Early Childhood Family Education | ECFE

We have created flexible choices for your family this winter quarter. We believe everyone deserves support and guidance through their parenting journey. Our top priority is to protect the health and safety of our families, staff and community as we learn and play together. Our winter session begins January 5.

ECFE CLASS REGISTRATION

Connections Preschool

ECFE is a program for parents and their children during the years from birth through pre-kindergarten. Our mission is to provide quality learning opportunities and resources for all young families in our district. ECFE is a fun, informal place to meet, learn and play with other parents and young children. We offer a wide variety of classes, one-time events, a family literacy program and several special opportunities.

One-Time Events

ECFE Live!

Do you need a way to connect with other families that have small children? Are you not sure if you can commit to a weekly class or are you limiting your in-person contact? Join Katie and Shelly for a virtual drop-in opportunity on Zoom that includes smiles, singing, interactive play and support for parenting in a pandemic. For ages birth through kindergarten.

Tuesdays | Jan 5-Mar 16 | 10:45-11:45 a.m. | Zoom only | Free

Registration available a week in advance of each class.

Register here

Baby Playtime at Home

Songs and story time led by an ECFE instructor on Zoom. Learn how to engage your baby's brain and support their development through fun activities you can do every day at home. All you need is a blanket. For ages birth through 12 months.

Wednesdays | Jan 6 to Mar 17 | 2:30-3:30 p.m. | Zoom only | Free
Registration available a week in advance of each class.

Register Here

wonderful wednesdays

Meet for a play break every week! Move and groove with songs, movement and finger plays. Meet new friends and interact with your kids at home and with other families over Zoom. Enjoy a story time and get ideas for hands-on activities to ease the cabin fever winter can bring. For ages birth through kindergarten.

Early childhood teacher making heart sign with hands

Family Circle

Come join us for a fun ECFE family circle time at night. This interactive class will include dancing, movement, singing, hands-on activities and even a bedtime story. This is a great way to spend time with your kids after a hectic day. This is a virtual drop-in opportunity on Zoom so you can join in when it works for your family. Jocelyn and Akiko can't wait to have some ECFE fun with you. For parents with children ages birth through prekindergarten.

COVID-19 Information

Meet Our Teachers

Family School

Parents learn with your child!

Parents ... attend Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes and learn parenting skills while your child attends preschool in Family School! Parents and their preschool children can attend school together Monday through Thursday mornings at District 196 learning centers in Apple Valley. Families must be District 196 residents, have preschool children and a goal in Adult Basic Education as an English learner (EL) or GED student.

In Family School

Parents attend ABE classes and learn parenting skills
Children attend preschool and get ready for kindergarten

Find Out More

Parenting Resources

District 196 Information

Early Childhood Screening - 14301 Diamond Path, Apple Valley, MN 55124. Call 651-423-7899.

Early Childhood Special Education - For information on evaluations and early intervention. Call 952-388-1900.

Kindergarten and Magnet Schools - General information for incoming kindergarten families. Or go directly to kindergarten enrollment to start the pre-enrollment process.

New Baby - Do you have a new baby? Are you new to town? If so, please contact Student Information Services at 651-423-7640 with your family’s updated information so you receive important program information and updates.

School Attendance Locator

Activity Ideas

Favorite Links

Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University
Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning at Vanderbilt University
Common Sense Media
Conscious Discipline
The Ellyn Satter Institute - Models for Feeding Dynamics and Eating Competence
Healthy Children (American Academy of Pediatrics)
Help Me Grow Minnesota
Kids in the House
Mary Sheedy Kurcinka, Ed.D.
Mom Enough
Pacer Center - Champions for Children with Disabilities
ParentAware - Tools and information to find quality childcare and early education
Parenting Counts
PBS Parent Resources
Positive Discipline
Simplicity Parenting
Zero to Three

Parent Aware 4-Star Rating

State of MN ECFE Overview

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) recognizes that parents are their child’s first and most important teachers. ECFE offers parents hands-on learning experiences that will nourish a lifetime of teachable moments.

All ECFE classes are taught by licensed early childhood teachers and parent educators to provide the quality education parents are looking for. ECFE teachers use the Parent Education Core Curriculum Framework and Early Childhood Indicators of Progress: Minnesota’s Early Learning Standards provided through the Minnesota Department of Education.

Click here to open a printable brochure about ECFE.

Connect with ECFE on Facebook

Contact ECFE

Dakota Valley Learning Center (DVLC)
office 952-388-1953
email ecfe@district196.org
address 4679 144th St. W., Apple Valley, MN 55124

Cedar Valley Learning Center (CVLC)
address 14420 Glenda Dr., Apple Valley, MN 55124

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