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Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)
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About Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)

Welcome to ECFE: Where learning begins, and families thrive.

View or download the January to May 2025 ECFE Catalog (English)

View or download the catalog in  Spanish.
View or download the catalog in  Oromo.
View or download the catalog in Vietnamese.
View or download the catalog in  Hmong.
View or download the catalog in  Somali.


Registration for ECFE Summer Programs opens March 19, 2025; the lottery will be held April 9, 2025.

View or download the ECFE Summer Programs Flyer. (English)

View or download the flyer in Spanish.
View or download the flyer in Oromo.
View or download the flyer in Vietnamese.
View or download the flyer in Hmong.
View or download the flyer in Somali.


ECFE supports parents and children (from birth to age five) on a journey of growth and discovery.

What is ECFE?

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) is a unique program designed to support families with young children, from birth to age 8. Through ECFE, parents, guardians, and caregivers engage in classes that combine play-based learning for children with resources, guidance, and support for adults. Each class typically includes time for parents and children to play together, followed by a separate discussion time where parents can connect, share experiences, and receive helpful insights from licensed parent educators. Whether you’re looking to help your child grow socially and emotionally, or want tools and strategies for navigating parenting challenges, ECFE is a warm and welcoming place to build community and learn together. View a short video to learn more about ECFE. 

Ready to create lasting memories and a foundation for lifelong learning? Enroll today for an experience that lasts a lifetime. 


Explore these informative links to discover more about our program and the support we provide for families.

  • ECFE program website: Explore the comprehensive world of our Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) program. Learn more about our approach to early learning and parent education. Visit the ECFE Program Website.
  • Early Childhood Screening: Learn about the importance of early childhood screening for children aged 3 to 5 years old. Schedule an appointment to ensure your child's developmental milestones are on track. Explore Screening Details.
  • ECFE visits: Free, personalized support for families with children from birth to eight years old. Our licensed Parent Educators support you on your parenting journey while sharing connections to valuable resources in your community. Submit a request today and start this enriching journey together.

ECFE Locations:

  • Arbor View Early Childhood Center:    9401 Fernbrook Ln N - Maple Grove, MN  55369 (Link to Google Maps)   763-391-8777
  • Willow Lane Early Childhood Center:  7020 Perry Ave N - Brooklyn Center, MN  55429  (Link to Google Maps)   763-585-7330

Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday

If you have questions about how to register or need assistance, please call us at 763-391-8777 or email:  ecfe@district279.org

ECFE Summer
ECPTO Meetings 2024
Family Fun Night
Infants (Newborn to 18 months)
Online Parenting Classes
Parents and Child: Multi-Age (Birth to 5)
Parents and Child: Multi-Age (PreK to Grade 3)

Featured Courses

Waitlist

Parents and Children 2-3 years old - Separating
Parents and Child: Multi-Age (Birth to 5)

Children must be 2-3 years old by September 1, 2024. Your 2-5 year-old child is gaining new language and social skills. These classes are designed for you and your child to explore together and spark your child's emerging curiosity, independence and interest in interacting with others. Discussion topics will be focused on parenting 2-5 year-olds and the interests of the group. Topics typically include: setting limits, toilet learning, social-emotional development, play ideas and more! Parent and child separating time will be determined by the needs of the group. Sibling care is only available where listed.
EC&FE I: 12 months and older and multi-age Fall/Winter 2024-25
Popular

Infant Massage (Birth to 9 months) - FREE!
Infants (Newborn to 18 months)

For parents with infants birth to 9 months. Learn how to understand and respond to your baby's cues and signals as you deepen your bond through the relaxing practice of massage. Participants will also learn: Practices for better infant sleep and digestion Ways to increase infant brain and nervous system development. How to deepen your baby's sense of safety and attachment to caregivers. Classes that meet one time will give a general overview. Classes that meet two times will go more in-depth and provide opportunities for you to practice and reflect on strategies learned.
EC&FE II: Infants Newborn to 18 months (Winter/Spring 2025)
Popular

Family Yoga (Ages 4 to 8)
Parents and Child: Multi-Age (PreK to Grade 3)

For children from age 4 up to third grade as of September 1, 2024. Family Yoga (Caregivers and their children ages 4-8) Create a routine in your family life that will foster connection and develop healthy habits that last a lifetime. This fun family-centered class will help all participants deepen their breath, stretch their spines, and relax their body and mind…together. Partner poses, cooperative games, songs, and stories will expand the yoga practice from your mat into your home! No previous yoga experience necessary. Instructor Laura Honeck, E-RYT 200, RYT 500, M.Ed. in Parent and Family Education Bring a yoga mat or beach towel for each participant. Adult participants must be able to get up and down from the floor without assistance.
EC&FE II: Multi-Age (Winter/Spring 2025)
Starting Soon

Infant Yoga
Infants (Newborn to 18 months)

For families with babies from birth up to crawling (approx. 9 months). If your child is older than 9 months and not yet crawling, call our office office for assistance with your registration - 763-391-8777 Caregiver & Baby Yoga (pre-crawling babies) Babies and their caregivers bond through loving touch, sight, sound, music, and movement. While incorporating your little one into the yoga sequence, you'll receive a nurturing, strengthening practice crafted with postpartum safe movements. Join a warm, supportive community of new parents/caregivers— essential during the fourth trimester or postpartum period! Class consists of 60 minutes of yoga combined with 30 minutes of parent discussion and infant massage. Instructor Laura Honeck, E-RYT 200, RYT 500, M.Ed. in Parent and Family Education. Bring a yoga mat or beach towel for each participant. No previous yoga experience necessary. Adult participants must be able to get up and down from the floor without assistance
EC&FE II: Infants Newborn to 18 months (Winter/Spring 2025)
Popular

Adventures with Dad (Birth to 5 years old)
Parents and Child: Multi-Age (Birth to 5)

For children from birth to 5 years old as of September 1, 2024. Dads, grandpas, uncles or other father figures, this class is for you and the young child in your life! During discussion time, adults will dig into important parenting topics-all things fatherhood!
EC&FE II: Multi-Age (Winter/Spring 2025)
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