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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)

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.


Classes continue in our Fall 2024 Catalog until December 15. Registration is open as long as there is space available in class. View or download the fall 2024 ECFE Catalog (English).

Las clases continúan en nuestro Catálogo de Otoño 2024 hasta el 15 de diciembre. Las inscripciones están abiertas siempre que haya espacio disponible en la clase. Vea o descargue el catálogo ECFE de otoño de 2024 (Español)


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 Sampler Classes
ECPTO Meetings 2024
Infants (Newborn to 18 months)
Parents and Child: Multi-Age (Birth to 5)

Featured Courses

Waitlist

Saturdays with ECFE! (Birth to 5 years old)
Parents and Child: Multi-Age (Birth to 5)

Join us for Saturdays, a series of exciting and educational one-time Saturday classes designed for families with young children. Each Saturday offers a unique theme filled with fun activities and learning opportunities. You can sign up for one session or join us for all of them! Nature Play - 9/28/24 - Kick off our Saturdays with a morning packed with engaging activities and playful learning in the Nature Play Area. Perfect for a family outing! Nature Play - 10/5/24 - Join us for another sensational day of fun and discovery in the Nature Play Area. Each session offers something new to explore with your child. Messy Art - 11/9/24 - Get ready to get creative and messy! This session focuses on messy art projects that encourage creativity and sensory exploration. Messy Art - 11/16/24 - Another chance to dive into messy art projects. Let your child's creativity run wild while enjoying sensory play and artistic expression. Saturday with Dads - 12/7/24 - A special day for dads and their little ones to bond through playful activities and interactive learning experiences. Register now to secure your spot in one or all of these exciting Saturday sessions! Each class promises to be a memorable experience for you and your child.
EC&FE I: 12 months and older and multi-age Fall/Winter 2024-25
Popular

Parenting Your Child with Special Needs (Birth to 5 years old)
Parents and Child: Multi-Age (Birth to 5)

Are you a family with a child facing delays, disabilities, or illnesses? We invite you to join our special community where we come together to play, explore, and support one another. Program Highlights: Play and Explore Together: Engage in interactive sessions where children can play and learn in a supportive environment. Parent Empowerment: Connect with other parents facing similar challenges. Explore topics tailored to your needs and share experiences. Why Join? Community Support: Build lasting connections with families who understand and share your journey. Expert Guidance: Gain insights from professionals in child development and special needs education. Empowerment: Equip yourself with knowledge and resources to better support your child. Choose the class option that suits your family or sign up for both! Families attend class together, no sibling care is available. Separation time will be based on the needs of the group. Join us in creating a warm and inclusive community for our children. Together, we can make a difference!
EC&FE I: 12 months and older and multi-age Fall/Winter 2024-25

Infants (6 to 12 Months) - FREE!
Infants (Newborn to 18 months)

Interact with your baby in a space designed especially for infants and meet other families with infants. Learn fun play ideas, songs to sing and gain information and support for parenting your baby. Discussion topics typically include: parent and child bond and attachment, adjusting to family life, brain development, developmental milestones, establishing routines, feeding, sleep and more! Infant classes are non-separating classes. Families stay together for the entire class time in a group. Registration for all parent and infant classes is based on the age of the child at the start date of each class.
EC&FE I: Infants 0-12 months Fall/Winter 2024-25
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
Starting Soon

ECFE Sampler Classes
ECFE Sampler Classes

ECFE Sampler Classes for New Families! Curious about ECFE? Join us for a sampler class and experience the joy of learning and connecting with other families! We’re offering three class options for families new to ECFE: Infant Class: For families with children from birth to 12 months. Explore fun activities, songs, and tips to support your baby’s growth and development. One to Two-Year-Old Class: Ideal for families with toddlers eager to explore and engage with new experiences. Mixed-Age Class: Perfect for families with more than one child, from birth to age 5, this class offers opportunities for siblings to learn and play together. Try out a class, meet new families, and see what ECFE has to offer! Sampler classes are free and require registration. What is ECFE? Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) is a unique program designed to support families with young children, from birth to age 5. 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.
ECFE Sampler Classes
View All Courses in Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)