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.
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 | Sep 10-Dec 17 | 3:30-5:00 p.m. | FREE* | Room 216 | 103-216A
Tue | Sep 10-Dec 17 | 5:30-7:00 p.m. | FREE* | Room 216 | 103-216B
Fri | Sep 6-Dec 20 | 8:45-10:15 a.m. | FREE* | Room 216 | skip Oct 4, 18; Nov 8, 29 | 103-216C
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.
Parents with Children Ages Birth-5 Years
Wed | Sep 4-Dec 18 | 1:15-3:30 p.m. | Fee A | Room 215 | skip Nov 27 | 517-215B
Parents with Children Ages Birth-7 Years
Tue | Sep 10-Dec 17 | 5:45-7:45 p.m. | Fee A | Room 215 | 517-215A
Parenting from the Inside Out
Parents with Children Ages Birth-5 Years
Separating
Come and discover how a deeper self-understanding can help you build a more effective and enjoyable relationship with your child. Making sense of your childhood experiences has a profound effect on how you parent your own children. Connecting with other parents will provide an opportunity to reflect, keep what works and consider new parenting approaches. This class is based on the book Parenting from the Inside Out by Daniel Siegel and Mary Hartzell. The early childhood room is designed for children to play, explore and try out new skills.
Fri | Sep 6-Dec 20 | 9:15-11:30 a.m. | Fee A | Room 204 | skip Oct 4, 18; Nov 8, 29 | 508-204
Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings
Parents with Children Ages Birth-5 Years
Separating
Are you looking for peace between your children? Join us as we discuss how to become a peaceful parent to support and teach your children how to reduce sibling rivalry, build relationship skills with each other and fight less. Our discussions will be based on Laura Markham’s book, Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings. Reading the book is not required for this class, but you may do so to enhance our discussion time. Children will enjoy the social experiences with others exploring our early childhood classroom.
Thu | Sep 5-Dec 19 | 9:15-11:30 a.m. | Fee A | Room 215 | skip Oct 17; Nov 7, 28 | 607-215
The Power of Showing Up
Parents with Children Ages Birth-7 Years
Separating
Parenting isn’t easy. Showing up is. Your greatest impact begins right where you are. Based on the latest brain and attachment research, The Power of Showing Up by Daniel Siegal and Tina Payne Bryson, this class explores the four building blocks of a child’s healthy development. Every child needs to feel safe, seen, soothed and secure. This class will focus on a parent’s approach to child-rearing and the skills and abilities one needs to build the parent-child relationship.
Wed | Sep 4-Dec 18 | 5:45-7:45 p.m. | Fee A | Room 215 | skip Nov 6, 27 | 511-215
Dad and Me
Parents with Children Ages Birth-7 Years
Separating
Fathers of all types have an important relationship with their children that is instrumental in their development. Join together in a community of men to learn, share and play while building a support system rooted in fatherhood. This group will focus on quality time with our kids, including gym time. Relaxed discussions about parenting and what it means to be a dad are included. Bring your experiences as a father, or father figure, to share with the group and take home new tips and ideas from both other dads and our parenting educator. Your children will make new friends and learn skills with the guidance of our early childhood teachers.
Thu | Sep 5-Dec 19 | 5:45-7:45 p.m. | Fee A | Room 118 | skip Oct 3, 17; Nov 7, 28 | 910-118
Lottery deadline for District 196 residents is August 6, 2024.
Classes begin September 4, 2024.
Class fees are based on your family annual income and are determined by a sliding fee scale.
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