ECFE Class Descriptions
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Registration for Fall & Yearlong 2023-24 classes will begin Wednesday, August 2 at 6am.
Recent past catalog pages:
ECFE Classes by Category
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Infant and Toddler Classes
Parenting Your Newborn
Ages 0 - 4 mos | Non-separating
Welcome to ECFE! We have the perfect space for new babies and parents where you will connect with other parents, a licensed parent educator and health care professionals specializing in infant and maternal care. The questions never end during this amazing time in your child's early development. Topics will vary from week to week are specific to postpartum care and infant development in the first few months. Weekly weight checks are available. This class is offered all semester, join at any time. We will help you select a new class when your child nears 16 weeks.
Incredible Infants
Ages 0-12 months | Non-separating
Welcome to ECFE! We have a wonderful and safe space for new babies to explore, sing, and play while you connect with other parents and a licensed parent educator. You will gain support, knowledge and encouragement during this exciting and sometimes challenging time. Topics will vary from week to week based on parent input and feedback. Weekly weight checks are available
. Register for the sessions that best meet your needs.
Little Explorers
Ages 9-18 months
Non-separating
As your little one moves from crawling to walking, come explore our classroom with activities just right for young toddlers. Meet other parents going through the same stage as you while you discuss the joys and challenges of parenting. You and your child will stay in the classroom together during the parent discussion.
One-Year-Olds (year long options available)
Ages 12-24 months | Non-Separating and Separating Options
Learning takes place for one-year-olds as they are moving and exploring, often not far from their parents. Discuss the wonders and challenges of parenting during this exciting time with our parent educator. Your child will explore in our toddler room, learn with peers their same age and participate in a circle time designed just for one year olds!
Wonderful Ones | Non-Separating
Wednesday Ones | Separating
Busy Bodies
Ages 15 – 30 months | Separating
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.
Twos and Threes (year long options available)
Ages 2-3 years | Separating
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.
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Preschool Aged Classes (3-5 Years)
Messy Masterpieces
Ages 3-5 years | Non-separating
Does your child enjoy getting messy while having fun? Do you love the fun but not the mess? Come for the mess and leave the clean-up to us. Join us for a class that includes many options to spark your child’s creativity. Each week you will be able to explore a variety of materials that promote creativity, appeal to multiple senses, and encourage curiosity.
Full STEAM Ahead
Ages 3-5 years | Separating
ECFE with a twist! During this class you and your preschooler will participate in activities that emphasize STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) in the early childhood classroom. Each week we will focus on one or more of these areas with developmentally appropriate activities that will support curiosity. During the parenting portion of the class parents will discuss traditional topics related to parenting and development as well as making connections to STEAM activities in the classroom. This class will separate first for the parent discussion.
Get your Motor Running Together at ECFE
Ages 2-5 years | Separating
Come to ECFE and start your week with large motor activities. We will start class in one of our amazing large motor spaces, designed for climbing, biking, tumbling and more. Then we will move to the classroom for more fun including block building, sensory experiences, and play with our great selection of toys for all ages. Activities are designed for ages 2-5, but younger siblings are welcome to join the fun.
School Readiness
Ages 3-5 years | Non-separating
Little Readers & Writers - Parents and children will explore our early childhood classroom where they will experience fun and engaging activities designed to support your child’s reading and writing development. Parents will receive information and tips about early reading and writing along with appropriate expectations for development. Together they will practice strategies to use at home in the form of print-based games and hands-on learning activities.
Little Mathematicians - Join us in the early childhood classroom where you will learn what early math looks like and experience fun games and hands-on activities designed to build your child’s understanding of number concept, numeracy and spatial relationships. You will learn about preschool appropriate math strategies and what to expect when your child reaches kindergarten. Leave each week with simple activities and fun game ideas for home!
Stepping Stones
Ages 3-5 years
This 2 day per week class combines traditional ECFE and Preschool for the perfect blend of fun.
Day 1 - ECFE class includes time for parent/child interaction and parent education.
Day 2 - Drop your child off for their two hour preschool experience where children will practice sharing, taking turns, using manners, pretending, following directions and engage in early literacy and math experiences...all in a play-based environment.
Children are not required to be toilet-trained to attend this class.
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Birth to 5 Year Olds
Explore, Create, Discover
Ages 0-5 years | Separating
Explore in our classroom designed for young children through pre-kindergarten. Get creative using a variety of art tools and opportunities. Discover together through parent/child activities, circle time, music, stories and parent discussion. Parenting topics will include the importance of everyday parenting.
Step into Learning
Ages 0-5 years | Separating
Step into learning with your child as they explore and grow. Infants through pre-kindergarteners will have opportunities for sensory play, social interaction and build developmental skills. Grown-ups will have time to meet with a parent educator to discuss the celebrations and frustrations that come with the parenting journey. This class will separate first for the parent discussion.
Music, Movement & More!
Ages 0-5 years | Separating
Whether you have one child or more, infant to pre-kindergarten, this movement, art and music class introduces your young artists to an exciting variety of sensory experiences. Children will learn through play in a multi-age setting using different mediums, colors, textures. Create and enjoy music, rhythm, and movement together through parent/child activities, circle time, music, and large motor activities. The Thursday morning class will separate first for the parent discussion.
Friday Play Day
Ages 0-5 years | Non-separating
Join us to play and learn together. This non-separating class will include gym/large motor time, art, sensory play, and circle time with an early childhood teacher. You and your child can connect with other families in our safe and fun environment, so end your week with some uninterrupted play!
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Parent Only
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Special Topic
You Are My Pumpkin
Ages 0-5 years | Non-separating
Spend time with your little "pumpkin." This one time ECFE will celebrate fall with art and sensory activities. We will also have circle time for you and your child to enjoy together, including a pumpkin story.
Grandparent & Me
Ages 0-5 years | Non-separating
Join this one time class for special bonding time with your grandchild. Explore our classroom and experience palytime together. We will have circle time with a special story.
ECFE Outside (Add-on)
Ages 3-5 years | Non-separating
Learning takes shape in a variety of ways, and anything you can learn indoors you can learn outdoors. Drop off your child ready to spend the afternoon outdoors and learn to look at the world in a different way. We will explore nature and play while we are learning. Must be concurrently enrolled in a separating ECFE class. Child must be 3 yrs old by Oct 15. Children are not required to be toilet-trained to attend this class.
Family School
Ages 0-5 years
Family School is a program that combines Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) and English as a Second Language (ESL) at the Crystal Lake Education Center. Classes are free and provided for families with children from infants to the start of kindergarten. Adults and children attend Family School at the same time. While the adults learn and practice English, children play and learn with peers in the early childhood room. Class meets Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12:30-2:45pm September - May. Contact us to learn more information.
