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Early Childhood Programming

Early Childhood Family Education is a MN State funded educational program for families with children from birth to 5 (not yet in kindergarten). ECFE helps parents support their child's growth and development. Classes are taught by licensed early childhood teachers and licensed parent educators. 

Winter/Spring ECFE Registration

Winter/Spring classes take place February 5 - May 30, 2024. Registration for lottery placement into classes will be November 27-December 8, 2023.
 View Catalog Early Learning Winter/Spring 2024 Catalog PDF

Drop-In Play Sessions

Drop-In Play sessions provide the opportunity for you and your child(ren) to pop in for some parent/child ECFE fun. Most sessions are weekly and run from September through May based on the ECFE program calendar. Registration is not required and sessions are free. Space is limited to 14 children per session. For ages birth - 5 years old.

LIBERTY RIDGE SITE 2 - 11283 EAGLE VIEW BLVD., WOODBURY, MN

  • Mondays 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. 
  • Wednesdays 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
  • Fridays 9:00-10:15 a.m.
  • Fridays 10:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
  • Fridays 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

DISTRICT PROGRAM CENTER - 8400 E. PT. DOUGLAS RD. S., COTTAGE GROVE, MN

  • Mondays 8:45-10:00 a.m.
  • Wednesdays 9:30-10:45 a.m.
  • Wednesdays 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

DROP-IN PLAY WILL NOT OCCUR ON THE FOLLOWING DATES:
Nov. 22-24; Dec. 22-29; Jan. 1-2, 15, 29, 31; Feb. 2, 16-19; Mar. 4-11, 29; Apr. 26; May 27, 31

Parent/Baby Connection Drop-In

In this free, drop-in style class, you will be able to connect with other new parents, ask questions and share ideas related to adjusting to a new baby, feeding, sleeping and more.  For more information, please call the Early Learning office at 651-425-7181.

LIBERTY RIDGE SITE 2 - 11283 EAGLE VIEW BLVD., WOODBURY, MN

  • Tuesdays 10:30-11:45 a.m. - ages birth - 3 months (Starting September 12, 2023)

WASHINGTON COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH - 13000 RAVINE PARKWAY S., COTTAGE GROVE, MN

  • Fridays 10:30-11:45 a.m. - ages birth - 3 months (Starting September 15, 2023)

Contact

Enrollment Questions:
Katie Van Overmeiren
Office Coordinator
651-425-7181

kvanover@sowashco.org

Beth Quist
Site Coordinator
Liberty Ridge Site 2
651-425-7163

bquist@sowashco.org

Ann Mockenhaupt
Site Coordinator
District Program Center
651-425-6636

amockenh@sowashco.org

Joyce Beaird
Early Learning Family
Services Manager
651-425-7169

jbeaird@sowashco.org

Office Hours:
7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

ECFE Classes and Activities

Early Learning Blog

Along with the joy of becoming a parent comes a lot of questions about raising a child. It can be hard to find answers and information. Our Early Learning blog can provide the information you seek. Written by one of our own ECFE Licensed Parent Educators, each blog offers insight into child development, parenting strategies, and other important topics that can support parents during their parenting journey. View our extensive blog library of topics as well as our most recent post below:

What exactly is play-based learning? It's the environment that is conducive to a child’s development involving skills such as teamwork, communication, clever thinking, creativity, and confidence. Additionally, it's beneficial for social skills, language development, and even laying a foundation for number sense and scientific inquiry.

I have been anxiously anticipating the first “real” snowfall in Minnesota this winter, which is seeming further and further away. There is something miraculous about the sparkle  of trees adorned with glitter and creating footprints on the wintery path. One of my favorite parenting moments is waking up my then 3-year-old from bed on a night when the snow began falling like a thick cozy blanket in the evening hours. By 10:00 p.m. there was nearly a half foot of snow and my busy, energetic preschooler had been blessedly sleeping for several hours after what was always a full day of trying to keep up with him. I couldn’t quench my excitement for the new snow and knowing that this apple didn’t fall far from the tree I knew he would be just as thrilled as I was at the wonder on our front lawn. I woke him out of a dreamy sleep, and he instantly sprang to life as he gazed outside while I dressed us both in our winter gear. We made a snowman, snow angels, and just took in the beauty of the quiet night; warm from connection of joy shared and energy used to enjoy the gift of the first snowfall.

Snowflakes are a fitting analogy for each child’s unique way of responding to the world and the gift of rare perspective they bring.

Has this happened in your household as often as ours? A place where cookies can mimic the currency of joy. You hand each child a cookie, and suddenly, chaos and crying ensues. One child protests, “It’s not fair! His cookie is bigger!” Embrace the humor and opportunity in these moments, turning them into valuable teaching opportunities. 

In the whimsical world of parenting, the age-old question persists: How do we teach our little ones the delicate dance between fair and equal? We’ll consider research as well as practical strategies to navigate the foundation for this important lesson.

In the gentle hum of a room filled with young children—from the cozy blankets of infancy to the lively classrooms of elementary school—cooperation becomes the thread stitching together the fabric of childhood. It begins with the dance of interaction between a parent and child. My children’s first smiles were the long-awaited beginning of a bond I had dreamed about before they were born. Listening to the gigglers of my toddlers cultivating the ability to share toys in a sunlit playroom, exploring the joy of newfound friendship, with lots of guidance and more than a few tears and tantrums. Witnessing the magic of their preschool play, wide-eyed and eager, collaborating on imaginative stories and dress up-often with the “planning of play” lasting longer than the playtime itself. Then onto elementary school, where friendships bloom through common interest and investment in a best friend that can last into adulthood

Parent Resources