12 Results
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NewBaby Play and LearningECFE • Early Childhood Family Education Classes • Ages Birth-PreKAges Birth-10 months w/adult Free Sibling Childcare (ages 1-PreK) available with registration Welcoming a new baby is an exciting time filled with joy, change, and many new experiences. Baby Play & Learning provides a relaxed and supportive space for you and your little one to connect, grow, and learn together. Each class includes interactive playtime, gentle music and movement activities, and opportunities to bond with your baby through songs and sensory exploration. Parents will also enjoy meaningful conversations with others in the same stage of life, guided by a licensed parent educator. Topics may include sleep, feeding, development, bonding, and more—all shaped by the questions and needs of the group. Can’t make it to every session? No problem—we’re happy to welcome you whenever you’re able to join us! Just let us know when you register. Non-Separating Class: Midway through class parents will participate in parent discussion in the same classroom as the children continue to play and explore with the paraprofessional.2026-2027 -
NewCoffee and Connect (Parent Discussion Class)ECFE • Early Childhood Family Education Classes • Ages Birth-PreKPARENT DISCUSSION CLASS for PARENTS of children AGES BIRTH-GRADE 3 Parenting can be both joyful and overwhelming—and you don’t have to do it alone. Join us for Coffee and Connect, a relaxed and supportive gathering where you can share the ups and downs of parenting with others on the same journey. Enjoy coffee and informal conversation with our parenting educator and fellow parents as you build community, exchange ideas, and gain helpful resources. This is a welcoming space to ask questions, share stories, and find your village. Come as you are—your presence is what matters most! Optional Childcare is available for children ages 1–PreK (infants may join parent in class), where they’ll enjoy supervised classroom free play while you connect with other adults. Infants are welcome to stay with their parent during the session.2026-2027 -
NewDC KidsECFE • Early Childhood Family Education Classes • Ages Birth-PreKAges Birth-PreK with an adult Growing Together: Learning Through Play & Parent Connection Join us for a fun and engaging class where parents and children learn and grow together through purposeful play! Each session includes hands-on activities designed to support your child’s development in key areas: language and literacy, social-emotional skills, cognitive growth, and physical development. This class is a wonderful way to strengthen your bond with your child, connect with other families, and gain insights into your child’s development—all in a supportive and playful setting. Separating Class: Midway through class, parents will move to a separate room for a guided discussion led by our parent educator—focusing on the joys, challenges, and milestones of this age group. Meanwhile, children will stay in the classroom to play, explore, and enjoy a snack with early childhood staff. • Children ages 0–12 months remain with their parent during separation time. • Children ages 1 and up must be able to sit and eat snack independently in order to separate.2026-2027 -
Early Childhood Advisory CouncilECFE • Early Childhood Family Education Classes • Ages Birth-PreKNewJoin the Dassel-Cokato Advisory Council The Dassel-Cokato Early Childhood Advisory Council is a fantastic group of volunteers that provide support and feedback to the Dassel-Cokato Early Childhood Programs regarding early learning and parenting opportunities such as Play and Learn Preschool, Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE), and special events. YOU can become part of this dynamic group! We need the input of parents, grandparents, and community members like you to work together with us to identify and address the needs of Dassel-Cokato families with young children. This council meets monthly (8 months) and free childcare is provided. If you would like to visit with a council member and/or join the advisory council, please call reach out to Angela Smith, Early Childhood Coordinator, at 320-286-4120. Purpose The purpose of this Council shall be to insure the Early Childhood Programs provide support to parents in their efforts in raising children, offer child development information and alternative parenting techniques, help relay effective communication between parents and their children, supplement the discovery and learning experiences of children and promote positive parental attitudes through their children's school years. Membership Any person is eligible for membership to the Advisory Council, however, the Council will be made up of Early Childhood Family Education/Learning Readiness (preschool) parent-users and other interested residents of District 466. A maximum of 20 members will make up the Council. Members are eligible for: a once yearly $10.00 discount for classes during their service on the Council, waived the preschool registration fee and early preschool class registration in the spring.2026-2027
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Early Childhood ScreeningRegister for a screening appointment:Early Childhood Screening (Ages 3–5) FREE • Simple • Important Early Childhood Screening is a free, quick, and essential check-up that helps ensure your child is on track for school—both academically and physically. It identifies potential health, learning, or developmental concerns early, so your child can get the support they need early before school starts. While screening is ideally done at age 3, Minnesota law requires all children to be screened before starting kindergarten—Don’t wait! Early detection can make a big difference. During screening, our friendly nurses and early childhood professionals will guide your child through play-based activities to assess: Thinking, language, and communication skills Social and emotional development Large and small motor skills Hearing and vision Height and weight The experience is relaxed and child-friendly—designed to make both you and your child feel comfortable while gathering valuable information to support your child’s success in school. Choose the appointment date that works for you!More dates will be added! Add your name to the notification list to be notified by email when sign-up and dates are available!Questions? Call 320-286-4120 or email angela.smith@dc.k12.mn.us2026-2027 -
NewLunch BunchECFE • Early Childhood Family Education Classes • Ages Birth-PreKAges 2-PreK (with an adult)Sibling Childcare Available: Ages Birth-23 months Enjoy a lively ECFE class designed for families to learn, play, and connect together. The session includes hands-on activities that encourage exploration, creativity, and early learning skills for children and parents alike. Midway through the class, children will have a special time to sit down and enjoy their packed bag lunches together in a relaxed and social environment. After lunch, children will continue to explore and engage in activities with our early childhood teacher and paraprofessional, while parents gather for a guided discussion with our parenting educator—offering a supportive space to share experiences, ask questions, and explore topics relevant to parenting. Parents are also welcome to bring a packed lunch to enjoy during parent discussion time. Join us for a warm, welcoming space to build relationships, share parenting insights, and support your child’s growth—one bite and one activity at a time!2026-2027 -
NewMorning Mixed AgesECFE • Early Childhood Family Education Classes • Ages Birth-PreKAges Birth-PreK Play, Paint, Playdough and More! Explore a classroom filled with engaging, hands-on activities thoughtfully planned by our early childhood staff. This non-separating, mixed-age class provides opportunities for children to learn through play while parents and caregivers connect.2026-2027 -
NewMusic and MoreECFE • Early Childhood Family Education Classes • Ages Birth-PreKAges Birth-PreK with an adult • Non-Separating Class Tapping, clapping, bouncing, and dancing—come sing and move with us as we celebrate the joy of music! This energetic class combines fun songs with movement activities that support your child’s physical, social, and cognitive development. Through music and motion, children build both fine and large motor skills, strengthen bonds with caregivers and peers, and expand their communication and imagination. It’s a joyful way to encourage healthy growth while having a blast! Join us for a rhythmic adventure that will get everyone moving and smiling!2026-2027 -
NewMuskari ISpecial Events & ClassesIntroduce your little one to the joy of learning a new language! In this fun and interactive class, children ages 3–5 will explore the Finnish language through songs, movement, and hands-on play. Young learners will build basic vocabulary, practice simple greetings and everyday words, and discover a bit about Finnish culture in a welcoming, age-appropriate environment. No prior experience is needed—just a sense of curiosity and a willingness to have fun while learning together!Muskari I is a Dassel-Cokato Community Education class offered to Early Childhood students and their parents.2026-2027 -
NewNight OwlsECFE • Early Childhood Family Education Classes • Ages Birth-PreKAges Birth-PreK with an adult*NEW* Non-Separating Looking for a way to reconnect with your child after a long day? Night Owls offers a wonder opportunity to connect with your child(ren) after a long day! This evening class is designed for parents and children to share quality time through play, creative activities, and exploration. Each session begins with parent-child interaction time, where you’ll participate in hands-on learning experiences—sensory play, music, art, and more—all designed to support your child’s development in a fun and playful setting. Whether you're a working parent, a caregiver looking for community, or just seeking a fun end to the day, Night Owls provides a supportive space for learning, laughter, and connection—for both children and parents/caregivers. Non-Separating Class: Parents and Children remain in the same classroom together the entire class period.2026-2027 -
Pop In and PlayECFE • Early Childhood Family Education Classes • Ages Birth-PreKAges: Birth–PreK (with an adult) Bring your little ones to the Early Childhood Center for a fun, relaxed time of child-directed activities and open play! This is a great opportunity for children to explore, create, and socialize—while parents and caregivers connect with one another. Come on any date that fits your schedule—no need to pre-register.$3/Family Feel free to invite a friend or come solo and meet new families in a welcoming environment!2026-2027 -
NewToddler TimeECFE • Early Childhood Family Education Classes • Ages Birth-PreKAges 11-33 months with an adult Your little one is discovering the world at lightning speed! This class is designed for toddlers who are actively exploring their environment and rapidly developing in areas like motor skills, language, social-emotional awareness, and cognitive growth. Together, you and your child will enjoy engaging activities that spark curiosity—along with fun songs, rhymes, and playtime designed to support their development. It’s also a chance for you to slow down and connect with your child during these precious (and sometimes challenging!) early years. Join us for learning, laughter, and connection—for both you and your busy little explorer! Non-Separating Class: Parent and Child remain in the same classroom throughout class. Optional childcare available for ages 0-10 months and 2.5-PreK.2026-2027