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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.

Out-of-district families can register beginning a week prior to the start of classes.

Summer session is July 8-31. Registration closes July 15.

Fall registration begins July 16.

Babies: Birth through 11 Months
Extended Age Groups
Parents and Ones
Parents and Twos
Playtimes
Topic Classes (mixed ages)

Featured Courses

Waitlist

Backyard Blast
Playtimes

One-Time Event for parents with children ages birth through prekindergarten Celebrate summer in our backyard. Are you not sure if you can commit to a weekly class? We will provide the beautiful backyard that includes a playground, grassy hill, nature space, outdoor arts area, weekly teacher-led activities and room to run. We can embrace nature and use the outdoors to elevate our health and well-being. Indoor space available if we have inclement weather. Event will be held outdoors at the Dakota Valley Learning Center, 4679 144th St. W., Apple Valley, and requires weekly registration to participate.
Summer 2025
Waitlist

Parents and Ones
Parents and Ones

Parents With Toddlers Ages 12-24 Months. Prekindergarten siblings welcome. Non-separating Looking for a fun class for your one-year-old? Join other parents and toddlers for a summer morning class. Toddlers love to take off and explore if their parents are close by. Parent discussion will take place in the children's room, where toddlers can check in with their parents if they need to. Please register all prekindergarten siblings who will be attending the class.
Summer 2025
Popular

Fostering a Play-Based Childhood
Topic Classes (mixed ages)

Parents With Children Ages Birth Through Prekindergarten Separating Are you looking to enrich your child's development through the power of play? In an age where screen use dominates, daily schedules are hectic, and families are overwhelmed, play might be getting lost. In this class, we’ll explore strategies for prioritizing play in families. Research shows that children who have dedicated time for unstructured, child-directed play experience positive social and academic outcomes. Join us and take the first step towards making play a central part of your child's learning journey.
Summer 2025
Waitlist

Parents and Twos
Parents and Twos

Parents With Children Ages 24-35 Months. Prekindergarten Siblings welcome. Separating This is indeed a special developmental time for you and your child. The transition from toddler to preschooler is in full swing and brings with it delight and surprise as children navigate their world. Hold onto your hat as your child takes you on this roller coaster ride. Language, motor development, social skills and handling big feelings are all a part of the everyday learning. Please register all prekindergarten children who will be attending class.
Summer 2025
Waitlist

Setting Limits with Confidence
Topic Classes (mixed ages)

Parents With Children Ages Birth Through Prekindergarten Separating Do you struggle with setting limits while staying calm and connected with your child? This class will provide strategies to help you establish clear, consistent, and effective boundaries while fostering a strong parent-child relationship. Join us and gain the tools to set firm but loving limits while building respect, cooperation, and connection with your child! Children will practice skills with our early childhood staff in our environment designed just for them.
Summer 2025
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