Early Childhood Family Education
Registration for 2023-24 Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) is now open! Save your spot today!
ECFE Courses
- 0-1 Babies
- 1 Year Olds
- 2 Year Olds
- 3 and 4 Year Olds
- 3 Year Olds- Preschool Sampler
- Multiple Ages
- Outreach Classes - FREE
- Parenting Classes- Virtual and In Person
- For Parents
0-1 Babies
Small Wonders
Enjoy this relaxing, informative class for children who are less than one year old. This class is designed to be your time to slow down, enjoy your little one and develop a supportive network with other parents. Parents and children enjoy songs, puppets, musical instruments and other fun activities in our bright and baby-safe classroom. A knowledgeable parent educator will lead interactive discussions on feeding, sleeping, safety, brain development, balancing your life as a new parent and more. Non-Separating
Select your class based on your child’s age as of September 1, 2022.
Contact:
Kathy Matthews (kathy_matthews@edenpr.k12.mn.us, 952-975-6756)
Feel free to check out the teacher's website here.
1 Year Olds
Tiny Explorers
Toddlers grow, change and try new things at a rapid pace. Join this class where eager students turn a whirl of activity into learning that inspires confidence. You will learn songs, games, stories and activities to extend your child’s learning at home. There will be parent discussion time to explore what is behind your toddler’s endless energy and enthusiasm. Child-Led Separation.
The curriculum covered will have some repetition from prior short-term sessions and will focus on each child/family's needs.
Select your class based on your child’s age as of September 1, 2022.
Feel free to check out the teacher's website here.
2 Year Olds
Movers and Shakers
*Please note that short-term sessions may not separate. Separation is not our first priority due to the variety of experience and age range of the children. The curriculum covered will have some repetition from prior short-term sessions and will focus on each child/family's needs.
Select your classes based on your child’s age as of September 1, 2022.
Feel free to check out the teacher's website here.
3 and 4 Year Olds
Little Learners
Ready for preschool now? We have many great options for 3s and 4s in Little Eagles Preschool!
3 Year Olds- Preschool Sampler
Preschool Sampler
This class is designed for 3 year old children to ease into the world of preschool. Children will “practice” preschool during this drop-off class. Students will strengthen their independence and will be ready to soar as a Little Eagle into preschool! Preschool Sampler is held at the Lower Campus. Children must be 3 years old by the start of class.
Multiple Ages
Daddy & Me
This class provides time for interactions between dad and child or children. Boost your parent bond through planned activities, circle time, music, gym time and more. Relax and enjoy the parent discussion time while building a network of friends for your child and family. Separating.
Register only one child for this class and the remaining children ages 1 to 5 are free!
Managing Multiples
Are you the parents of twins, triplets, or more? Join this once a month multiples class for support from other parents of multiples, parent education, and play time for the children. Sign up for one or all the classes, $15 per class.
Register only one child for this class and the remaining children birth to 5 are free!
Play and Learn
Explore, create, move, and discover fun and friends! Time in the motor room and outdoor play area will provide opportunity for socialization and purposeful play.
Fantastic Fridays
This class is for parents with multiple young children who would like to come together to connect with other families. Your child(ren) will participate in engaging activities and an educational group time filled with stories, songs, and enrichment. A licensed parent educator will provide resources and parent discussions on a variety of parenting topics. Gradual Separating
Outreach Classes - FREE
Outreach Classes
Early Childhood Family Education is a wonderful resource for Eden Prairie families. Finances or transportation should not be a barrier for families interested in learning more about how to best support your child's growth and development. In an effort to make ECFE classes available to all families, we host outreach classes that are taught throughout the community which includes time to connect with Early Childhood staff and parent educators.
Please note - we only have space for each family to enroll in ONE section of Outreach. To enroll in a class, you must be a resident of the complex.
A daily outreach schedule typically looks like this:
- Parent-child interaction time
- Instructor-led group activity (such as a song, story, etc.)
- Storytime with a small snack provided
- Parent session led by a licensed parent educator while the children are guided through an activity by a licensed early childhood instructor
Current Locations:
- Briarhill Apartments (Residents Only)
7025 Woodland Drive
Eden Prairie, MN 55346 - Prairie Meadows
- The Preserve Barn (Priority to Residents)
11221 Anderson Lakes Pkwy.
Eden Prairie, MN 55344 - Classes are held throughout the school year. A detailed schedule is available at class. Pre-registration is requested. Additional outreach locations may be added throughout the year. Check our website to learn more!
Register for FREE online at www.edenpr.org/epcommunityed or call 952-975-6940.
Family School
Our Family School program offers free English classes for adults, Little Eagles preschool for 3 and 4 year olds, and an infant and toddler classroom for younger children or children 5 and under who are not enrolled in preschool. Adult English classes are provided by Metro South Adult Basic Education, and children's classes are staffed by early childhood educators. For the 2021-2022 school year, Family School will take place in person during the mornings. Preschoolers who are 3 year old by September 1, 2021 attend morning classes at Lower Campus Preschool Center. Preschoolers who are 4 years old by September 1, 2021 attend morning preschool at your assigned elementary school. Adults and any other children 5 and under who are not enrolled in preschool will attend classes two days a week at Lower Campus Early Childhood Center. Adult classes are on Mondays and Wednesdays or on Tuesdays and Thursdays, depending on your English level.
If you see a note that this class is full, please enroll anyway. Everyone who enrolls in the class will be on the waitlist until we receive a test score from Metro South ABE and place you in a specific class section.
Family School is a collaboration between Eden Prairie Schools Community Education and our partner Metro South ABE. Metro South is partially funded with a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education using state and/or federal funding, Minnesota Statute Section 124D.522 and/or CFDA 84.002, Adult Basic Education-Grants to States.
Parenting Classes- Virtual and In Person
Join a 5-week virtual class with other parents to learn and discuss topics of interest.
Three opportunities to join! Classes will be offered Fall, Winter, or Spring. Choose from:
Emotion Coaching for Parents
Virtual - Register online under "Virtual Parent Education"
This five-week online class will focus on parent’s role in supporting their child’s emotional growth and intelligence. Using research from Gottman Institute, “Emotion Coaching: the Heart of Parenting”, we will discuss and explore the five-step method that builds emotional intelligence and creates positive, long-lasting effects for children from toddlers to teens. Class Zoom links will be sent via email upon registration.
Mindful Parenting
Virtual - Register online under "Virtual Parent Education"
In this five-week virtual class we will discuss ways to be a more mindful parent, learning how to respond rather than react in stressful parenting situations. Mindful parenting means that you bring your conscious attention to what’s happening, instead of getting hijacked by your emotions. Managing our own emotions and behaviors is the key to teaching kids how to manage theirs. Parenting young children is difficult, let’s support each other and learn skills to be more mindful of our responses to our children. Class Zoom links will be sent via email upon registration.
Participate in a one-day session, offered three times a year,
to learn how to support kindergarten readiness:
READY! for Kindergarten
In person- Register online under "Parent Education"
READY! for Kindergarten is a nationally recognized program that has been shown to give parents and caregivers the skills and tools to help children enter kindergarten at or above grade level. This class will include training for parents on reading, writing, math and social-emotional skills that children need to thrive in school and is taught by a licensed early childhood parent educator. Every family that attends a READY! for Kindergarten session receives a high-quality collection of learning tools to further their child's progress towards school readiness. Additionally, there is a fall, winter, and spring session and each session offers new content and new toys, so register for all three sessions!
The session is for the parent/caregiver ONLY. Please register yourself for the class and include any additional adults that will be attending with you. Childcare is available while parents are in the training session. Advance registration is required.
Please note: READY! for Kindergarten is funded through a grant from The Foundation For Eden Prairie Schools (FEPS) and is only offered at no cost to Eden Prairie residents who meet the income requirement.
This is a professional development opportunity for educators and caregivers to earn CEU credits, as well as for parents.
Join a 10-week class with other parents to connect and discuss challenges of parenting a preschooler:
Parents of Preschoolers
In person - Register online under "Parent Education"
Do you have a preschool-aged child who is in multi-day preschool? Would you like support with parenting a preschooler? Join an ECFE Parent Educator and other parents in this parent-only class to share the joys and occasional challenges that come with this stage!
Topics include: general development, gaining cooperation, enhancing communication, helping your child to be a problem solver, emotional intelligence and other relevant topics.
Parent only, in person class with a Parent Educator. Sibling care is available.
For Parents
Group Parent Education
In person- Register online under "Parent Education"
Invite 6 - 12 of your friends to your home for an hour-long personalized parent education session. Together with early childhood professional, you will choose a date, time and topic for your group. Staff will bring materials and facilitate a discussion. Fee is $75 per session.
For more information, email Kathy_Matthews@edenpr.org.
Parent Resources
In person- Register online under "Parent Education"
Do you have questions about tantrums, sibling relationships, bedtime routines, healthy eating, or developmental milestones? Schedule a confidential one-on-one consultation with an experienced parent educator who will connect with you by phone, email, at home, or at one of our locations. This consultation is free to all Eden Prairie families with children ages birth through 5 years old. Parents of a K-12 child may also request a consultation for a $35 per hour fee.
For more information, email Kathy_Matthews@edenpr.org.
Community Resources
If your family has a need, reach out to Family Resources! Family Resources connects families with community resources for things such as financial assistance, childcare, school supplies, transportation, and literacy/translation needs.
For more information, call or Reta_Johnson@edenpr.org or 952-975-7030
What You Need To Know
ECFE FAQ
- What can I expect at a typical ECFE class?
- When do ECFE classes start and end?
- Where are classes held?
- What is a non-separating class?
- Do you have a new baby?
What can I expect at a typical ECFE class?
Parent-Child Activity: Time for you and your child to learn and play together, with songs, stories, and developmentally appropriate activities you can do at home.
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 and share information about child development.
Children's Learning Time: In classes where children and parents separate for the parent discussion, children will stay with licensed early childhood teachers. Children will learn social-emotional skills while playing and learning with other children.
When do ECFE classes start and end?
Where are classes held?
What is a non-separating class?
Do you have a new baby?
Welcome babies! Give your baby a strong start. These classes are for newborn through 12 month babies and their significant caregivers; mom, dad, grandparents, etc. Meet new friends and enjoy bonding time with your baby!
- Baby Play and Learn
- Baby Sign Language
- Baby Story Time
- Parent and Baby Yoga
- Infant Massage
These baby classes are offered FREE of charge, but pre-registration is requested.
Registration FAQ
ECFE Class Fees for 2022-23
ECFE classes are priced on a sliding fee scale based on your household income. Payment for 1 time classes and seasonal classes are made in full at time of registration.
|
Yearly Household Income |
Year-Long |
Seasonal |
One-Time |
Sib Care |
Sib Care |
Sib Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $130,000 and Above | $534 | $178 | $20 | $267 | $89 | $10 |
| $100,000-$129,999 | $510 | $170 | $17.50 | $252 | $84 | $9 |
| $80,000-$99,999 | $435 | $145 | $15 | $216 | $72 | $8 |
| $60,000-$79,999 | $366 | $122 | $12.50 | $180 | $60 | $7 |
| $40,000-$59,999 | $294 | $98 | $10 | $147 | $49 | $6 |
| Under $40,000 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Preschool Class Fee
There is a $75 non-refundable registration fee for school-year preschool classes. There is a $20 processing fee for classroom changes. Payments are billed on the 1st of the month from September to May.
Birth Date Guidelines
For both ECFE and preschool classes, please select your class based on your child's age by Sept. 1 of that current school year. This age requirement aligns with district kindergarten age requirements.
Birth Certificate
A copy of your child’s birth certificate is required for any child participating in ECFE or preschool. They can be emailed to ComEd@edenpr.org or dropped off at the Lower Campus Early Childhood office.
Immunization Law
All students in Minnesota must have immunizations up-to-date and on record with the school before the child starts class. Click here to download the immunization forms.
Photos and Video Policy
Class participants in our programs may be photographed and filmed for marketing purposes (e.g., website, social media, catalog and flyers). If you would prefer not to have you or your child photographed or filmed please email comed@edenpr.org after registering.
Cancellation Policy for ECFE
If you need to cancel, please notify us at; 952-975-6940 and we will refund your tuition minus a $5 processing fee. No refunds will be given on or after the starting date of class for ECFE.; For year-long ECFE classes, refunds will not be given after class starts, but further installment payments will not be charged.
Cancellation Policy for Preschool
Any changes to the child’s schedule, including withdrawal from the program, must be given 10 business days prior to when the change is needed. If notice is not given, two weeks of tuition will be charged to the account. A $20 processing fee is charged for all cancellations and classroom changes. No refunds are given for emergency or weather closings or for days missed due to illness or vacation. Please note, the ($75) registration fee is non-refundable.
Cancelled Classes
Classes may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment up to one week before classes begin. Full refunds will be issued.
Registration Checklist
✓ Complete registration online or in person.
✓ Pay non-refundable registration fee ($75 for Preschool only).
✓ Submit copy of immunization form.
✓ Submit copy of birth certificate.
THE EASIEST WAY TO REGISTER IS ONLINE!
We have one convenient place to register for all Community Education programs from early childhood through adult classes! Create an account to register yourself and your family members for a class or activity. The registration site makes it easy for you to register for a class, make a payment, and manage your account all in one convenient place.
To register, please follow these easy steps:
- Go to www.edenpr.org and click on “Register” in the menu bar.
- Click on “Sign In.”
- If needed, then create an account and fill in your personal information.
- After this step, you will be able to add family members to your family profile. You are now ready to register online.
**Computers and iPads are available at Lower Campus Early Childhood and Community Education Office for registration.**
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Early Childhood PTO (EC PTO)
The Early Childhood PTO is for early childhood and Little Eagles programming. It is very easy to be a part of our group. There is no membership process and no requirement to attend meetings. In a nutshell, it's a group for parents and guardians to connect and learn more about early childhood while also supporting the programming through fundraisers and grants.
Participants are connected to the Early Childhood PTO in other ways have a channel to make their voice heard, weigh in on Early Childhood and Family Education (ECFE) and Little Eagles planning and programming, participate in organizing and promoting school fundraisers and help organize and vote in the annual Advisory Council Grant Program for ECFE and Little Eagles teachers. Meeting attendees also hear from educators, District Superintendent, or legislators throughout the year as well.
Because the Early Childhood PTO is always evolving and transforms to best serve the needs of parent participants each year, it's hard to summarize the group's purpose and activities. We encourage you to attend an upcoming meeting to learn more in person!
Have questions? Email us at info@EPAdvisoryCouncil.com.