Class Descriptions

ECFE Class Descriptions

Registration for Spring & Yearlong ECFE classes are now open, sign up for new classes, events, and programs today! Please take a look for specific registration details and dates.

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ECFE Classes by Category

Welcome to ECFE! We have the perfect space for new babies and parents where you will connect with other parents. A licensed parent educator will lead discussions that include infant and maternal care. The questions never end during this amazing time in your child's early development. Topics will vary from week to week and are specific to postpartum care and infant development in the first few months. Weekly weight checks are available.

Incredible Infants

Ages 0-12 months | Non-separating

Welcome to ECFE! We have a wonderful and safe space for new babies to explore, sing, and play while you connect with other parents and a licensed parent educator. You will gain support, knowledge and encouragement during this exciting and sometimes challenging time. Topics will vary from week to week based on parent input and feedback. Weekly weight checks are available.

Infants

Ages 4-12 months | Non-separating

One-Year-Olds (year long options available)

Ages 12-24 months | Non-Separating and Separating Options

Learning takes place for one-year-olds as they are moving and exploring, often not far from their parents. Discuss the wonders and challenges of parenting during this exciting time with our parent educator. Your child will explore in our toddler room, learn with peers their same age and participate in a circle time designed just for one-year-olds!

Busy Bodies

Ages 15 – 30 months | Separating

Join us as you and your toddler discover safe and age appropriate activities; including art, music and sensory play. Parents will gain knowledge and support from a licensed parent educator and other parents during discussion time.

Twos and Threes (year long options available)

Ages 2-3 years | Separating

Independence, language, problem solving and social skills are emerging during these ages. The classroom will foster all these developing skills, and you will value the parent discussion where you can learn, share and appreciate this stage of your parenting journey.

Birth to 5 Year Olds

Good Inside

Ages 0-5 years | Separating

Are you looking for specific and actionable strategies to help you stay calm, connect with your child, build their confidence and work through challenges? Join the Good Inside class to learn parenting approaches based on the philosophies of Dr. Becky Kennedy, author of Good Inside. Children will explore our classroom with their caregivers, and then continue to play with our early childhood staff while caregivers separate for discussion with a licensed parent educator.

LGBTQ+ Family

Ages 0-5 years | Separating

LGBTQ+ families, join us for an ECFE class where you will find community, resources and a welcoming space. Explore and play with your child/ren and then separate to discuss relevant parenting topics. You will gain knowledge and support from a licensed parent educator, honoring your unique experiences in this group of parents, caregivers and children who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Multi-Age

Ages 1-5 years | Separating

You & your children (ages 1-5) will spend time together playing in our early childhood classroom, creating art & participating in activities in a stimulating environment. Our teachers create a safe and secure learning space for children to thrive and parents to receive information and support. During separation parents will connect with a parent educator and other parents to discuss the celebrations and frustrations that come with the parenting journey.

Play Days

Ages 0-5 years | Non-separating

Join us to play and learn together. This non-separating class will include gym/large motor time, art, sensory play, and circle time with a licensed early childhood teacher. You and your child can connect with other families in our safe and fun environment, so start or end your week with some uninterrupted play! Play Days are Monday afternoons and Friday mornings.

Step into Learning

Ages 0-5 years | Separating

Step into learning with your child as they explore and grow. Infants through pre-kindergarteners will have opportunities for sensory play, social interaction and build developmental skills. Grown-ups will have time to meet with a parent educator to discuss the celebrations and frustrations that come with the parenting journey.

Additional ECFE Options

You Are My Pumpkin

Ages 0-5 years | Non-separating

Spend time with your little “pumpkin”, this one time class will celebrate fall with art and sensory activities. We will also have circle time for you and your child to enjoy together, including a pumpkin story. All ECFE classes are taught by a licensed early childhood teacher and/or licensed parent educator.

Grandparent & Me

Ages 0-5 years | Non-separating

Join this one time class for special bonding time with your grandchild. Explore our classroom and experience playtime together. We will have circle time with a special story.

Snow Buddies

Ages 0-5 years | Non-separating

Brrrr!! Come in from the cold with your child and have some winter fun inside. Explore and play together in our warm classroom. We will have a frosty treat to end our night.

Family School

Ages 0-5 years

Family School is a program that combines Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) and English as a Second Language (ESL) at the Crystal Lake Education Center. Classes are free and provided for families with children from infants to the start of kindergarten. Adults and children attend Family School at the same time. While the adults learn and practice English, children play and learn with peers in the early childhood room. Class meets Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12:30-2:45pm September - May. Contact us to learn more information.

Literacy & Learning

Ages 2-5 years | Separating

Explore activities and routines that promote pre-reading, writing and math skills and concepts in an early childhood classroom environment that promotes peer interactions. Children will participate in a variety of learning experiences. Parents will gain knowledge and support from a licensed parent educator and other parents during discussion time.

Messy Masterpieces

Ages 2-5 years | Non-separating

Does your child enjoy getting messy while having fun? Do you love the fun but not the mess? Come for the mess and leave the clean-up to us. Join us for a class that includes many options to spark your child’s creativity. You and your child will be able to explore a variety of materials that promote creativity, appeal to multiple senses, and encourage curiosity.

Parenting Preschoolers

Ages 3-5 years | Separating

In the first hour children will play and learn in one of our large motor spaces and early childhood classroom with peers ages 3-5 years old. During separation parents will have opportunities to discuss a variety of topics geared towards parenting preschoolers. After separation parents and children will reunite together in the early childhood classroom for art, sensory activities and circle time. All ECFE classes are taught by a licensed early childhood teacher and/or a licensed parent educator.