Parents and caregivers + babies, from birth to 12 weeks, are invited to join us for our newborn parenting series. This is an opportunity for weekly baby weight checks, to connect with other new parents, ask questions or talk about concerns, gain professional advice, laugh, cry, and talk about life with your new baby. Classes are led by a licensed parenting educator along with a public health nurse and lactation consultant.

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 they are 12 weeks old. Preregistration is not required and, best of all, it’s FREE!

Class dates: Wednesdays, June 7, 14, 21, 28, July 12, 19, 26, August 2, 9, 16.

Class time: 1:30 to 3 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 seven 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
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.