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 - SPRING:

Registration: February 2, 8:00 a.m. through April 13, 11:00 p.m.

Out of district families can register beginning March 16.

Classes run from March 31 through June 4.

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

Topic Classes (mixed ages)

Featured Courses

Little Scientists
Preschoolers

Parents With Children Ages 3-Prekindergarten. Prekindergarten Siblings Welcome Separating Children will learn and discover through a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) lens to build 21st century skills. Bring your curious children to this class as we explore how science and math can be just right for preschoolers. We will do some fun, easy and developmentally appropriate experiments that will foster curiosity, develop problem solvers and give kids an “I did it” feeling. In the parent room, we will look at ways to encourage our children’s interest in STEM activities, as well as other parenting topics. Please register all prekindergarten children who will be attending class.

Wide-Open Spaces
Preschoolers

Parents with Children Ages 3-Prekindergarten. Prekindergarten Siblings Welcome. 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.

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.

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.

Parents and Threes
Preschoolers

Parents with Children Age Three Years. Prekindergarten Siblings welcome. Separating Three-year-olds are bursting with energy and enthusiasm for learning. It is a time of physical, emotional and intellectual change. Connect with other parents of threes to discuss their curious questions, power struggles, emotions and bursts of language. Friendships are a focus for this age, and they will practice social skills under the guidance of our early childhood staff. Please register all prekindergarten children who will be attending class.

View All Courses in Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)