ECFE
You are your child’s first and most important teacher! Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) classes help you be the best parent you can be. ECFE classes are designed for you and your child age birth to five. ECFE is unique to Minnesota and is a program of the Wayzata Early Learning School. Our Early Childhood Family Educators work hard to provide program options that allow for safe learning, connection and quality age appropriate content whether in person or virtually.
What is ECFE?
What can I expect from a typical ECFE class?
Parent-Child Activity: During this time a licensed early childhood teacher provides time for you and your child to learn and play together with songs, stories, and developmentally appropriate educational activities. Your child will also have the opportunity to meet with peers and begin to form friendships.
Parent Discussion: Spend time with other parents discussing the joys and challenges of parenting while learning effective, research-based parenting strategies. A licensed parent educator will guide the discussion using the The Minnesota Parent Education Core Curriculum and share information about child development.
Separation Time: In classes where children and parents separate for the parent discussion, children will stay with licensed early childhood teachers. We will use bubbles and novel toys to ease nervous children. We work to ensure all children have a wonderful time learning social-emotional skills and independence while playing and learning with other children.
Classes
ECFE Classes
- 0-12 Month Classes
- 12-24 Month Classes
- 24-36 Month Classes
- 2+ Classes
- Multiage Activities and Classes
0-12 Month Classes
Get to know other people with babies the same age as yours. Join us for playtime, conversation and the chance to learn from your peers and our educators. Classes are facilitated by our experienced, licensed parent educators and early childhood teachers. Everyone with a new baby is welcome, not just first time parents. Some sections are non-separating and others will begin a gradual separation at some point during the year.
12-24 Month Classes
Explore the world through your toddler's eyes, connect with other families, enhance your parenting skills, discover fresh activity ideas, and navigate the joys and challenges of raising a toddler. Group discussion and the best, most reliable information from our professional teachers will increase your joy and confidence as a parent.
24-36 Month Classes
Join this class and watch your child explore every learning opportunity with curiosity. Children will practice social skills such as listening to the teacher, turn taking and following in line while experiencing a fun and loving classroom environment. Enjoy parent/child time including songs, activities and games that will help your child grow in every way. Relax and enjoy the parent support and discussion time while building a network of friends for your child and family. Separating happens in the 2nd week of class.
2+ Classes
Join us for Terrific Twos Plus. It's an ECFE class for 2-year-olds and their caregivers. In this program, children and caregivers attend together twice a week through November. They do playful learning activities that foster development and strengthen bonds. From December through June, children start attending on their own one day a week. Caregivers still come with their child one day each week and join parent education. This promotes independence and confidence. They explore new experiences with support from our skilled educators. This class offers a balanced approach to early education. It ensures a smooth transition for both children and caregivers. Come grow, learn, and celebrate milestones with us!
Multiage Activities and Classes
Family Playtime (Newborn to 5 Years Old)
Welcome to Family Playtime! This is an inclusive ECFE class for families with kids from birth to kindergarten. Here, children and caregivers play together. It creates a space that feels warm and is welcoming for families. You'll enjoy play-based activities suitable for all ages, which promote development. Explore sensory play with infants and creative projects with preschoolers. We use music, stories, and games to boost social, emotional, and cognitive skills. Caregivers can meet others and learn from experts about parenting and child development. Join us for a fun, joyful experience that blends learning and play!
Kids on the go (2-4 Years Old)
Join us for an enriching ECFE class for kids aged 2-4 years old and their caregivers. This program fosters a love of learning through play, songs, and stories. Caregivers and children will do activities that help social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth. Children will enjoy guided play and creative exploration. Caregivers will take part in talks led by a licensed parent educator. These discussions will cover child development, positive parenting and communication. This supportive environment lets families bond, learn, and grow together. Come explore, connect, and discover the joy of learning with your little one!
Outreach
Outreach Services
We understand that it is not always possible to access services or attend classes at our sites, so we have an outreach team that is ready to come to you!
Newborn visits, ECFE classes and early childhood screening at sites beyond the walls of our school and individual home visits are available to families in the Wayzata School District!
We will help answer your questions about your child and assist with navigating the educational system. Call or contact any of the Outreach team members to learn more.
HUG Visits
Our Early Childhood Family Education specialists want to meet you and your newborn. We'll stop by your home, drop off a gift and tell you all about our services. We call these Helping Us Grow (HUG) visits.
There is no charge for these visits. They are available to all families with children under 1-year of age.
Outreach Contacts
Wayzata Early Learning School Office
763-745-5290
Tori Lee
Early Childhood Outreach Specialist
Tori.Lee@wayzataschools.org
Naomi Huso
Parent Educator
Naomi.Huso@wayzataschools.org
Registration
Welcome Baby
Welcoming a new baby can be an exciting and challenging time for you and your family. Our licensed ECFE specialists are here to help and are ready to answer your questions and share information about the many services available to new parents including:
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Welcome Baby! Sessions at Wayzata Early Learning School
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Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) Classes
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Parent Education
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HUG home visits & goody bags