We invite you to join our District 196 ECFE family as we share and learn together this Fall. In addition to our classes, we offer one time weekly events for parents and children to enjoy together. Supporting early childhood development and parenting is our passion. We believe everyone deserves guidance through their parenting journey.
Babies: Birth Through 11 Months
Parents with Babies Only
Non-Separating
Babies sure bring change to every family! Join other parents of infants and learn how to make the adjustment to 'being a family'. This will be a relaxing and informative class. You can ask your questions, and we will share ideas with you about building a solid base for your family. We will also have time to sing songs and play some games.
Tue | Sep 9-Dec 16 | 3:30-5:00 p.m. | FREE* | 103-216A
Tue | Sep 9-Dec 16 | 5:30-7:00 p.m. | FREE* | 103-216B
Fri | Sep 5-Dec 12 | 8:45-10:15 a.m. | skip Sep 26; Oct 17, 31; Nov 28 | FREE* | 103-216C
*Baby classes are free to School District 196 families. Out-of-district families pay Fee B.
Ones and Twos: Learning, Knowing, Growing
Parents with Children Ages 12-35 Months
Non-Separating, Prekindergarten Siblings Welcome
Explore the rich journey of early development from the inside out. Toddlers will learn and grow through hands-on play, songs and stories while parents dive into supportive conversations that connect parenting practice with child development research. We will explore themes including how parents and children develop together, influencing one another along the way; understanding temperament, including introversion and extroversion; brain development; and play as learning. Join us as we discover what makes each child and parent unique, and how growing together strengthens both.
Wed | Sep 3-Dec 17 | 8:45-10:15 a.m. | Fee B | Room 216 | skip Nov 26 | 231-216A
Wed | Sep 3-Dec 17 | 10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. | Fee B | Room 216 | skip Nov 26 | 231-216B
No Drama Discipline
Parents with Children Ages Birth-Prekindergarten
Separating, Prekindergarten Siblings Welcome
Learn how to handle tough parenting moments without yelling, threats or punishments. Based on the best-selling book No-Drama Discipline by Dr. Daniel Siegel and Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, this class offers simple science-backed tools to discipline with empathy and connection. You will discover how brain development can affect misbehavior and how to set clear limits while staying calm and connected. Learn practical strategies to turn conflict into teaching moments.
Mon | Sep 8-Dec 15 | 9:30-11:45 a.m. | Fee A | Room 204 | 451-204
Growing Together
Separating
Come together in a supportive environment that celebrates the unique joys and challenges of parenting multiple ages. This class offers playful learning for children and meaningful connection for adults. While children explore sensory play and early social experiences, parents and caregivers participate in group discussions guided by a licensed parent educator. Each session is shaped by the interests and needs of the group. Whether you’re parenting a baby, toddler or preschooler, this class creates space for real conversations, shared wisdom and family growth.
Parents with Children Ages Birth-Prekindergarten
Tue | Sep 9-Dec 16 | 9:30-11:45 a.m. | Fee A | Room 204 | 705-204
Thu | Sep 4-Dec 18 | 9:15-11:30 a.m. | Fee A | Room 215 | skip Oct 16, 30; Nov 27 | 705-215B
Parents with Children Ages Birth-6 Years
Mon | Sep 8-Dec 15 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Fee A | Room 215 | 705-215A
It Starts with a Story
Parents with Children Ages Birth-6 Years
Separating
There is magic in a story, wonder in a good book and connection during the time spent reading with someone you love. You and your child will enjoy time together reading books, singing songs and playing interactive story stretching activities that are all designed to build your child’s vocabulary, strengthen your relationship and foster a life-long love for reading. You will come away with tips for using stories to illustrate sleep, nutrition, turn-taking, diversity and school readiness concepts all while building language and literacy skills with your little ones.
Wed | Sep 3-Dec 17 | 5:45-7:45 p.m. | Fee A | Room 215 | skip Oct 29; Nov 26 | 682-215
ECFE en español: Aprendiendo y jugando juntos
Para padres con niños desde el nacimiento hasta el preescolar ¡Esta clase de ECFE es especialmente para familias hispanohablantes! Padres y madres con niños desde el nacimiento hasta el jardín de infancia están invitados a compartir tiempo de calidad mientras juegan, aprenden y crecen juntos. Habrá actividades divertidas para los niños, como pintura, juegos sensoriales y tiempo en el gimnasio o al aire libre. Durante la clase, los adultos participarán en conversaciones en español sobre el desarrollo infantil, rutinas familiares y otros temas importantes que apoyan el bienestar de sus hijos y su papel como cuidadores. La clase será dirigida por maestras de habla inglesa con el apoyo de una intérprete en español.
Regístrese semanalmente para asistir: https://tinyurl.com/3ffwhc3a
Martes | 23 de septiembre; 4 de noviembre | 17:30-19:30 h | GRATIS | Sala 116
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Register Today: ce.district196.org/ecfe
Lottery deadline for District 196 residents is August 5, 2025.
Classes begin September 3, 2025.
Class fees are based on your family annual income and are determined by a sliding fee scale.
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