We invite you to join our District 196 ECFE family as we share and learn together this summer. Our schedule provides a sample of the classes available throughout the year, including age-specific and topic classes. Supporting early childhood development and parenting is ourpassion. 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 | Jul 7, 14, 21, 28 | 8:30-10:00 a.m. | FREE* | 103-216A
Tue | Jul 7, 14, 21, 28 | 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | FREE* | 103-216B
*Baby classes are free to District 196 families. Out-of-district families pay the Summer Fee.
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 | Jul 7, 14, 21, 28 | 8:30-10:00 a.m. | FREE* | 103-216A
Tue | Jul 7, 14, 21, 28 | 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | FREE* | 103-216B
*Baby classes are free to District 196 families. Out-of-district families pay the Summer Fee.
Parents and Ones
Parents with Children Ages 12-24 Months
Non-Separating, Prekindergarten Siblings Welcome
Looking for a fun class with your one-year-old? Join other parents and toddlers for a summer morning class. Toddlers love to take off and explore if their parents are close by. Parent discussion will take place in the children’s room, where toddlers can check in with their parents if they need to. Please register all prekindergarten children who will be attending class.
Wed | Jul 8, 15, 22, 29 | 8:30-10:00 a.m. | Summer Fee | 220-216A
Wed | Jul 8, 15, 22, 29 | 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Summer Fee | 220-216B
Parents and Twos
Parents with Children Ages 24-35 Months
Separating, Prekindergarten Siblings Welcome
Twos are growing at high speed, so they require guidance and limits as they set out to try everything in sight. Make a date with your two-year-old and learn delightful ways to enjoy time together. You will value a parent group where you can learn about and share this super stage in your child’s development. Please register all prekindergarten children who will be attending class.
Thu | Jul 9, 16, 23, 30 | 8:30-10:00 a.m. | Summer Fee | 255-116A
Thu | Jul 9, 16, 23, 30 | 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Summer Fee | 255-116B
Fostering a Play-Based Childhood
Separating
Are you looking to enrich your child's development through the power of play? In an age where screen use dominates, daily schedules are hectic, and families are overwhelmed, play might be getting lost. In this class, we’ll explore strategies for prioritizing play in families. Research shows that children who have dedicated time for unstructured, child-directed play experience positive social and academic outcomes. Join us and take the first step towards making play a central part of your child's learning journey.
Ages Birth-Prekindergarten
Tue | Jul 7, 14, 21, 28 | 9:00-11:00 a.m. | Summer Fee | 517-116A
Ages Birth-6 Years
Wed | Jul 8, 15, 22, 29 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Summer Fee | 517-116B
Setting Limits with Confidence
Parents with Children Ages Birth-Prekindergarten
Separating
Do you struggle with setting limits while staying calm and connected with your child? This class will provide strategies to help you establish clear, consistent, and effective boundaries while fostering a strong parent-child relationship. Join us and gain the tools to set firm but loving limits while building respect, cooperation, and connection with your child. Children will practice skills with our early childhood staff in our environment designed just for them.
Ages Birth-6 Years
Tue | Jul 7, 14, 21, 28 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Summer Fee | 452-116A
Ages Birth-Prekindergarten
Wed | Jul 8, 15, 22, 29 | 9:00-11:00 a.m. | Summer Fee | 452-116B
Family Strengths and Skills Separating
Every family is unique, as is every person. We all have different skills and strengths. This class is an opportunity to focus on all the positive features of your family and learn ways to grow stronger. In today’s fast-changing world, it is more important than ever to recognize and strengthen the one thing that remains constant in our lives: our family. Join us to get great ideas for solving problems, communicating and working together to reinforce the traditions and rituals that build family connections. Your children will have opportunities to practice skills for success.
Ages Birth-Prekindergarten
Thu | Jul 9, 16, 23, 30 | 9:00-11:00 a.m. | Summer Fee | 503-215
Register Today: ce.district196.org/ecfe
Lottery deadline for District 196 residents is May 5, 2026.
Classes will be held July 7-30, 2026.
Class fees are based on your family annual income and are determined by a sliding fee scale.
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