Time to Register for District 196 ECFE Spring Classes
We invite you to join our District 196 ECFE family as we share and learn together this Spring. 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 | Mar 31-Jun 2 | 3:30-5:00 p.m. | FREE* | 103-216A
Tue | Mar 31-Jun 2 | 5:30-7:00 p.m. | FREE* | 103-216B
Fri | Apr 3-May 29 | 8:45-10:15 a.m. | skip Apr 10; May 1 | FREE* | 103-216C
*Baby classes are free to School District 196 families. Out-of-district families pay Fee B.
Ones and Twos: Nurturing Resilience
Parents with Children Ages 12-35 Months
Non-Separating, Prekindergarten Siblings Welcome
Our newest offering for parents/caregivers of one and two year olds explores the many ways connections, co-regulation and responsiveness shape a child’s developing brain and fosters resilience in the earliest years. This class blends science, reflection and real life parenting to help families feel more confident, supported and grounded in their role as their child’s safe base.
Wed | Apr 1-Jun 3 | 8:45-10:15 a.m. | Fee B | Room 216 | 233-216A
Wed | Apr 1-Jun 3 | 10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. | Fee B | Room 216 | 233-216B
Wide Open Spaces
Separating, Prekindergarten Siblings Welcome
In this outdoor class, parents and children will interact with the natural environment and experience all the benefits of the great outdoors. A growing body of research links our mental, physical and spiritual health directly to our association with nature. Our backyard has woods to play in, a rock river, grass and hills to run and roll, an outdoor easel and xylophones and a spacious playground. We will go on at least two local field trips to discover our community’s natural spaces. Common parenting topics of the group’s choosing will also be explored in the parent group.
Parents with Children Ages 3-Prekindergarten
Wed | Apr 1-Jun 3 | 1:15-3:30 p.m. | Fee A | Room 215 | 318-215A
Parents with Children Ages Birth-6 Years
Wed | Apr 1-Jun 3 | 5:45-7:45 p.m. | Fee A | Room 215 | 318-215B
Intentional Parenting for Everyday Moments
Separating
Explore different parenting styles and how they show up in everyday family life, especially in a world full of parenting advice and social media influence. In this class, parents and caregivers will reflect on their own approach to guidance, learn what research says about parenting styles and practice simple strategies for setting loving limits and building strong connections. Through discussion, shared experiences and practical tools, families will gain confidence in their own parenting style that fits their child, their values and real life.
Parents with Children Ages Birth-Prekindergarten
Tue | Mar 31-Jun 2 | 9:30-11:45 a.m. | Fee A . | Room 204 | 519-204
Parents with Children Ages Birth-6 Years
Mon | Apr 6-Jun 1 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Fee A | Room 215 | skip May 25 | 519-215
Tackling Tough Topics
Parents with Children Ages Birth-Prekindergarten
Separating
"Why?" "WHY?" "WHY??" Parents everywhere can speak to the insatiable curiosity of children. As children grow, they will naturally have questions about themselves and their world, including tough topics that parents are not always sure how to handle. Topics may include poverty, grief, loss, sexuality, race, gender, differing abilities and violence in media. Build your capacity and confidence to have developmentally appropriate conversations with your children in this supportive and research-driven class.
Mon | Apr 6-Jun 1 | 9:30-11:45 a.m. | Fee A | Room 204 | skip May 25 | 570-204
Winter Family Fun Event
Saturday, February 28, 2026
9:30-11:30 a.m.
Dakota Valley Learning Center
4679 144th Street West, Apple Valley
Free to attend. Donations will be accepted at the door.
Minnesota winters can get long. Are you looking for ways to beat those winter blahs with your little ones? Join us for some family fun at the Dakota Valley Learning Center! The ECFS Advisory Council will host a variety of activities for you to play and be creative. Shake those sillies out with a family dance party.
A silent auction will be held at the event with proceeds going to support the Foundation for Early Childhood Family Services. More details to follow.
Online bidding will also be available February 25-March 1 at https://new.biddingowl.com/2026WinterFamilyFun.
Watch our website, ce.district196.org/ecfe, for upcoming details.
No registration is required.
Register Today: ce.district196.org/ecfe
Lottery deadline for District 196 residents is March 3, 2026.
Classes begin March 31, 2026.
Class fees are based on your family annual income and are determined by a sliding fee scale.
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