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.

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Baby & Me

Ages 0 - 10 mos

Non-separating

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 educator.

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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.

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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)

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

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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.

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Twos and Threes (year long options)

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.

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.  

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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.

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Get your Motor Running Together at ECFE

Ages 2-5 years | Non-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. Get those wiggles out inside when it's too cold to be outside. 

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Ready to Read

Ages 3-5 years | Separating

Bring your 3-5 year olds for this six/seven week class that focuses on early literacy development. Each week you will be provided with activities that support an area of early reading development for young children. Children will continue to learn and play with our early childhood teacher while parents meet to learn from our licensed parent educator about literacy development and how you can support it at home. Each week you'll leave with materials to try out at home.  

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Story Lab

Ages 3-5 years | Separating

This fun, interactive class includes stories and simple science and art activities that promote reading and encourage a child’s natural curiosity. Children and caregivers will participate in activities and a story time that are related to the theme of the feature book. Caregivers will separate for a short parent education session that is focused on literacy development. This class is also a great opportunity for grandparents to attend so they can partner in promoting literacy development.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.  

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Pop In & Play

Ages 0-5 years | Non-separating

Pop-In & Play provides a good way for new families to check us out and is a great option for families whose schedules don’t allow a commitment to a weekly class. Families who just want more ECFE time think it’s great too. This class will include all the ECFE classics, such as art projects, circle time with songs, and uninterrupted play time alongside your child. Staff are available to support you with questions you may have regarding child development and parent resources are available upon request. Sign up today and begin exploring ECFE together! 

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Parenting Time After Bedtime 

Status: Virtual - Evening class

Are you interested in the parenting portion of ECFE? Then this class is for you - parents only! After your kids are tucked in, parents will log onto a Webex meeting with a licensed parent educator. We will discuss various parenting topics throughout the semester and have time for parents to check in and ask questions each week. You may check out an ipad if you need a device to participate in this class.

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ECFE+

Status: In Person

Ages Kindergarten – 3rd grade | Separating

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 discover and learn with a licensed teacher who will engage them in math, science, and art explorations. Sibling care available for children pre-kindergarten age for additional fee. This class separates for the entire time.

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Books and Beyond

All Ages | Located at Lakeville Heritage Library 9:30-10am

Heritage Library and ECFE present this fun spin on story time! Children of all ages will experience a story time at the Heritage Library & an art project sponsored by the ECFE Advisory Council. Arrive early or stay late to take advantage of all the resources the library has to offer! Sign up is not required but is needed to reserve materials for participation in the craft.

Registration: https://bit.ly/23booksandbeyond

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Family School

Status: In-Person

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 12:15-2:15pm September - May. Contact us to learn more information.