Early Childhood Family Education

ECFE

Overview

Early Childhood Family Education classes provide parents and their children (birth to kindergarten entry) an opportunity to learn and have fun together. Classes are offered at Lincoln and Dr. SG Knight Elementary Schools.

A typical 2 hour, weekly class would include time for parents and children to do activities together; a time for children to separate from their parents and be in a preschool setting with an early childhood educator; and a parent discussion time where parents meet with each other to talk about common joys and concerns of raising children today.

There is an assortment of types of classes offered that will meet a variety of family needs. There are classes for infants, toddlers and preschool children; as well as classes that are geared for the entire family with children under kindergarten age.

ECFE classes begins the the week of September 10.

Fees

$70.00 for 1 child – 1 Class – unless otherwise specified

$100.00 for 2 or more children for same Family/Same Class

South Country is accepted – We will need a copy of your SCHA card to submit for fee coverage

Registration

You can register for classes online.

To register by phone or to get more information, contact Heather Olsen at holsen@lfalls.k12.mn.us or (320) 616-6247.

Class Descriptions and Calendar

ABCs and 1,2,3s

ABCs and 1,2,3s: Getting Ready for Kindergarten: What do parents need to do to get their child as ready as they can be for kindergarten? This is always a concern. So, we bring you a class that is taught by a kindergarten teacher. Activities will be those that encourage skills that are needed for kindergarten entry. Parents will separate for a discussion time that will focus on the role that parents play in kindergarten readiness and the skills that are needed.

Birth to Five Years

Birth-5 years. Carve out some time to spend with your child! Come and play games, do crafts and make new friends. Children will have time to play with their parents, but also time alone with a licensed teacher while the parents “have coffee” and connect over treats and parenting topics.

Cubs

Cubs Class: This age group (Birth-3) is cruising through sensory, motor, social/emotional, language and cognitive development. Little ones are discovering so much about themselves and their world – along with this wonderful discovery comes the beautiful challenges for mom’s and dad’s loving guidance. Join us as we cruise through this fun class together!
There is time to spend in simple activities with your child and learning fun songs and rhymes. There will also be a 30 minute discussion time with other parents who are dealing with similar issues of parenting this age group.

Open Gym

The gym will be open for families to use. You need to sign in at the early childhood office when you arrive. There is no staff present – this is simply a chance for you to play with your child. Come in from the cold and burn off some energy. There is no cost for open gym!

Parent Connection

Parent Connection – Children ages 0-5 years old (childcare is provided)

ECFE Classes
This is a unique class that allows parents to engage with each other and a parent educator for a longer time than a typical ECFE class. Come for a time of connecting with other parents while discovering more about yourself and your child! A fun, educational class is provided for your child(ren) while you meet with the other parents.

Terrific Toddlers

Toddlers:
What a fun, busy stage! They are on the go and learning every step of the way! Come to an evening designed just for you and your young one.

ECFE Classes

A 1 ½ hour block of time each week for parents (or grandparents) to spend some quality time with their
little one away from the distractions of your own house…dust, dishes, etc. :>)
Play with your child with paint, playdough, learn some great kid songs and do other fun, learning activities while learning about how they are developing
Parents have a time and discussion area to talk about concerns they have about parenting issues that many parents have, like how to keep your child in bed, how to deal with fussy eaters, etc.
While the parents have their discussion, children have a chance to practice their skills with the other children by having snack, doing group activities

Young Moms

Are you a young mom? Ages 13-23? Being a young mom is challenging by itself, but being a teen, or young adult and parenting, lends itself to unique challenges. Come together with other moms who are dealing with some of the same joys and concerns that you may have. Bring your child and enjoy some parent and child interaction time doing crafts and games. Then enjoy some time with just the parents talking about our favorite topic, parenting!!
This class has a fee. South Country Health will pay in full for the class, or there is a sliding fee and scholarships.

Fall 2018 ECFE Class Schedule

All classes are held at Little Falls Early Childhood Center, unless otherwise listed.

	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
Morning	Birth to 5 8:50-10:50am	Cubs Birth to 3 9:30-11:00am	Birth to 5 8:50-10:50amBirth to 5 9:00-11:00am Dr. SG Knight, Randall	Birth to 5 8:50-10:50am	Birth to 5 9:00-11:00am Little Falls Care Center
Afternoon	Parent Connection Ages Birth-5 12:00-1:30pm	Young Moms Class 11:30am-1:30pm			Open Gym Ages Birth-5 11:15am-12:15pm
Evening	Birth to 5 6:00-7:30pmBirth to 5 6:00-7:30pm Dr. SG Knight, Randall	ABC’s and 123’s: 6:00-8:00pm	Birth to 5 Years 6:00-8:00pm