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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 ECFE Registration

The lottery for early bird registration for fall 2022 classes will take place June 6-17. Lottery placement will be conducted on Monday, June 20. After that time, we will continue to take registrations on a first-come, first-served basis.

Register  View Catalog EARLY LEARNING FALL 2022 CATALOG PDF

Contact

Katie Van Overmieren
Enrollment
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 Manager
651-425-6625

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:

Raising kids is hard. Probably one of the hardest things we do. Having people beyond you and your parenting partner who are actively involved in your child’s life can go a long way to lightening that load. For my children, this list included grandparents, aunts, and uncles who cheer them on in school or sports, show up at the games, drive them to practice, take them for the weekend, provide guidance and a safe place to fall, and so much more. Our list of people who have helped us raise our children also includes my three best friends. So, this is my thank you to them. The women who have been an integral part of helping my children become who they are not because they are family, but because they have chosen to love my children.

Many of my favorite childhood memories involve family camping trips. My mom would load up our pop-up camper, pack up our bikes and whatever else was deemed essential for a successful camping trip. Once we reached our campsite and set-up chores were done, my sisters and I set out to explore. Sometimes this included riding bikes, other times hiking through the trees, playing in whatever lake or stream was nearby. I have very fond memories of these camping trips and looking back on these, I don’t think it was just the campfires and s’mores that made them so special. It was the uninterrupted time we spent in nature, exploring, playing, and enjoying all that was around us.

June has been a big month around my house. My middle daughter graduated from high school, and we are in the midst of preparing for her graduation party. Part of this preparation was to print out pictures of her over the years. Needless to say, this was a project I embraced whole heartedly, printing off over 200 photos. As I looked at all the pictures of my precious girl, I enjoyed watching how she has grown and changed over the years. I also spent time remembering what she was like in each of these different stages. The old adage, “the days are long, but the years are short”, has never felt so true!

The school year has come to an end and summer vacation has started. Many families might be looking for fun ideas to keep their kids busy this summer. Have no fear! South Washington County Schools Early Learning has you covered. Keep reading to learn more about fun, family-friendly activities in our community.

Parent Resources