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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 2026 Registration Now Open!

Enrollment for Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) classes are now open. Fall classes will run from September 14, 2026, through January 22, 2027. Classes will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. 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.


 View Catalog Early Learning Fall 2026 Catalog PDF

Infant Connect Drop-In Play Birth-6 months

Join us for our parent/baby connection! During these drop-in style sessions, you will be able to connect with other parents about adjusting to life with a new baby. Registration is not required and sessions are at a low cost of $5 per family and can be paid onsite. Parents and children do not separate during these sessions. For more information, please call the Early Learning office at 651-425-7181.

Summer Drop-In Play Birth-6 months

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

*Starting September 14th

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

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

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

  • Mondays, 12:30-1:45 p.m. - ages birth - 6 months

 

Birth-5 years Drop-In Play Sessions - will resume September 14th

Birth - Five

Drop-In Play sessions provide the opportunity for you and your child(ren) to pop in for some parent/child ECFE fun when most convenient for you. Most sessions are weekly and run from September through May based on the ECFE program calendar. Registration is not required and sessions are at a low cost of $5 per family and can be paid onsite. Space is limited to 12-14 children per session. For ages birth-5 years old unless indicated. These sessions are non-separating.

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

  • Wednesdays, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 1:30-3:00 p.m.
  • Thursdays, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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

  • Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
  • Fridays, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

 

DROP-IN PLAY WILL NOT OCCUR ON THE FOLLOWING DATES:

Sept. 28, Oct. 14-16, Nov. 3, 26-27, Dec. 4, 21-31, Jan. 1, 4, 18, 25-29

 

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

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

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

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