Ages 2-5 An ECFE Class Exploring Emotions Through Stories and Play Help your child build emotional awareness and resilience in this fun and interactive ECFE class inspired by the “A Little Spot” book series! Together, we’ll explore feelings like happiness, anger, love, and anxiety through stories, music, movement, and hands-on activities that support social-emotional development. In this class, you and your child will: Learn about different emotions and how to name them Practice strategies for calming big feelings in age-appropriate ways Strengthen your parent-child connection through guided play and discussion Meet other families and build community around emotional learning Parent Book Study: This class is offered in conjunction with a book study for parents and caregivers using Your Child’s Growing Mind by Jane M. Healy. While children explore emotions in the classroom, adults will engage in meaningful discussions about brain development, learning, and how to best support their child’s growth during these critical early years. Led by experienced educators, this class provides a supportive, creative, and informative space for both children and adults to learn and grow—together. Who Should Attend: Parents or caregivers and their children ages 2–5.

Birth to 5 Years Unwind and create together in this evening ECFE class designed for children ages 0–5 and their caregivers. Art Start is all about playful, open-ended art experiences that encourage creativity, self-expression, and connection at the end of your busy day. Each week, families will explore new materials, enjoy music and movement, and engage in simple art projects that support development and imagination. Caregivers will have opportunities to connect with each other and participate in meaningful conversations around parenting, creativity, and child development. Who should attend: Parents or caregivers and their children ages 0–5 looking for a calm, creative way to end the day. Sliding Fee A

Birth to Age 5 A Special ECFE Class Just for Fathers and Father Figures This ECFE class is designed specifically for dads, stepdads, grandpas, uncles, and other father figures who play an important role in a young child’s life. Join other men in a relaxed, supportive environment where you can connect, learn, and grow alongside your child. In this class, you will: Spend quality time bonding with your child through guided play, songs, and activities Explore parenting topics that matter to dads, such as discipline, building routines, and navigating emotions Share experiences and ideas with other fathers and caregivers Gain confidence and tools to support your child’s development at home Led by an experienced parent educator, this class offers a unique opportunity to be hands-on in your child’s learning journey while forming connections with other involved and caring dads. Who Should Attend: Fathers or father figures with children ages birth to five.

Birth to 5 Years Celebrate the end of the week with hands-on discovery and joyful connection! Fabulous Fridays invites families with children ages 0–5 to dive into playful exploration with a different theme or learning focus each week—think colors, textures, nature, movement, music, and more. Each session includes sensory-rich activities, guided routines, and engaging early learning experiences that support all areas of development. While children play and explore, caregivers enjoy supportive discussions and connect with others who are navigating the early childhood journey. Expect surprises, smiles, and a space where both children and caregivers can end the week feeling inspired and recharged. Who should attend: Parents or caregivers and their children ages 0–5 who are ready to explore, connect, and celebrate each Friday in a fun and meaningful way.

Birth to 5 Years End your day with connection, curiosity, and joy in this engaging evening ECFE class for families with children ages 0–5. Family Playtime is a relaxed, welcoming space where children and caregivers can explore music, movement, sensory play, and interactive learning—together. Each week, you’ll enjoy playful experiences that support your child’s growth while building strong routines and relationships. Caregivers will have opportunities to connect with one another, share in the joys and challenges of parenting, and walk away with real-life strategies to support learning at home. Whether your family is winding down or just getting started, Family Playtime offers the perfect balance of fun, learning, and community. Who should attend: Parents or caregivers and their children ages 0–5 looking to play, learn, and connect in the evening hours.

Birth to 6 Months Fourth Trimester for Moms An ECFE Class for Mothers in the First Months After Birth The weeks and months following childbirth—known as the "fourth trimester"—are filled with powerful changes, both physically and emotionally. This ECFE class is a gentle, welcoming space for new moms to connect, share, and grow together during this deeply transformative time. In this class, you’ll: Connect with other new moms navigating similar experiences Explore topics like postpartum recovery, emotional wellness, feeding, and sleep Share joys and challenges in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment Engage in bonding activities with your baby to support early development Led by experienced parent educators, this class honors the unique needs of mothers in the early postpartum period and offers encouragement, resources, and community as you adjust to life with your new baby. Who Should Attend: Mothers with babies ages birth to approximately 6 months. Sliding Fee A

Birth to Age 5 Celebrating the Special Role of Grandparents This unique ECFE class is designed for grandparents and their grandchildren to share quality time, learning, and joy together. Whether you're a primary caregiver or a special weekly visitor, this class honors the important role grandparents play in a young child’s life. In this class, you will: Engage in fun, developmentally appropriate activities with your grandchild Learn about early childhood development and how to support it at home Share stories, wisdom, and experiences with other grandparents Strengthen your connection with your grandchild through play, songs, and meaningful routines Led by experienced parent educators, this class offers a welcoming space for building relationships, gaining confidence in caregiving, and creating lasting memories together. Who Should Attend: Grandparents and their grandchildren ages birth to five.

Birth to 36 Months Growing Together Through Connection and Play This ECFE class is specially designed for families with children from birth to 36 months. Whether your little one is just starting to coo or already on the move, this class offers a welcoming space to explore early learning, build routines, and strengthen the parent-child bond. In this class, you will: Enjoy music, movement, sensory play, and simple activities that support development Learn about sleep, feeding, brain development, toddler behavior, and more Connect with other families and share the joys and challenges of early parenting Participate in parent discussions while children play nearby with early childhood educators Led by caring and knowledgeable staff, this class honors each child’s unique pace of development and supports caregivers with real-life strategies, encouragement, and community. Who Should Attend: Parents or caregivers and their children ages birth to 36 months.

Birth to Age 8 An ECFE Class Celebrating Diverse Family Journeys This welcoming ECFE class is designed for LGBTQ+ parents and caregivers of young children to connect, share, and grow together in a supportive, affirming environment. Whether you’re parenting as a couple, solo, or co-parenting in a unique family structure, this class offers a space to explore parenting topics through the lens of identity, inclusion, and community. In this class, you will: Build relationships with other LGBTQ+ families Discuss parenting topics in a space that honors your lived experience Explore child development, early learning, and emotional growth Engage in parent-child activities that foster connection and belonging Led by inclusive and knowledgeable parent educators, this class affirms all identities and family structures, celebrating the love and strength that make your family unique. Who Should Attend: LGBTQ+ parents or caregivers with children ages birth to eight.

Birth to 5 Years/0 a 5 Años A Space to Grow, Play, and Connect as a Family / Un Espacio para Crecer, Jugar y Conectar en Familia This ECFE program is designed especially for Latino families with children from birth to 5 years. Join us in a warm, welcoming environment where parents, caregivers, and children can learn, play, and connect while celebrating culture and language. Este programa ECFE está diseñado especialmente para familias latinas con niños desde recién nacidos hasta 5 años. Únase a nosotros en un ambiente cálido y acogedor donde padres, cuidadores y niños pueden aprender, jugar y conectarse mientras celebramos la cultura y el idioma. In this class, you and your family will: Participate in play, music, and movement activities that support early development Explore important parenting and child development topics in a bilingual and bicultural space Connect with other Latino families to build community and share experiences Enjoy stories, songs, and games in both Spanish and English En esta clase, usted y su familia: Participarán en actividades de juego, música, y movimiento que apoyan el desarrollo temprano Explorarás temas importantes sobre crianza y desarrollo infantil en un espacio bilingüe y bicultural Conectarán con otras familias latinas para construir comunidad y compartir experiencias Disfrutarán de cuentos, canciones y juegos en español e inglés Led by culturally responsive educators, this class celebrates Latino identity and strengthens family bonds. Guiados por educadores sensibles a la cultura, esta clase celebra la riqueza de la identidad latina y fortalece los lazos familiares. Who Should Attend / Quién debería asistir: Parents or caregivers with children ages 0 to 5 years / de 0 a 5 años looking for a culturally relevant and supportive space.

18 Months to 5 Years A Hands-On Art Class for Young Children and Their Caregivers Get ready to get messy, create, and explore! Little Artists is a playful ECFE class that invites young children and their caregivers to dive into the world of art through open-ended, process-focused activities that spark imagination and creativity. In this class, you and your child will: Experiment with a variety of materials like paint, clay, collage, and more Explore color, texture, and shape through child-led, sensory-rich art experiences Support fine motor development, self-expression, and problem-solving Enjoy songs, stories, and movement to complement each week’s creative theme Caregivers also join in short parent discussions while children create, gaining insights into how art supports early development and how to encourage creativity at home. No artistic experience needed—just a willingness to play and explore together! Who Should Attend: Parents or caregivers with children ages 18 months to 5 years.

Birth to 5 Years An ECFE Class for Families with Twins, Triplets, and More Parenting multiples comes with unique joys—and challenges! This supportive ECFE class is designed specifically for families raising twins, triplets, or higher-order multiples. Connect with other parents who understand your journey while gaining practical strategies for managing daily routines, sleep schedules, sibling dynamics, and individual development. In this class, you will: Share experiences and build community with other families of multiples Learn tips for creating balanced routines and reducing stress Explore how to support each child’s individual needs and identities Participate in guided parent-child activities that promote bonding and early learning Led by experienced parent educators, this class provides a space to feel seen, supported, and empowered in your parenting journey with multiples. Who Should Attend: Parents or caregivers of children ages birth to five who are raising twins, triplets, or more.

Birth to 12 Months An ECFE Class for Connection, Support, and Growth in the First Year The first year of your baby’s life is filled with wonder, questions, and big changes—for both of you. Moms & Babies is a gentle, welcoming ECFE class designed for mothers and their infants (birth to 12 months) to learn, connect, and grow together in a supportive community. In this class, you will: Spend quality time bonding with your baby through songs, movement, and sensory play Explore topics like sleep, feeding, development, returning to work, and postpartum well-being Share experiences and build friendships with other new moms Gain confidence and support from experienced parent educators Whether you're a first-time mom or adding to your family, this class offers a nurturing space to celebrate milestones, navigate challenges, and grow in your parenting journey. Who Should Attend: Mothers with babies ages birth to 12 months.

Birth to 5 Years A Unique Opportunity to Connect, Contribute, and Play This special ECFE offering combines meaningful parent involvement with fun, play-based learning for children. While children enjoy a guided playgroup with licensed early childhood staff, parents and caregivers meet as part of the Parent Advisory Council (PAC) to help shape the future of ECFE programming. During this class: Children participate in age-appropriate activities that support social, emotional, and cognitive development through play, music, and exploration. Parents/Caregivers engage in discussion and planning sessions focused on ECFE events, program feedback, community outreach, and parent leadership. Being part of the Parent Advisory Council is a great way to: Build connections with other families Advocate for your child and community Gain leadership experience in a supportive setting Help create enriching experiences for all ECFE families Who Should Attend: Parents or caregivers with children ages birth to 5 years who are interested in making a difference while their children enjoy supervised play.

Birth to Age 8 An ECFE Class for Single, Solo, or Separating Parents Parenting on your own—whether by choice or circumstance—comes with its own unique set of strengths, challenges, and questions. This supportive ECFE class is designed for parents and caregivers who are raising young children while navigating life as a solo parent. In this class, you'll find a welcoming space to: Connect with other solo parents for mutual support and understanding Explore strategies for self-care, building resilience, and managing stress Discuss co-parenting dynamics (when applicable) and creating stability for your child Engage in parent-child activities that strengthen relationships and support early learning Led by caring, experienced educators, this class focuses on empowering families and celebrating the growth that happens when we show up for ourselves and our children. Who Should Attend: Parents or caregivers of children ages birth to eight who identify as single, solo, or navigating a parenting transition.

We are accepting applications! To register for the course you must complete the application. We have two versions available Preschool Plus - English and Spanish. You can also register in person at our office. We are located at: Community Education Office- Door 11 200 West Burnsville Parkway Burnsville, MN 55337 Smaller class sizes and weekly parent time make this an excellent preschool experience for families. Each week, there is a traditional drop-off preschool day and a traditional ECFE day when parents stay and play followed by parenting time. Warm and knowledgeable staff meet your children at their pace, and help them develop social and school readiness skills. Children do not need to have self-toileting skills mastered to attend Preschool Plus.

Birth to 5 Years Start your weekend with fun, connection, and hands-on learning! Saturday Morning Family Playtime is a lively ECFE class for families with children ages 0–5. Enjoy a relaxed, welcoming environment filled with music, movement, sensory play, and interactive activities that support your child’s development. Caregivers participate alongside their children and take part in meaningful conversations about parenting, early learning, and child development. It's also a wonderful opportunity to meet other families and connect with a supportive community of caregivers who are on the same journey. Who should attend: Parents or caregivers and their children ages 0–5 looking for a playful, meaningful start to the weekend—and a chance to connect with other families.

Birth to Age 5 For Families Who Love to Learn and Play Outside Join us for a refreshing and engaging Saturday Outdoor ECFE class, where children and caregivers explore nature, build connections, and enjoy the benefits of outdoor learning—together! This class is perfect for busy families who want to experience the magic of ECFE on the weekend. In this class, you and your child will: Explore the outdoors through nature walks, sensory play, and hands-on activities Enjoy songs, movement, and stories in a natural setting Learn how outdoor play supports development, curiosity, and resilience Connect with other families and participate in parent discussions while children engage in supervised outdoor exploration Rain or shine, we’ll be outside (with weather-appropriate modifications), embracing the seasons and the wonders of the natural world. Who Should Attend: Parents or caregivers with children ages birth to 5 years. Siblings welcome!

Birth to 5 Years Turn your Tuesdays into something truly special! Terrific Tuesday is a joyful ECFE class designed for families with children ages 0–5. Each week, you and your child will explore a rich blend of music, movement, sensory play, art, and early learning activities—all tailored to support healthy development and a strong parent-child bond. This class offers a warm, welcoming space where children learn through play and caregivers gain valuable insights and support. While little ones engage in hands-on exploration, parents and caregivers connect through guided discussions on child development, parenting strategies, and the everyday joys and challenges of raising young children.

Birth to 5 Years Engage curious minds and spark creative thinking in Think It Through Thursday, an ECFE class for children ages 0–5 and their caregivers. Each week, explore hands-on activities that encourage problem-solving, exploration, and discovery—building foundational skills in science, math, and critical thinking through playful learning. Together, children and caregivers will experiment with simple science concepts, explore cause and effect, and dive into sensory-rich projects designed to foster curiosity and confidence. Caregivers also benefit from guided discussions focused on nurturing their child’s thinking and learning at home. Who should attend: Parents or caregivers and their children ages 0–5 who love to explore, ask questions, and learn together.

Ages 18 Months to 2 Years Supporting Your Child’s Growing Independence with Care This ECFE class is designed for toddlers and two-year-olds who are beginning the exciting step of spending time apart from their parents in a safe, nurturing environment. The Gradual Separation approach helps children build confidence and trust at their own pace while still feeling secure. In this class, your child will: Explore play-based learning activities with caring early childhood educators Develop social skills and independence through guided interactions with peers Experience brief, supportive separations that gradually increase as comfort grows Meanwhile, parents and caregivers will: Receive guidance on how to support your child’s separation and transitions Connect with other families navigating similar milestones Participate in discussions about toddler development, emotions, and routines Led by experienced educators, this class creates a warm, understanding space for both children and caregivers to feel supported as your child takes these important steps toward independence. Who Should Attend: Parents or caregivers and their children ages 18 months to 2 years who are ready to begin brief separations.

2-5 Years For children who may be experiencing a developmental delay and their caregivers This inclusive ECFE class is designed for families with children ages 2–5 who may be experiencing developmental delays. Through music, movement, sensory play, and hands-on learning, children build important skills in a supportive, play-based environment. Caregivers participate alongside their child, connect with other families, and take part in meaningful parent discussions led by experienced early childhood staff. Together, we’ll nurture growth, celebrate progress, and support each child’s unique developmental journey. Who should attend: Parents or caregivers and their children ages 2–5 who may be experiencing a developmental delay.