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.
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.
Tue | Sep 8-Dec 15 | 8:45-10:15 a.m. | Fee B | Room 216 | 255-216C
Wed | Sep 2-Dec 16 | 8:45-10:15 a.m. | Fee B | Room 215 | skip Nov 25 | 255-215A
Parenting Your Two- or Three-Year-Old
Parents with Children Ages 24-48 Months
Separating, Prekindergarten Siblings Welcome
This is indeed a special developmental time for you and your child. The transition from toddler to preschooler is in full swing and brings with it delight and surprise as children navigate their world. Hold onto your hat as your child takes you on this roller coaster ride. Language, motor development, social skills and handling big feelings are all a part of everyday learning. Please
register all prekindergarten children who will be attending class.
Thu | Sep 3-Dec 17 | 8:45-10:15 a.m. | Fee B | Room 204 | skip Oct 15; Nov 5, 26 | 265-204A
Fri | Sep 11-Dec 18 | 8:45-10:15 a.m. | Fee B | Room 118 | skip Sep 25; Oct 16; Nov 6, 27 |
265-118A
Parents and Preschoolers
Parents with Children Ages 3-Prekindergarten
Separating, Prekindergarten Siblings Welcome
This class, specially focused on ages three, four and five, covers a variety of parenting topics to offer you and your children a super time together. The parent group will decide which topics to discuss, such as self-esteem, discipline and power struggles. Preschoolers will enjoy doing new things and meeting new friends. Please register all prekindergarten children who will be attending the class.
Thu | Sep 3-Dec 17 | 1:15-3:30 p.m. | Fee A | Room 118 | skip Oct 15; Nov 5, 26 | 315-118
Setting Limits with Confidence
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. Please register all prekindergarten siblings who will be attending class.
Parents with Children Ages 3-Prekindergarten
Wed | Sep 2-Dec 16 | 1:15-3:30 p.m. | Fee A | Room 215 | skip Nov 25 | 452-215B
Parents with Children Ages Birth-6 Years
Tue | Sep 8-Dec 15 | 5:45-7:45 p.m. | Fee A | Room 215 | 452-215A
Wide Open Spaces
Parents with Children Ages 3-Prekindergarten
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. Please register all prekindergarten children who will be attending class.
This class will primarily be held outside.
Tue | Sep 8-Dec 15 | 1:00-3:15 p.m. | Fee A | Room 118 | 318-118
Dynamics of Sibling Relationships
Parents with Children Ages Birth-Prekindergarten
Separating
When there are two or more children in a family, relationships can be complex. In this class you will discuss how children relate to one another as siblings in your ever-changing family systems. By understanding your children’s different temperaments, you will be able to help them live together and get their needs met in a win-win style.
Thu | Sep 3-Dec 17 | 9:15-11:30 a.m. | Fee A | Room 215 | 606-215
Creciendo Juntos: Educación Familiar en la Primera
Infancia
Para padres con niños desde el nacimiento hasta el preescolar
Separación
¡Esta clase de ECFE está dirigida principalmente a familias hispanohablantes! Invitamos a los padres y a las personas que están al cuidado de bebés recién nacidos hasta niños que van a kínder, para compartir tiempo de calidad mientras juegan, aprenden y crecen juntos. Para los niños, se ofrecerán actividades divertidas como pintura, juegos sensoriales y tiempo en el gimnasio o al aire libre. A lo largo de la clase, los adultos participarán en temas de conversación acerca del desarrollo infantil, rutinas diarias y otros temas de interés enfocados en el bienestar de los niños y la importancia de su rol como cuidadores.
Esta clase será impartida en inglés con el apoyo de una intérprete en español.
Martes | 13 y 27 de octubre; 10 y 24 de noviembre
Backyard Bash
Thursday, September 24, 2026
5:00-7:00 p.m.
Dakota Valley Learning Center
4679 144th Street West, Apple Valley
Free to attend. Donations will be accepted at the door.
You are invited to a special Open House where families can experience the joy of early learning-outside! This event is designed for children and their parents to explore our outdoor learning spaces, engage in hands-on activities and connect with other families. Whether it’s digging in the dirt, painting in the sunshine or building with natural materials, children will be free to play, discover and imagine. Dress for the weather and come ready for fun. Maleku Coffee food truck will have a variety of items available for purchase. A portion of the sales will be donated to Early Childhood Family Services.
All families with young children are welcome. No registration needed.
Check our website, ce.district196.org/ecfe, for details.
Register Today: ce.district196.org/ecfe
Classes begin September 2, 2026.
Class fees are based on your family annual income and are determined by a sliding fee scale.
