Parents, caregivers and babies from birth to 16 weeks are invited to join us for our FREE newborn parenting classes. This is an opportunity for free weekly baby weight checks, to connect with other new parents, ask questions or talk about concerns, gain professional advice, laugh, and talk about life with your new baby. Classes are led by a licensed parent and family educator along with guest speakers from: WIC, Public Health, Lactation, Pediatrics, Early Intervention, and Mental Health.

Help ease the transition into life with your new baby in a supportive, open environment.  Start anytime and come as many times as you would like until your child is 16 weeks old.

Preregistration is not required but does help us be prepared.

Register for classes (Can join anytime)

Classes are held Wednesdays from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Class location: Riverview Early Childhood Center - 1400 93rd Ave. N. in Brooklyn Park.

Topics include:

• Adjustment to Parenthood 
• Healthy Attachment 
• Feeding, Mastitis, and more 
• Perinatal or postpartum mood and anxiety disorder (PMADS) 
• Newborn General Development 
• Tummy Time and Physical Development 
• Illness in Babies, Immunizations and Prepping for first colds 
• Self-Care 
• Returning to Work, Pumping, Daycare 
• Postpartum Body Care  
• Language and Literacy 

Parents will meet with other families and a licensed parenting educator to share ideas and discuss topics such as development, temperament and guidance. There are class opportunities for parents only, in addition to opportunities that children and parents attend together and then separate to practice independence while learning and playing with early childhood teachers. Children will enjoy music, art, stories, and large/small muscle activities as they play and learn.

You and your child will spend time together enjoying activities designed to enhance learning, whether it is with children the same age as your child or with a group of mixed-age children. Mixed-age classes also give families with multiple children the opportunity to attend class together, at the same time. Families will leave class with new ideas and activities to do together at home.

Participate in fun activities with your children and meet other parents. There are fun toys and activities each week, songs, fingerplays, and new friends for everyone. Registration is required. View the current Playtime schedule.

The Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) program holds classes at six locations throughout the school district. Each site has its own unique focus and charm. Learn more about each unique site:

Andover Preschool and Family Place
Anoka Preschool and Family Place
Blaine Early Childhood Center
Coon Rapids Preschool and Family Place
Riverview Early Childhood Center
Sorteberg Early Childhood Center

Preschool classes and activities are scheduled at schools, early childhood centers and sites throughout the Anoka-Hennepin School District. View the directory of ECFE and Preschool locations.