Early Childhood Family Education

Contact

Early Childhood Family Center
651-351-4000

Hey parents! We've got your back.

Hey parents, we see you sleep-deprived and stressed, trying to keep it all together.

We see you trying to balance that tiny baby on your shoulder while trying to get work done and still keeping an eye on your toddler.

We see you as you’re trying to parent the way you wish you had been parented; learning more about your child’s needs and the best way to meet them.

As wonderful as your child is, let’s be real, there are moments when you’ll feel overwhelmed. The good news is you’re not alone. Whether you are single parenting or with a partner, we’re here to support you.

The Early Childhood Family Center (ECFC) offers a variety of ways for you to connect with other parents of children from birth to age five. It’s a safe space to learn, laugh, reflect, and vent! Come learn practical tips and tricks from parents who have been right where you are and get advice from Parent Educators. Watch your children play and interact with other kids, connect with other families in the community, and make some new parent friends.

Classes, Events and Resources

Registration Procedure and Fee Schedule

ECFE Registration Procedure and Fee Schedule

ECFE Fees
ECFE fees are based on your income level. Registration is required for sibling care. See sibling care availability when you register for classes online. Checks, VISA and MasterCard are accepted.

**Class Fee Schedule**
Income Range	Semester
$120,000 and over	$290
$100,000-119,000	$235
$80,000-99,999	$190
$60,000-79,999	$145
$40,000-59,999	$100
$20,000-39,999	$50
$19,999 or less	$25
Wisconsin Residents	$300

Sibling Care Fee Schedule
Income Range	Semester
$120,000 and over	$130
$100,000-119,000	$110
$80,000-99,999	$90
$60,000-79,999	$70
$40,000-59,999	$50
$20,000-39,999	$25
$19,999 or less	$10
Wisconsin Residents	$145

Fee Assistance
All families are welcome in the ECFE program. We will find a way for you to participate based on individual circumstance and/or financial need. Call 651-351-4000 to make arrangements.

Immunizations
All children registered in ECFE sessions need to have an up to date record of immunizations or an exemption on file. Children in sibling care also need these records on file. No registration is complete without an immunization form.

Our youngest babies may not have started their shots when they are registered. When that is the case, please make a note on your registration form and bring in the immunization form when shots have been started.

Waiting Lists
If all class choices are filled, families will be placed on a waiting list when they register and called if an opening occurs or a new class is formed.

Wisconsin Residents
Wisconsin fees reflect a non-resident rate.

Refunds
Withdrawal must be done one week prior to the first class in order to receive full tuition refund. A 50% refund after one week, no refund after three weeks. All refunds require a $15 processing fee. Refund policy applies for each semester.

Calendar

Babies

You’ve read all the “What to Expect...” books, but now that your baby is here you need some real-world advice. Come learn from our experts! In our Busy Babies class you’ll not only get support from our Parent Educators, you’ll also connect with other parents going through similar experiences. Parents and infants do not separate in these classes.

Birth to 12 months

Activities to do with your infant at home

Getting outside in Winter with your baby

Songs to sing with infants

Toddlers

Understanding what to expect as your toddler grows is important for you and your child. ECFE provides an opportunity for you to learn and play together. Parents will also separate from the children to discuss topics such as: responding to challenging behaviors, activities that support toddlers’ learning, to benefit you and your child etc.

12 to 24 months

Tender Twos

Mixed Ages

Children learn so much when they explore the world together. This is especially true in these classes that encourage and challenge language development, social interaction and physical development across ages. Parent discussion may include topics such as: sleep issues, fostering child creativity, behavior guidance, activities encouraging early literacy and math skills.

Birth to 5 year olds

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math)

Special Classes and Family Events

Early Childhood Screening

Any child who will go to school in the state of Minnesota must have an Early Childhood Screening record before entering kindergarten. It involves a simple, easy method of finding out how a child between the ages of 3 and 5 is growing and developing in areas of vision, hearing, speech, and thinking skills, as well as general health and growth.

The ideal age to have your child screened is between 3 and 5. Families living within the school district should receive a postcard about screening when their child turns 3. If you've not received the notice, please call our Enrollment Office at 651-351-8412.

Schedule Your Appointment

We are currently taking in-person appointments

In-Person Screening:

Schedule an in-person screening appointment online or call 651-351-4022. Screenings are held at the Early Childhood Family Center, 1111 Holcombe St. S. in Stillwater. Appointments typically takes 1 hour.

Goals of Early Childhood Screening

Find out how your child is growing and developing.
Connect families with early childhood programs and other community services that may be needed.
Answer any parenting questions/concerns you may have.
Identify any possible health or learning concerns so that they may be addressed before a child enters school.

Early Childhood Screening is not a kindergarten readiness assessment and should not be put off until right before kindergarten. Children usually go through screening one to two years before they enter kindergarten. However, if your child is five years old, not eligible for kindergarten, and not yet been through preschool screening, call to arrange an appointment.

Visit the Early Childhood Screening page

Parent Resources

We have listed below some general suggestions for things that caregivers can do to help support the growth and development of their children. These are general suggestions, meant to be useful for almost any child.

High Level Question Asking

Comfort and Challenge

Outdoor Winter Activities for Young Children

Benefits of Learning Outdoors

Sensory Play

Visit the ECFC virtually!

Built in 2012, the Early Childhood Family Center is a unique facility that houses a variety of programs for District residents from birth through adulthood. We offer classes for infants and toddlers, and their parents, preschool students, and adults working toward a GED or learning English.