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Early Childhood Family Education
The Anoka-Hennepin Schools Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) program offers opportunities for learning through play, socialization, and support for families with children ages birth to grade three.
Register for ECFE classes online.
What is ECFE?
Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) is based on the idea that parents provide their child's first and most significant learning environment and parents are children's first and most enduring teachers. ECFE works to support you as a parent/caregiver and to strengthen and empower families. The goal is to enhance the ability of all parents and other family members to provide the best possible environments for their child's learning and development.
Anoka-Hennepin Schools ECFE program:
- Provides hands-on learning experiences.
- Supports children’s growth and development through play.
- Is taught by licensed early childhood educators and parenting education teachers.
ECFE activities and classes: Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) offers high-quality programs year-round, designed to support families in their parenting efforts of babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Playtime: ECFE offers Playtime sessions for children and parents to participate in fun activities and meet other families.
Pre-K to grade 3 parenting education and family engagement: Parenting education doesn’t stop when a child completes preschool. ECFE is for elementary school families, too! ECFE offers classes, workshops, and parenting resources for families as children transition to elementary school.
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Learn more about ECFE programs:
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Newborn Parenting Series
Parents, caregivers and babies from birth to 12 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 12 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
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Parenting education
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.
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Parent and child interaction
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.
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Playtime
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.
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Locations
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 CenterPreschool 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.
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Parent Advisory Council
The Anoka-Hennepin ECFE/Preschool Parent Advisory Council (PAC) provides input and support to the ECFE and the Anoka-Hennepin Schools Preschool programs.PAC members:- Serve as a resource to staff on programming.
- Discuss outreach efforts.
- Raise funds.
- Sponsor events.
- Review and approve classroom grant requests.
Attending Parent Advisory Council (PAC) meetings is a great way to learn more about school district programs and make personal connections with other families.
Meetings are typically held the second Monday of each month during the school year from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Child care is provided with advance notice.Visit our webpage for more information: ahschools.us/ecfepac
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ResourcesPolicies:
Is My Child Well Enough To Go To School (PDF)
Parent Visits - Protocol and Expectations (PDF)
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ContactEarly Childhood Family Education, 2727 N. Ferry St., Anoka, MN 55303
Phone: 763-506-1275
Fax: 763-506-1506
Office hours: Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.