, including sleep routines, sibling relationships, picky eating, emotional development or screen time strategies. Whether you’re parenting a baby, toddler or preschooler, this class creates space for real conversations, shared wisdom and family growth.

View All Courses in Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)