Early Childhood Programming
Early Childhood Family Education is a MN State funded educational program for families with children from birth to 5 (not yet in kindergarten). ECFE helps parents support their child's growth and development. Classes are taught by licensed early childhood teachers and licensed parent educators.
Fall 2026 Registration New Open!
Lottery enrollment for Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) classes opens on Monday, June 1, and closes on Thursday, June 11. A random, computer-generated placement process will take place on Friday, June 12. After that, any remaining spots will be filled on a first-come, first served basis. Fall classes will run from September 14, 2026, through January 22, 2027. Register at sowashco.ce.eleyo.com.
Class Registration Restrictions: To accommodate high demand and waitlists in the ECFE program and to ensure more families in our community can participate, each child may be registered for only one class.
Parent/Baby Connection Drop-In Play Birth-6 months
Summer Drop-In Play Birth-6 months
In this free, drop-in style class, you will be able to connect with other new parents, ask questions and share ideas related to adjusting to a new baby, feeding, sleeping and more. Registration is not required. Suggested donation of $5 per class - payable onsite when you arrive. For more information, please call the Early Learning office at 651-425-7181.
LIBERTY RIDGE SITE 2 - 11283 EAGLE VIEW BLVD., WOODBURY, MN
Following dates from 10:30-11:45 am:
- July 22, 2026 - ages birth - 6 months
- August 5, 2026 - ages birth - 6 months
- August 19, 2026 - ages birth - 6 months
Drop-In Play Sessions -will resume in September!
Birth - Five Drop-In Play sessions will resume in September
PARENT CONSULTATIONS
ECFE birth-2 years Parent Consultations (free) (Consultations will resume in the Fall)
Connect with an ECFE Parent/Infant Specialist to get all your parent questions answered for your young baby about sleep, feeding/nutrition, infant/child development, parenting challenges, such as tantrums or big behaviors and more! Available in-person, by phone or Zoom.
ECFE Early Childhood (Age 3 to 8) Parent Consultations (Free) (Consultations will resume in the Fall)
ECFE Home Visits and Parent Consultations connect parents of children aged 3-8 with ECFE Licensed Parent Educators who can answer questions and work side-by-side with parents to develop strategies to support their child’s growth and development. Consultations are provided in-person or virtually. Connect with us today for help with:
- Supporting children's emotional well-being
- Answering developmental questions
- Connecting with community resources…and much more!
To refer/request an ECFE Parent Consultation, click the button below.
Refer/Request ECFE Parent Consultation
If you have questions, please contact the ECFE Outreach Coordinator at 651-425-7163.
Contact
Enrollment Questions:
Katie Van Overmeiren
Office Coordinator
651-425-7181
Beth Quist
Site Coordinator
Liberty Ridge Site 2
651-425-7163
Ann Mockenhaupt
Site Coordinator
District Program Center
651-425-6636
Dr. Nikole Jones
Early Learning Family
Services Supervisor
651-425-7169
Early Learning Office Location: 11283 Eagle View Blvd. Woodbury, MN 55129
Office Hours:
7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
ECFE Classes and Activities - Click register to view fall courses
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Early Learning Blog
Along with the joy of becoming a parent comes a lot of questions about raising a child. It can be hard to find answers and information. Our Early Learning blog can provide the information you seek. Written by one of our own ECFE Licensed Parent Educators, each blog offers insight into child development, parenting strategies, and other important topics that can support parents during their parenting journey. View our extensive blog library of topics as well as our most recent post below:
Reading aloud to your child is an enchanting experience that sparks their imagination and cultivates a love for storytelling. Make reading a cherished part of your daily routine to not only build your child’s literacy skills, but relationship with you as well.
As parents, we often find ourselves struggling with maintaining authority while also encouraging our children to advocate for themselves. They first and best learn to advocate for themselves in the support of our home environments, the very place where they also need the safety of discipline and structure. Striking a balance between these two can be challenging, but it’s important for your child’s development. Here are a few practical ideas to achieve balance.
When you're buying outdoor clothing for your children, get a set for yourself too! As parents, we’re often the first to want to head inside—whether it's due to weather, household chores, or something else. The book 15 Minutes Outside: 365 Ways to Get Out of the House and Connect With Your Kids provides inspiration for how and why to make time in nature a priority.
Starting is easy. Try simple activities, like watching your breath on a cool evening or having a backyard picnic. Start the habit now in October rather than January, especially in Minnesota!
The "wonder years" of childhood are filled with amazing moments, from first words to endless questions. During this time, your child grows rapidly—emotionally, physically, and mentally—discovering the world around them. It's a chance for you to slow down, share in their excitement, and build a strong bond. These early years offer plenty of opportunities for love, learning, and growth—not just for your child, but for you as well. Cherish the journey!
Parent Resources
- Site Locations
- Helpful Links
- Early Childhood Home Visits, Consultations, and Family Support
- ECFE Partnership Opportunities for Community-Based Early Learning Programs
- Minnesota Help Me Grow
- Help Me Connect