ECFE Program Information - Early Childhood

About ECFE

ECFE is for Everyone

ECFE is a place for families with children from birth to age 5 to grow together! We offer regular weekly classes, class series, and one-time classes. All parent-child classes include a discussion with a parent educator so that parents can learn alongside their children and offer each other ideas and support.

A woman in a black coat is embracing a young girl in a purple sweater

Why ECFE?

You are your child's first teacher, and ECFE can help you in this important work. At ECFE, licensed early childhood teachers and parent educators work to strengthen families and enhance the ability of all parents to provide the best possible environment for the healthy growth and development of their children.

All are welcome!

Throughout this online brochure the word "parent" is intended to be inclusive of any adult who has a role to play in a child's development. We welcome parents, grandparents, babysitters, and all caregivers who are interested in participating with a child in an ECFE class.

Location

Open House

ECFE Class Format

Each weekly ECFE class may have a different daily schedule depending on student ages and staff, but all will incorporate these periods:

Explore Together

The teacher welcomes families into the classroom, which is prepared with a variety of age-appropriate activities around the room.

Circle Time

Families join in a circle on the floor, and the teacher leads the group in a welcome song. Other circle time activities may include stories, music, and movement.

Parenting

Parents participate in a group discussion with a licensed parent educator. The discussion focuses on topics related to both child and parent learning and allows time to connect with other parents of young children going through similar experiences. The location and length of the parent discussion is determined by the class category in Arux:

Non-separating: Parents stay in circle, and the children are encouraged to play in other areas of the classroom.

Gradual Separation: After beginning the year as non-separating, parents spend increasing amounts of time in the parenting room.

Separating: Parents say a quick goodbye to their children, then move to the parenting room where they enjoy a conversation led by the parent educator.

Free Play

While the parents participate in parent discussion, the children stay with their teacher and continue to learn through play. The teacher and paraprofessional encourage children to try a variety of activities. For separating classes, this is a time for your child to practice separation and learn to trust other adults.

Playground/Motor Room

Parents join their children, and the class moves either to the outdoor playground or the indoor gym (equipped with climber, swing, slide, and riding toys).

Goodbye

The teacher leads the group in a final song or game to mark the end of class.

26-27 ECFE Class Schedule

Please note that classes may be rescheduled or cancelled if below minimum enrollment. See the registration site for current availability.

Mondays

Tuesdays

Wednesdays

Thursdays

Fridays

Classes by Age

Age limits are as of September 14, 2026. Students cannot age into a class midyear.

Infants (0-2)

Toddlers (1-3)

6-18 Months

Mondays 9-10:15 am

Wednesdays 1-2:15 pm

16-30 Months

Wednesdays 9-10:30 am

16 Months-4 Years

Wednesdays 11 am-12:30 pm

Twos (18 months-2 Years)

Tuesdays 11 am - 12:30 pm

2-4 Years

Mondays 6-7:30 pm

Tuesdays 9-10:30 am

Thursdays 9-10:30 am

Threes (30 months-3 Years)

Thursdays 9-10:30 am

Young Explorers

Select Tuesdays 1-2:30 pm

2 1⁄2-5 years

Drop-In & Play

Mondays 10:30 am-12 pm or Fridays 9-10:30 am

(see Drop-In Class Descriptions)

Specialty Classes

Select Fridays, 11 am-12:30pm

1 1⁄2-5 years

Preschoolers (3-5)

2-4 Years

Mondays 6-7:30 pm

Tuesdays 9-10:30 am

Thursdays 9-10:30 am

16 Months-4 Years

11 am-12:30 pm

Young Explorers

Select Tuesdays, 1-2:30 pm

2 1⁄2-4 years

Drop-In & Play

Mondays 10:30 am-12 pm or Fridays 9-10:30 am

(see Drop-In Class Descriptions)

Specialty Classes

Select Fridays, 11 am - 12:30pm

1 1⁄2-5 years

Centennial Preschool

Our preschool program offers part-day morning and afternoon classes at the Early Childhood Center for ages 3+, and full-day classes for ages 4+ at each of the district elementary schools. Registration is still open for remaining seats. Information available here.

Weekly Class Descriptions

Weekly parent-child classes meet for the entire ECFE school year and are categorized based on "separation" - the location/amount of time parents spend in discussion. ECFE follows the school district calendar for non-school days, but has a shorter school year. Please note that classes may be rescheduled or cancelled if below minimum enrollment. See the registration site for current availability.

Non-Separating

Parent discussion with the parent educator takes place in the classroom while the children play under the supervision of the ECFE teacher and paraprofessional.

0-24 Months

This evening mixed-ages class provides an opportunity for new parents and those of toddlers to share experiences and ideas.

A group of adults and children gathered in a colorful, toy-filled classroom, engaged in what appears to be a playful and interactive activity.

6-18 Months

As your infant grows into a toddler, they become more independent, curious, and interested in other children. In these classes, you and your child will have the opportunity for sensory play, socialization, songs, and movement.

Drop-In & Play

Explore with Baby

(see Drop-In Class Descriptions)

Specialty Classes

(see Short-Term Class Descriptions)

Gradual Separation

Begins non-separating, but parents increase time in another room as students grow more comfortable.

16-30 Months

Parents and tykes enjoy art, sensory, language, music, and other activities. Parent education begins in the classroom, but as children develop independence and trust in other adults, parents work towards full separation for parenting discussions.

16 Months-4 years

In this mixed ages class, children have the opportunity to learn through interaction with younger and older peers. Children who may be nervous about separation can find confidence through the presence of a sibling. Parents will increase their time spent in the parent education room based on the comfort level of the students.

Two young girls, one in a purple dress and the other in a white dress, are playing together in what appears to be a classroom or daycare setting, surrounded by colorful toys and decorations.

Separating

Parents spend half of the class time in a parenting discussion in another room.

Twos (18 months-2 years)

Art, sensory play, language, and games are the focus of this class as parents learn to support their child’s growing curiosity.

2-4 Years

This evening class extends the age range to allow students to learn from each other. Ideal for families who want to work on sharing and/or sibling dynamics. Art, sensory, music, language, and games are the focus of this class as parents learn to appreciate their child's growing curiosity.

Threes (30 months-3 years)

Children work with parents and staff to build on their growing skills. Explore learning stations and participate in group time with your child. The introduction of science projects and greater focus on literacy set this class apart from the Twos class.

A young girl in a purple sweater is playing with colorful modeling clay on a blue table in a cluttered classroom setting.

Young Explorers

(see Short-Term Class Descriptions)

Separating and Solo

One day is a separating parent-child class; for the second day (added in January) children attend alone

Step Up to Preschool

Students must turn 3 years old by December 1 (born before December 1, 2023). This class is a great option for children who just missed the cutoff for 3-year-old preschool, haven't quite mastered toilet training, or are not ready to attend school without a parent's presence. We start the year as a once-a-week parent-child class on Thursdays. Once students grow comfortable with the class setting and confident during separation time, they will begin attending Fridays (same class time) without parents. We anticipate adding Fridays in mid-January. Students must be toilet trained to attend on Fridays. Sibling care is available for this class on Thursdays only.

Girl assembling plastic marble run tower

Short-Term Class Descriptions

Young Explorers

2 1⁄2-5 years as of the start of each class

3-week-long classes, each exploring a specific theme. Register for one, two, or enjoy the entire series! Classes may include a special guest or field trip. Parent discussion takes place in a separate room and focuses on theme-related topics as well as general joys and concerns.

Young Bakers

Sept 15, 22, 29

We will explore age-appropriate baking recipes without using an oven.

Young Farmers

Oct 20, 27, Nov 3

We'll learn about farms, farmers, crops, and animals. A visit to Autumnwood Farms will bring it all to life!

Young Scientists

Nov 24, Dec 1, 8

Opportunities for children to use their minds and hands to play, explore, and learn. What fun things will we create?

Young Chefs

Jan 12, 19, 26

We'll be whipping up a variety of recipes you can eat in the classroom and make again at home.

Young Friends

Feb 16, 23, Mar 2

Parents and children practice taking turns and being kind through simple games and group play while visiting and making friends with active older adults in a senior living community.

Young Performers

Mar 30, Apr 6, 13

Bring out your inner superstar! We'll explore the arts and learn about music therapy.

Young Gardeners

Apr 27, May 4, 11

How does your garden grow? We'll explore plants and the growing cycle. Prepare to get your hands dirty as we visit All Good Organics in Centerville to see what is growing in the greenhouse and visit the baby goats!

Specialty Classes

18 months-5 years as of the date of each class

On select Fridays ECFE hosts special one-time classes. These non-separating classes are each organized around a a specific theme. Find the theme that resonates with your child's interests or introduce them to something new. These are terrific opportunities for grandma, uncle, or other special adult to bring a child to ECFE.

NEW! Nature Explorers

Oct 9

We'll start our class in the Early Childhood outdoor classroom, then take a nature walk. Our stories and projects will focus on the natural world around us. Dress for the weather!

Grandparents Day

Oct 23

It's a day to celebrate the extra-special people in our lives. Invite your pop-pop or gamma to come to school with you!

All About Art

Oct 30

Come dressed for mess as we explore our artistic side using several mediums - paint, collage, glue, fabric, and playdough. We'll also include circle time with some music and movement.

Books Come Alive

Nov 13

We'll learn how to make a story jump off the page. Activities, art projects, songs, and finger plays will be based on favorite familiar stories - and new ones, too!

Music & Movement

Nov 20

Songs, dancing, making/playing musical instruments, painting to music, a parachute game, and an obstacle course are planned for this day of fun!

Bakery Shop

Dec 11

Our classroom will be transformed into a (playdough) bakery shop, and we will decorate a real treat to take home. A mischievous gingerbread friend may lead us on a hunt to find him!

ECFE On the Go

Classes that take place at community sites. Offered with interpreters as appropriate. No pre-registration required. Dates are publicized at the community site.

Drop-In Class Descriptions

No registration required. Registering gets your information into the system to make payments easier, but does not guarantee you a spot in the class. Drop-in classes are first-come, first-served until we reach capacity.

Drop-In & Play

A young child is reaching up to place a colorful block on a stack of similar blocks, while an adult appears to be assisting them, in what seems to be an educational or play setting with various toys and learning materials visible in the background.

All families are welcome to Drop-In and Play! Enjoy sensory activities, music, art, gym/playground, and story time. Come when you can and leave when you like.

Ages birth-5

no sibling care

Explore With Baby

Your baby is changing each day, and at times, growth seems to be happening before your eyes! Come any week to meet with other parents of babies and learn ways to help your baby grow while getting the support you need as a parent.

The image shows a woman holding a baby, with another child playing with a colorful wooden toy in the foreground, all set against a curtained background.

Birth-9 months at first attendance; once started, you are welcome to stay through the end of the school year

Sibling Care

Sibling care is available for children ages 3 months to 5 years whose parent/caregiver is in class with a sibling. Not every class has sibling care available; see notations on 26-27 ECFE Class Schedule above.

Sibling care provides a safe, supervised environment for children while a parent is in class with a sibling. Our sibling care workers are paraprofessionals with child care experience. A parent will be called from class for diaper changes or if their child is having a hard time settling in. Space is limited.

Infants up to three months of age will stay with their parent in class. If you are expecting and will need childcare later in the school year, please let us know as soon as possible.

For weekly classes, the cost for sibling care is 1/2 of your class fee and can be paid annually or monthly. See Class Fees section below. If you are planning to use sibling care, you must register your child(ren) by adding sibling care to your class enrollment.

Class Fees

ECFE offers weekly class fees on a sliding scale based on household income. Fees are based on the number of class sessions in the year. Refunds are not given for classes missed due to weather, illness, family vacations, etc.

At registration, you will select your income level and payment method. Fees may be paid annually or in 9 installments via credit card or electronic transfer from a bank account. The annual fee or first monthly installment will be charged at the time of class placement. Additional monthly installments are charged on the first of each month, September-April.

No family is turned away because of an inability to pay! Call our office at 763-792-6120 for information.

Mondays

27 sessions

Gross Family Income	Annual	Monthly
$0-25,000	$121.50	$13.50
$25,000-50,000	$202.50	$22.50
$50,000-75,000	$283.50	$31.50
$75,000-$100,000	$364.50	$40.50
$100,000-$150,000	$445.50	$49.50
$150,000+	$526.50	$58.50

Tuesdays

31 sessions

Gross Family Income	Annual	Monthly
$0-25,000	$139.50	$15.50
$25,000-50,000	$232.50	$25.83
$50,000-75,000	$325.50	$36.17
$75,000-$100,000	$418.50	$46.50
$100,000-$150,000	$511.50	$56.83
$150,000+	$604.50	$67.17

Wednesdays

31 sessions

Gross Family Income	Annual	Monthly
$0-25,000	$139.50	$15.50
$25,000-50,000	$232.50	$25.83
$50,000-75,000	$325.50	$36.17
$75,000-$100,000	$418.50	$46.50
$100,000-$150,000	$511.50	$56.83
$150,000+	$604.50	$67.17

Thursdays

29 sessions

Gross Family Income	Annual	Monthly
$0-25,000	$130.50	$14.50
$25,000-50,000	$217.50	$24.17
$50,000-75,000	$304.50	$33.83
$75,000-$100,000	$391.50	$43.50
$100,000-$150,000	$478.50	$53.17
$150,000+	$565.50	$62.83

Fridays

25 sessions

Gross Family Income	Annual	Monthly
$0-25,000	$112.50	$12.50
$25,000-50,000	$187.50	$20.83
$50,000-75,000	$262.50	$29.17
$75,000-$100,000	$337.50	$37.50
$100,000-$150,000	$412.50	$45.83
$150,000+	$487.50	$54.17

Step Up to Preschool

43 sessions

Gross Family Income	Annual	Monthly
$0-25,000	$193.50	$21.50
$25,000-50,000	$322.50	$35.83
$50,000-75,000	$451.50	$50.17
$75,000-$100,000	$580.50	$64.50
$100,000-$150,000	$709.50	$78.83
$150,000+	$838.50	$93.17

Young Explorers

Specialty Classes

Drop-In Classes

Sibling Care

Registration

Registration for the 26-27 ECFE school year begins April 15. All registrations received by 11:59 pm on April 30 will be entered in the class placement lottery to be held on May 1. After the lottery, registration remains open for remaining seats and non-weekly classes. No new enrollments for weekly classes after March 1, 2027.

Online Registration

Registration does not guarantee class placement. If you register after a class has filled you will be placed on the waitlist, and we will contact you to discuss options. Your child must be the appropriate age by September 1 of the school year to be registered for a weekly class. Note that some classes have their own age restrictions as listed in class description. In order to serve as many families as possible, children are not allowed to register in more than one weekly class. (This limitation does not include short-term or drop-in classes).

You will receive a confirmation email that your registration was submitted. If you do not receive this email, your registration is incomplete. Please log back in and confirm that you have completed all the necessary fields.

Register by phone or in person

You may contact us at 763-792-6120 to register beginning April 15. You are also welcome to stop by our office to register in person

Boy placing items in small tub of water to see if they sink or float

Parent Advisory Council

New members are always welcome!

The ECFE Parent Advisory Council (PAC) is a group of Early Childhood parents who provide input for the program, help plan fun family events, and assist with program fundraising. Each year PAC raises thousands of dollars for Early Childhood programs and activities through the annual Truck Day fundraiser. PAC meetings are held monthly at the Early Childhood Center. Free child care and snacks are provided. See the PAC webpage for more information.