Classes

babies at an ECFE class

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

Between the ages of two and three there comes a moment when you look at your child and wonder "where did my baby go?". Your big little kid is ready for adventure in a world full of wonder. Discover ways to explore their world with them and gather for discussion with other parents experiencing life with a toddler who is talking, becoming independent and challenging rules with a new found confidence.
 

Rise & Shine | 1-5 years

A Saturday morning learning adventure! Enjoy time playing and learning together through activities designed for you and your child. Boost your parenting skills through parent discussion while children interact with their peers and teachers. Your student will enjoy snack and play in the gym during separation. You register for Rise & Shine on it's own or add on Stay & Play to enjoy the MCEC gym for an additional 30 minutes after class!
 

Grandparent(s) & Me | 1-4 years

Whether it is occasional, weekly or daily, many families rely on grandparents to assist with childcare. The grandparent as caregiver relationship can be extremely fulfilling while also complex and tiring. We hope you'll join us to share your joys, troubleshoot your challenges and explore how to best support your children as parents.
 

Curious Climbers | 18-24 months

At 18-24 months old, your toddler isn’t just walking through the world — they’re off and running! Learn ways to interact with your child through fun activities and share about your experience with this new stage of independence in an educator-led discussion.


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.