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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 - SPRING:

Registration: February 2, 8:00 a.m. through March 3, 11:00 p.m. Lottery is March 5. Out of district families can register beginning March 16. Classes run from March 31 through June 4. 

WHAT IS THE  LOTTERY: Each quarter, class registration opens to District 196 families. Families are asked to designate one first choice and one second choice class per family. After 2-3 weeks of open registration, we run a computer-generated lottery which places everyone in one of their class choices. (We have a high demand for classes, so this is a way of trying to get as many families as possible into at least one class.) After we run the lottery, registration opens again and more families register or you can sign up for a second class. 

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS: Cancellations prior to the start of class receive a full refund. After the first class, you will receive a refund minus $25 processing fee. All registrations are considered final after the second class meeting and are not eligible for a refund.

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

Featured Courses

Wide-Open Spaces
Extended Age Groups

Parents with Children Ages Birth-6 Years Separating In this outdoor class, parents and children will interact with the natural environment and experience all the benefits of the great outdoors. A growing body of research links our mental, physical and spiritual health directly to our association with nature. Our backyard has woods to play in, a rock river, grass and hills to run and roll, an outdoor easel and xylophones and a spacious playground. We will go on at least two local field trips to discover our community’s natural spaces. Common parenting topics of the group’s choosing will also be explored in the parent group. Please register all prekindergarten children who will be attending class. This class will primarily be held outside.
Spring 2026

Babies: Birth Through 11 Months
Babies: Birth through 11 Months

Parents With Babies Only Non-Separating Babies sure bring big changes to every family! Join other parents of infants and learn how to make the adjustment to ‘being a family.’ This will be a relaxing and informative class. You can ask your questions, and we will share ideas with you about building a solid base for your family. We will also have time to sing songs and play some games.
Spring 2026

Family Playtimes
Playtimes

One-Time Event for parents with children ages birth through prekindergarten. Pop in to play with your little ones and our ECFE staff. Dress up for dramatic play. Explore the wonders of math, science and senses while you squish, squeeze and create with play dough. Dump, pour, mash and mix in the sensory table. Become a little artist at the easel. Run, jump, climb and learn through movement in our gym. Expand language skills at story and circle time. Register weekly to attend. *** PLEASE NOTE THE DATE YOU ARE REGISTERING FOR *** This registration is only for ONE SESSION (one specific date). Come back weekly to register for the next session.
Spring 2026
Popular

Family Playtimes
Playtimes

One-Time Event for parents with children ages birth through prekindergarten. Pop in to play with your little ones and our ECFE staff. Dress up for dramatic play. Explore the wonders of math, science and senses while you squish, squeeze and create with play dough. Dump, pour, mash and mix in the sensory table. Become a little artist at the easel. Run, jump, climb and learn through movement in our gym. Expand language skills at story and circle time. Register weekly to attend. *** PLEASE NOTE THE DATE YOU ARE REGISTERING FOR *** This registration is only for ONE SESSION (one specific date). Come back weekly to register for the next session.
Winter 2026
Popular

Baby Playtime
Playtimes

One-Time Event For Parents With Babies Ages Birth Through 18 Months This is a time for babies and parents to play in our infant environment. Come and explore new toys, sing songs and enjoy other fun activities led by an ECFE teacher. There will also be time to meet other parents and their babies. See our website weekly, ce.district196.org/ecfe, to register. *** PLEASE NOTE THE DATE YOU ARE REGISTERING FOR *** This registration is only for ONE SESSION (one specific date). Come back weekly to register for the next session.
Winter 2026
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