ECFE offers a variety of classes, all designed to help strengthen families through interactive play and relevant, research-based parent education. We invite you to join our ECFE family as we share and learn together.
Our fall catalog is in the mail and online registration is open! Fall classes begin September 3.
ECFE is a program for parents/guardians and their children during the years from birth through prekindergarten. It is based on the idea that parents/guardians provide their child’s first and most significant learning environment and are the child’s first and most important teachers. We work to support you as a parent/caregiver and to strengthen families. In District 196, we also offer classes for parents with children up to third grade in order to support continued parent engagement in children’s learning and development. A typical ECFE class includes:
Parent-child interaction: Time together to enjoy a classroom filled with developmentally appropriate learning activities.
Parent education: Relevant, effective education and support that encourage the growth and development of families.
Children's activity time: Children explore, gain independence and practice social skills with the guidance of a licensed early childhood teacher.
Are you not sure if you can commit to a weekly class? Join us for Backyard Blast! We will provide a beautiful backyard that includes a playground, grassy hill, nature space, outdoor arts area, weekly teacher-led activities and room to run. Come embrace nature and enjoy the outdoors to elevate your well-being. Indoor space is available if there is inclement weather. Register each week. Online registration opens a week in advance.
Thursdays | 9:30-11:30 a.m. | July 10, 17, 24, 31 | $5 per child
FAMILY PLAYTIME (Fall) Ages birth-prekindergarten
Pop in to play with your little ones and our ECFE staff. Dress up for dramatic play. Explore the wonders of math, science and senses while you squish, squeeze and create with playdough. Dump, pour, mash and mix in the sensory table. Become a little artist at the easel. Run, jump, climb and learn through movement in our gym. Expand language skills at story and circle time. Register each week. Online registration opens a week in advance.
Fridays | 9:00-11:00 a.m. | September 5 to December 12 (skip Sep 26; Oct 17, 31; Nov 28) | $5 per child
BABY PLAYTIME (Fall)
Ages birth-18 months
This is a time for babies and parents to play in our infant environment. Come and explore new toys, sing songs and enjoy other fun activities led by an ECFE teacher. There will also be time to meet other parents and their babies. Register each week. Online registration opens a week in advance.
Fridays | 10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. | September 5 to December 12 (skip Sep 26; Oct 17, 31; Nov 28) | Free
BACKYARD FAMILY FUN EVENT (Fall) All families with young children are welcome
You are invited to a special Open House where families can experience the joy of early learning — outside! This event is designed for children and their parents/caregivers to explore our outdoor learning spaces, engage in hands-on activities and connect with other families. Whether it's digging in the dirt, painting in the sunshine or building with natural materials, children will be free to play, discover and imagine. Dress for the weather and come ready for fun. No registration needed.
Thursday, September 25, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Dakota Valley Learning Center, 4679 144th St. W., Apple Valley
STORYTIME FOR BABIES at Dakota County Library
Ages birth-24 months
Read, play and sing along with your young child in this interactive storytime designed for newborns and babies. Our ECFE Parent Educator Heather will join in with the group and will be available for questions and conversations about babies and toddlers. For more information, visit the Dakota County Library website and go to the events section.
FEEDING YOUR BABY (Ongoing)
This session is held at Dakota County Wescott Library, 1340 Wescott Rd., Eagan Tuesdays 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Find the support you need at this free, drop-in feeding group hosted by Dakota County Public Health. An IBCLC (lactation consultant) and public health nurse will be available. You can also have your baby weighed. Common topics discussed: feeding positions • returning to work • child growth and development • pumping and milk storage • adjusting to life with a baby. All feeding decisions supported. No registration necessary; just bring yourself and your baby. View the library events page.
The ECFS (Early Childhood Family Services) Advisory Council supports Early Childhood programming within District 196. This programming includes Early Childhood Family Education, Connections Preschool and Family School. The Advisory Council is a highly valued resource for District 196 ECFS and assists in the development, planning and monitoring of Early Childhood Family Education programs.
Family School, a literacy program for English language learners, has four important parts:
a preschool program for children ages three or four
time for parents and children to play and learn together
parent education and adult education
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.
Immunization Record - Minnesota law requires children enrolled in early education programs to be immunized against certain diseases or to have a legal medical or conscientious exemption form on file. (See the MN Department of Health recommendations.) Immunization records should be updated once per school year. The form can be turned in to your ECFE teacher, emailed to our office at ecfe@district196, or faxed to us at 952-388-1948. Download the form: English | Somali | Spanish
ECFE Registration Form - If you have trouble with the online registration system, feel free to download and print this registration form and drop it off or mail it to Dakota Valley Learning Center, 4679 144th St. W., Apple Valley, MN 55124.
Early Childhood Screening - The State of Minnesota requests that children be screened between the ages of 3.5 and 4 years old. Screening offers a snapshot of your child's health and development. It can also help identify the need for early intervention before the start of kindergarten. Screening is located at the District Service Center, 14301 Diamond Path W., Apple Valley, MN. Call 651-423-7899 or schedule online.
New Baby - Do you have a new baby? Are you new to town? If so, please complete the District 196 online census form or contact Student Information Services at 651-423-7640 with your family’s updated information so you receive important program information and updates.
Playschool Program at District High Schools - The child development classes at our District 196 high schools run a playschool program for children ages 3-5 as part of their class curriculum. Contact these teachers for more information: Apple Valley High School - nichole.christensen@district196.org | Eagan High School - rachael.fair@district196.org | Eastview High School - mia.battistone@district196.org | Rosemount High School - erin.stencil@district196.org
Help Me Grow - A resource for Minnesota families to understand developmental milestones and learn if there are concerns. This helps families take the lead in seeking additional support or referring their child for a comprehensive, confidential screening or evaluation at no cost. Accessing early intervention services as early as possible will ensure the best developmental outcomes for these children.
Parent Aware is the State of Minnesota's Early Childhood Quality Program Indicator. Star ratings help families identify programs (i.e. childcare and preschool) using the practices that best prepare a child for kindergarten. Learn more at www.parentaware.org
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. ECFE works to support parents/caregivers and to strengthen and empower families. The goal is to enhance the ability of all parents and other family members to provide the best possible environment for their child's learning and development.
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.
Contact ECFE
Dakota Valley Learning Center (DVLC)
address 4679 144th St. W., Apple Valley, MN 55124
office 952-388-1953
email ecfe@district196.org
Cedar Valley Learning Center (CVLC)
address 14420 Glenda Dr., Apple Valley, MN 55124
