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Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)

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. 

Screen-Free Week May 4-10, 2025

Join us for free, Screen-Free Week events sponsored by SoWashCo Early Learning.

Screen-Free Week is almost here! Schools, libraries, communities and families around the world have organized events designed to help children turn off screens in order to connect with family, friends, nature and their own creativity. 

view activities 

Winter/Spring ECFE Registration

Winter/Spring classes take place Feb. 3-June 3, 2025. Enrollment for Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) classes is now open. Classes will be filled on a first come, first served basis until classes fill. Register at sowashco.ce.eleyo.com.

Class Registration Limitations: Due to waitlists in the ECFE program and our desire to provide programming for as many in our community as possible, we will only be able to allow registration for one class per child. 
 View Catalog Early Learning Winter Spring 2025 Catalog PDF

Drop-In Play Sessions

Drop-In Play sessions provide the opportunity for you and your child(ren) to pop in for some parent/child ECFE fun. Most sessions are weekly and run from September through May based on the ECFE program calendar. Registration is not required and sessions are free. Space is limited to 14 children per session. For ages birth-5 years old unless indicated. These sessions are non-separating. Limited to 1 session per family/day.

LIBERTY RIDGE SITE 2 - 11283 EAGLE VIEW BLVD., WOODBURY, MN

  • Mondays, 11:30-12:45 p.m. or 3:30-4:45 p.m.
  • Tuesdays, 10:30-11:45 a.m.
  • Fridays, 11 :00 a.m.-12:15 p.m., or 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
  • NEW THIS YEAR! Fridays, 8:45-10 a.m. (Birth to 36 months)

DISTRICT PROGRAM CENTER - 8400 E. PT. DOUGLAS RD. S., COTTAGE GROVE, MN

  • Tuesdays, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
  • Wednesdays, 9:30-10:45 a.m. or 11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
  • Thursdays, 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

DROP-IN PLAY WILL NOT OCCUR ON THE FOLLOWING DATES: Sept. 30, Oct. 16-18, Nov. 5, 27-29, Dec. 2, 23-31, Jan. 1-3, 20, Feb. 14, Feb. 17, March 10-17, April 18, April 21, May 23, May 26, June 4-6, 2025.

Parent/Baby Connection Drop-In

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.  For more information, please call the Early Learning office at 651-425-7181.

LIBERTY RIDGE SITE 2 - 11283 EAGLE VIEW BLVD., WOODBURY, MN

  • Mondays, 10:30-11:45 a.m. - ages birth - 6 months

DISTRICT PROGRAM CENTER - 8400 E. POINT DOUGLAS ROAD S., COTTAGE GROVE, MN

  • Wednesdays, 11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. - ages birth - 6 months

PARENT CONSULTATIONS

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!

FAMILIES:

Request a consultation

COMMUNITY PROVIDERS:

Refer a family for a 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

kvanover@sowashco.org

Beth Quist
Site Coordinator
Liberty Ridge Site 2
651-425-7163

bquist@sowashco.org

Ann Mockenhaupt
Site Coordinator
District Program Center
651-425-6636

amockenh@sowashco.org

Joyce Beaird
Early Learning Family
Services Supervisor
651-425-7169

jbeaird@sowashco.org

Office Hours:
7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

ECFE Classes and Activities

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:

Finding Balance: Nurturing Independence While Setting Boundaries

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.

Read More about Finding Balance: Nurturing Independence While Setting Boundaries
Nature Play in Early Childhood

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!

Read More about Nature Play in Early Childhood
The Wonder Years

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!

Read More about The Wonder Years

Parent Resources