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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 641-425-7181.

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:

The Dance of Cooperation

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

Family Traditions

Family Traditions

What were some of your favorite memories growing up? Did you have special traditions that you looked forward to with excitement and anticipation year after year? In navigating parenthood, we often find ourselves craving ways to create lasting connections and meaningful memories with our little ones. It was only once I became a mother did I begin to appreciate the effort and thought that went into my own favorite traditions of making lefsa and flatbread on my grandma’s birthday each year (even when it meant missing school for the day) and having an real fire while making s’mores on the night of the first snowfall (accompanied with the privilege of helping my dad carry in the wood) among countless others. There is an art to establishing family traditions, shaping intentional memories, and how understanding developmental stages and temperament can enrich these experiences. So, grab a cup of hot cocoa and let’s look at some way to be intentional and inspired.

 

Nurturing Young Minds: A Guide to Early Learning Literacy for Parents

Some of my favorite memories both as a child and as a parent center around times of shared reading. Giggling together with surprising characters, going on adventures to faraway places, and learning about the world around us develop into special moments while opening the pages of a book. As parents, we play a crucial role in our children’s development, especially when it comes to their literacy skills. Early learning literacy lays the foundation for a lifelong love of reading, writing, and communication.

Creating School Year Routines

Back to School, changing seasons, trading lemonade for hot cocoa…just the phrases can evoke many emotions. Do you love the crisp in the air and fresh start or are you missing the slower pace of summer? 

Parent Resources