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 16.

Fees

Class Fees are listed in the ECFE Brochure and vary by class.

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

Registration

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

Register Online

Class Descriptions and Calendar

Course Descriptions

Click on the classes below to learn more about all the exciting offerings at the Early Childhood Center and Dr. Knight Elementary.

Infant Class

What does your baby need from you? What do YOU need for yourself? Start out on the right foot! Discover new ways to support and enjoy your baby, engage with other moms and dads, and build on your strengths. Playtime with your infant will be followed by parent discussion and the best available information and support from our experienced, licensed parent educators. Your baby will stay with you. Whether this is your first or fifth child, your baby is unique and special, and so is this time in your life. Birth Date on or after June 1, 2019. Sign up for a six week session. We know you’ll love it, so then you can sign up for more! These classes are FREE!

Full schedule details available in the ECFE Brochure or the Registration Portal.

Young Parents

This class is specifically designed for young moms. Parenting can be a challenge at any age, but couple parenting with being a teen or simply young, or working on finishing school, that can add another challenge! This very popular class has been a gift to many moms over the years. Come to class expecting to make friends, find support, learn about your child’s development, all the while painting, playing and creating projects with your child. Lunch will be served for this class. Registration is helpful for accurate food preparation.

Full schedule details available in the ECFE Brochure or the Registration Portal.

Toddler Class (12-30 months)

Ready, Set, Go! These little ones are learning at such a quick rate! Come to let them burn off some energy, while you can get valuable information on parenting your active toddler. This class is a non separating class. You will be able to have a parent discussion time within the same room, as your children play.
Due to space limitations, Sibling care will only be available for our evening session. Tuck in your other children (ages 0-11 months or 31 month-5 years) and spend some one on one time with your toddler.
Cost for sibling care is $25 a quarter. A minimum of 4 enrolled children are needed to make the sibling care a “go”.

New to ECFE and wondering if you will like it? Try a quarter for free, we bet you’ll be back!

Full schedule details available in the ECFE Brochure or the Registration Portal.

Birth - 5 Year Old Class

Come for a class designed for your early childhood aged children! This class will give your children an opportunity to learn, play and grow through crafts, music, large movement and more. This is a separating class, allowing children to experience a short time away from their parents, while the parents have a discussion and coffee with an experienced parent educator. This time is well spent as you make connections with other parents and families, learn about your child’s development and find out you are not alone in this parenting journey!

Full schedule details available in the ECFE Brochure or the Registration Portal.

Birth - 5 Year Old Class at Dr. Knight Elementary

Come for a class designed for your early childhood aged children! This class will give your children an opportunity to learn, play and grow through crafts, music, large movement and more. This is a separating class, allowing children to experience a short time away from their parents, while the parents have a discussion and coffee with an experienced parent educator. This time is well spent as you make connections with other parents and families, learn about your child’s development and find out you are not alone in this parenting journey! This class will happen both Thursday evenings and Friday mornings.

Full schedule details available in the ECFE Brochure or the Registration Portal.

Literacy Nights

TaaDaa! We have been the recipient of a grant and we are so excited to announce that we have 7 Literacy Nights for all of you. You and your child(ren) will arrive for a night of fun and activities centered around a favorite children’s book. Your family will be gifted a new copy of this book to take home! These nights are FREE! Registration is necessary and space is limited!

Full schedule details available in the ECFE Brochure or the Registration Portal.

Coffee, Cream and Parenting

Partnering with our local MOPS, we’d like to offer you this great opportunity to bring your children to play, while you have time with other moms! This class will focus on parent’s health and well being. While your children are safely cared for, you will be given a time to focus on the healthy development of a parent. It is quite a journey and we’d love to walk alongside you! This class is held off campus, as we partner with MOPS at the Little Falls Alliance Church. Please call for directions.

Full schedule details available in the ECFE Brochure or the Registration Portal.

Yoga

We are thrilled to bring you a Child and Me Yoga Class. Child and Me Yoga classes will start together as a large group, offering children and their parents an opportunity to learn yoga, while stretching, breathing and strengthening their bodies together. After this short time of learning together, the parents will leave to continue their yoga experience, while children are lovingly cared for by licensed staff.

A minimum of 10 registrants are needed for a class to “go”.

We know that the cost of this class is higher than our other offered classes. You and your child will be working with a licensed Yoga instructor, bringing you a rich experience for both you and your child. Also, the cost includes the childcare while you continue your yoga.

Full schedule details available in the ECFE Brochure or the Registration Portal.

Open Play (Classroom)

Our classroom is open to you and your children who are ages 0-5. There will be no staff present, you simply can come and enjoy a beautiful place to play! Bring some friends and make it a playdate! This is a free class!

Full schedule details available in the ECFE Brochure or the Registration Portal.

Open Gym

Winter can get so long with little ones! Come to our beautiful center on Saturdays, January-March. A minimum of 4 families need to be registered for this offering to happen. Please bring early childhood aged children.

Cheap fun~ $3.00 per family, or pay $35.00 and register for all 13 sessions!

Full schedule details available in the ECFE Brochure or the Registration Portal.

Tuesday Night Explorers, 2-5 year old

Dig deeper into exciting early childhood themes! Come for a night of fun with your child. Let us create the fun and mess, and we’ll even clean it up! This is a non separating class, intended to be attended by children and their caregivers who are ages 2-5. Themes include: Outdoor Learning, Music and Movement, ABC 123 and Shapes, I Love to Read, STEAM, Holiday Extravaganza, Animals, Spring Fling.

Full schedule details available in the ECFE Brochure or the Registration Portal.

Monthly Special Events

Fun evenings created for you and your whole family that are held here at the Little Falls Early Childhood Center. All are invited, as long as you have an early childhood aged child. Projects and activities will be geared towards the preschool aged child.

$5 an event, $40 to enroll in all 9 events (saving $5)!

Full schedule details available in the ECFE Brochure or the Registration Portal.

Special Events at Dr. Knight

Fun evenings created for you and your whole family at Dr. Knight Elementary in Randal. All are invited, as long as you have an early childhood aged child. Projects and activities will be geared towards the preschool aged child.

Cost is $5 an event.

Full schedule details available in the ECFE Brochure or the Registration Portal.

Early Childhood Programs