Classes
Care is available for siblings during most classes while parents take a class with another child. Trained professional staff provide a warm and friendly atmosphere for brothers and sisters, ages three months to five years.
Parent + Child Classes
Oh Baby | Birth-12 months
Meet other parents and enjoy time with your new baby! Spend the entire class together, engaged in sensory and movement activities and a licensed educator-led discussion. Learn about your baby’s growth and development, how to develop healthy eating and sleeping habits and what research tells us about your baby’s important first experiences.
On the Move! | 6-12 months
As your baby grows, you encounter a world of new experiences and milestones together. Start your morning by connecting with others who are experiencing the joys and challenges of parenting older infants.
Our First Class | 12-18 months
This class is designed for families that are new to ECFE. During parent-child time you will follow your child's lead as they explore the classroom and activities curated by an Licensed Early Childhood Educator. At circle time you and your child will learn our favorite songs and enjoy fingerplays and stories. The children then have snack and remain in the room while the caregivers move to a separate space for parent education that includes topics such as child development, healthy eating, sleeping habits, parenting styles and behavior strategies. Many parents report creating long lasting friendships with the people they meet in ECFE. We can't wait to meet you!
Just Toddling | 12-18 months
Toddlers are curious, busy and on the go! Spend time with other parents who have the same questions and concerns about this stage of their child’s life. Enjoy activities with your toddler and an educator-led discussion about this period of rapid growth.
Not My First Rodeo | 1-4 years
Whether this is your second, third or fourth child, this class is designed for your growing family. Adding a new member to the family is a joyous and challenging phase of parenting. Join other "veteran" parents to learn and share ideas about sibling relationships, positive discipline, temperament and family dynamics. Expectant parents are welcome.
Multiples - Twins and Triplets | 1-4 years
Meet other parents of multiples and share joys and challenges, while finding the information and support that you need. Gain ideas for managing sleep, discipline, toileting, eating and more through parent discussion.
Big Little Kids | 2-3 years
Rise & Shine | 1-5 years
Grandparent(s) & Me | 1-4 years
Curious Climbers | 18-24 months
Ready-Set Preschool | 31 months-4 years
We recognize that children develop along a continuum and this class is perfect for children who are working towards the independence skills needed for preschool. This unique blend of part-child time and peer group interaction, offers an introductory preschool experience. The child only day give your child a chance to interact with independently peers and is led by a licensed early childhood teacher. The parent-child day is playtime together, followed by a separated discussion led by a licensed parent educator.
Mid-Day Connect & Play | 1-4 years
This class is designed for families with multiple children, one or more of whom are between the ages of 1-4. Join us for fun, hands-on activities followed by discussion with a licensed parenting educator. Conversation topics may range from tailoring your parenting to each child, strategies for managing behaviors and sibling dynamics, meal times and much more.
Parenting in the Great Outdoors | 33 months-4 years
At ECFE, we know the importance of children (and adults!) spending time outside. We have a lovely outdoor space adjacent to our building and are offering a parent-child class that connects young learners with nature, creativity and scientific inquiry. This is a non-separating class where children and parents explore activities in our outdoor learning center and go on nature walks to Lake Minnetonka!
Parenting Your Preschooler | Parent Only
The preschool years are a time of wonder and learning as well as new challenges for parents. Join other parents of preschoolers to talk about social and emotional development, setting boundaries, creating routines and navigating big feelings. Do you have a child in Jr. Explorers? This class pairs perfectly with Eat, Play, Learn if you are looking for a class to share with your child.
Eat, Play, Learn | 1-5 years
This class is designed with working families in mind. Come join us for pizza, play, and parenting. This non-separating class offers family activities, connection with other parents, and best of all, someone has taken care of dinner for you! You can register for the full year or 10 weeks at a time.
STEM: Science Discovery | 3-5 years
Explore fun science topics with your child during these afternoon or evening parent + child classes! All classes align with elementary life science, earth science, physical science and/or nature of science and engineering standards.