ECFE Class Descriptions
-
For all current Early Childhood Family Education class descriptions and additional information, please view our catalog pages. Below you will find a summary of our ECFE classes grouped by category.
-
Infant Classes
Baby & Me at Home and School
Status: Hybrid
Ages 10 weeks – 11 months | Non-separating
We are excited to offer these FREE classes weekly, alternating in person and online. The first session will be in person at Crystal Lake Education Center. You will have the opportunity to meet other parents with babies, explore our infant/toddler classroom and talk about the joys and challenges of parenting with our licensed parent educators. The second session will consist of a virtual Webex class where you can access the benefits of ECFE from the comfort of your own home. Subsequent classes will rotate between online and in-person. This is a flexible format to meet the varying needs of busy parents with infants. You may check out an ipad if you need a device to participate in this class.
Incredible Infants
Status: In Person
Ages Birth – 1 year | Non-separating
Welcome to ECFE! We have the perfect space for new babies to explore, sing, and play. All while you connect with other parents and a Parent Educator. Topics will vary from week to week based on parent input and feedback. Space is limited and registration is required. Register for one class or all depending on your schedule.
Incredible Infants at Home and School
Status: Hybrid
Ages Birth – 10 weeks
We are excited to offer these FREE classes weekly, alternating in person and online. The first session will be in person at Crystal Lake Education Center. You will have the opportunity to meet other parents with babies, explore our infant/toddler classroom and talk about the joys and challenges of parenting with our licensed parent educators. The second session will consist of a virtual Webex class where you can access the benefits of ECFE from the comfort of your own home. Subsequent classes will rotate between online and in-person. This is a flexible format to meet the varying needs of busy parents with infants. You may check out an ipad if you need a device to participate in this class.
-
Toddler Classes
Little Explorers
Status: In Person
Ages 9 – 18 months
As your little one moves from crawling to walking come explore our classroom with activities just right for toddlers. Meet other parents going through the same stages as you while you discuss the joys and challenges of parenting. You and your child will stay in the classroom during the parent discussion.
Wonderful Ones
Status: In Person
Ages 12-24 months
Learning takes place for your one year old as they are moving and exploring, often not far from their parents. Discuss the wonders and challenges of parenting with a licensed parent educator.
Wednesday Ones
Status: In Person
Ages 12-24 months
Learning takes place for your one year old as they are moving and exploring, often not far from their parents. Discuss the wonders and challenges of parenting with a licensed parent educator.
Busy Bodies
Status: In Person
Ages 15 – 30 months
Join us as you and your toddler discover safe and age appropriate activities; including art, music and sensory play. Parents will gain knowledge and support from a licensed parent educator and other parents during discussion time.
Toddlers
Status: In Person*
Ages 2-3 years
Independence, language, problem solving and social skills are emerging during these ages. The classroom will foster all these developing skills, and you will value the parent discussion where you can learn, share and appreciate this stage of your parenting journey.
-
Preschool Aged Classes
STEAM Explorers
Status: In Person
Ages 3-5 years
For those families who are currently enrolled in another ECFE class, this add-on experience allows parents and children to engage in activities designed to pique the interest of your learner. Materials and activities that promote Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math will be the focus of this parent-child interaction time. This is a non-separating offering without a parenting component.
Stepping Stones
Status: In Person*
Ages 3-5 years
This class combines the best of both worlds: Traditional ECFE and Preschool. Monday or Tuesday (depending on your enrollment) afternoons are similar to a typical ECFE class in that it includes time for parent/child interaction and parent education. During parent/child interaction time, the early childhood teacher will set up fun activities that encourage emerging literacy and mathematical thinking skills. Parents will meet with a parent educator and other families to discuss a variety of topics that relate to parenting a preschooler. Parents meet with the early childhood teacher twice a year to evaluate your child’s progress. Wednesdays / Thursdays (depending on your enrollment) you will drop your child off for their preschool experience. Children will practice social skills by sharing, taking turns, using manners, pretending, following directions and listening…all in a play-based environment.
-
Mixed Age Classes
Friday Fun at Home
Status: Virtual
Ages 0-5 years
Would you like to take part in the fun and learning that ECFE provides from the comfort of your own home? Join us using an online meeting format with a simple link that will be sent to you by your instructor. Each session will include a story, songs, and theme-based activities using materials from your own home as well as pre-made activity packs you can pick up at Crystal Lake Education Center. You may check out an ipad if you need a device to participate in this class.
Managing Multiples
Status: In Person*
Ages 0-5 years
Are you the parents of twins, triplets, more? Imagine a place your children can sing, play, make messes and meet new friends… with extra hands to help you! Now imagine time for you to sit down, relax and discuss the unique challenges you face as parents of multiples. Don’t just imagine, this is the class for you.
Explore Create Discover
Status: In Person*
Ages 0-5 years
Whether you have one child or more, an infant or a 5 year old, this class offers an opportunity to learn in a multi-age setting. Learn together through parent/child activities, circle time, music, stories and parent discussion. Parenting topics will include the importance of everyday parenting.
Step into Learning
Status: In Person*
Ages 0-5 years
Step into learning with your child as they explore and learn. Infants through pre-kindergartens will have opportunities for sensory play, social interaction and building developmental skills. Grown ups will have time to meet with a licensed parent educator to discuss the celebrations and frustrations that come with the parenting journey.
Thursday Night Families
Status: In Person
Ages 0-5 years
Whether you have one child or more, an infant or a pre-kindergartner, this class offers an opportunity to learn in a multi-age setting. Learn together through parent/child activities, circle time, music, stories and parent discussion. In the parent education room, parents discuss parenting topics such as sleep, eating, and toileting as well as how best to encourage and support learning and development.
-
Parent Only
Coffee & Conversations
Status: In Person
This class is a free parent only class, childcare is available for a fee (add sibcare when checking out for childcare). Engage with other parents in an informal format to discuss parenting topics that are chosen by group members based on what they need at the time. Members will benefit from the training and expertise of the Licensed Parent Educator as well as the experiences of fellow parents. Child care available for fee.
Nap Time Parent Time
Status: Virtual
Naptime is magic time! Take some time during the nap to support YOU in your parenting by joining our FREE online parent group. During each session a Licensed Parent Educator will present a predetermined topic that is supported with researched resources with the immediate needs of parents. Grab a snack, join us and give yourself the gift of this time! You may check out an ipad if you need a device to participate in this class.
Parent Time After Bedtime
Status: Virtual
Are you interested in the parenting portion of ECFE? Then this FREE class is for you – parents only! After your kids are tucked in parents will log onto a Webex meeting with Parent Educator Jenica. We will discuss various parenting topics throughout the semester. You may check out an ipad if you need a device to participate in this class.
Parenting Your Preschooler
Status: In Person
Ages 3-5 years
ECFE doesn’t end when your child begins preschool, in fact this is when you may want the support of ECFE the most! This one hour class is designed for parents of Small Wonders Preschoolers as well as those attending other area preschools. You will discuss parent topics specific to the preschool developmental age with a Licensed Parent Educator and fellow parents. Child care available for fee.
-
Special Topic
ECFE
Status: In Person
Ages Kindergarten – 3rd grade
ECFE doesn’t end when your child starts Kindergarten. A licensed parent educator will lead parent discussion with topics that relate to families with school-age children. School-age children will play and learn with a licensed teacher who will engage them in math, science, and art explorations. Sibling care available.
Literacy Night
Status: In-Person
Ages 0-5 years
Children can come and join ECFE staff for this fun-filled event that is focused on literacy. Enjoy stories, activities, songs and games that promote literacy development. During separation, parents will learn about resources, tips, and tools to support literacy development at home. Children will create and take activities relating to the theme. Registration required. $5 per child.
