This document provides information about the Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) program offered by Austin Public Schools for the winter/spring 2021 session. It lists classes for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and multi-age groups that meet from January to May. New policies due to COVID-19 include limiting classes to one adult and child each and requiring masks for adults. Registration requires enrollment in the school district. The classes focus on parent education, child development, and activities to do with children.

1. Austin Public Schools
Early Childhood Family Education
Community Learning Center | 912 First Ave NE, Austin, MN 55912 | 507-460-1709
Winter/Spring 2021
January 11-May 21st
No ECFE classes – March 29th-April 2nd
Follow us for up to date information on Facebook at
http://www.facebook.com/AustinECFE
CLC Class Store opens December 7th!
New Registration Information
In order to register for ECFE classes – you must enroll in Austin Public Schools.
https://www.austin.k12.mn.us/Pages/enrollment/ecfe-enrollment.aspx
Enrollment process can take up to 1 business day to process.
Once you have officially enrolled in our school district – you will have access to the CLC
store. Please choose the correct class offerings through the CLC Store.
Please note – if you enrolled for fall session with us – you will automatically have access to
the school store!

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New Policies and Procedures – COVID
• Sibling Care will not be offered this year. We apologize for any inconvenience this
may cause.
• Face coverings are required for all adults. Students may wear one but are not
required.
• Only one adult and one child can register for a class (exception is Flourishing
Families).
• No snack will be offered during class.
• Class sizes will be capped at 6 children for all classes (exception is Flourishing
Families).
NON-SEPARATING BABY CLASSES
Baby Connection Free
Birth - 12 months
Being a parent is a time of excitement and
wonder. This class will include adjustments to
parenting, attachment, sleep, feeding, play and
development.
Mondays, 11:15 am – 12:15 pm
January 11th – March 8th
No class Monday, February 15th
FREE Baby Bags
Congratulations to all new parents!!! To
celebrate you, ECFE invites you to a baby meet
and greet to discover all the resources we have
for you and your family. You will receive a bag of
goodies filled with things just for you and your
baby. Items include a board book, resources, a
toy, and some special items designed by other
parents. To receive your baby bag and set up
your meet and greet, contact Parent Educator
Cassie Boettcher at
cassie.boettcher@austin.k12.mn.us
or 507.460-1700, ext. 4961
TODDLER CLASSES
Tiny Tots $60/family
11 – 23 months non-separating
Young toddlers love to play and explore as long
as parents are near. The ECFE room offers lots of
fun opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Children learn through play while you discuss
toddler parenting topics in another part of the
room.
Mondays, 9:00 - 10:15 am
January 11th – May 17th
No class Monday, February 15th
Tremendous Twos $60/family
24 – 35 months separating
Two-year olds are filled with wonder and
excitement. Explore fun and creative ways to
enjoy parenting and playing with your children.
Parent education time takes place in a separate
room and will include topics chosen by the
parents and the Circle of Security curriculum.
Tuesdays, 8:30 - 10:00 am
January 12th – May 18th

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PRESCHOOL AGE CLASSES
Terrific 3’s, 4’s and 5’s $60/family
3 to 5 years separating
Let us partner with you to offer your child
meaningful and fun learning opportunities.
Social skills will grow through gym time, outside
fun, and taking turns at a variety of classroom
centers. You and your preschooler will engage in
some STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering,
Art and Math). Parenting education time will
include topics on self-care, family development,
nutrition, cooking for kids, temperament and
parent choice.
Thursdays 8:30 am – 10:00 am
January 14th – May 20th
MULTI-AGE CLASSES
Flourishing Families $60
Birth-5 years non-separating
Parents and children will explore a wide variety
of activities together to stimulate all senses.
Class activities will be designed around the ages
of the children enrolled and the interests of the
families. ***This will be one of only two classes offered
this winter/spring that can accommodate siblings.
Wednesdays 9:00 am – 10:15 am
January 13th – May 19th
Multi-lingual Flourishing Families
Birth-5 years $60/family
separating
Parents and children will explore a wide variety
of activities together to stimulate all senses.
Class activities will be designed around the ages
of the children enrolled and the interests of the
families. Multi-lingual staff will be available.
Thursdays 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
January 14th – May 20th
Flourishing Families Night $30
Birth-5 non-separating
Discover fun in the ECFE classroom and great
outdoors (weather permitting). Meet new
friends and join us for music, art, science, story,
play and parent time! ***This will be one of only two
classes offered this winter/spring that can
accommodate siblings.
Tuesdays, 5:30 - 6:45 pm (7-week session)
April 6th – May 18th
Nature Quest $20
Birth-5 years non-separating
Dress for a variety of weather as we engage in the
great outdoors of Minnesota. Discover fascinating
plants and creatures living at the Nature Center or
Northern MN. Class will meet at the Nature Center.
Fridays, 10:00 - 11:00 am
January 15th, February 19th, March 19th, April 16th

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“The Power of Showing Up”
Parent Only - Online Class $30
Based on the latest brain and attachment
research, we will use the book “The Power of
Showing Up” by Daniel Seigel and Tina Payne
Bryson. The book shares stories, scripts, simple
strategies, illustrations, and tips for honoring the
Four S’s (safe, seen, soothed, and secure)
effectively in all kinds of situations.
Demonstrating that mistakes and missteps are
repairable and that it’s never too late to mend
broken trust, this book is a powerful guide to
cultivating your child’s healthy emotional
landscape. You do not need to read the book
prior to class but it may be helpful to parent
learning. Once you register for class a class link
will be provided to you via email.
Thursdays, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
March 4th – 25th (4 Sessions)

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3 Building Blocks of ECFE
1. Together Time
Class begins with parent/child activities designed to enhance your child’s learning.
You will also get ideas for things you can do together at home.
2. Parents’ Time
Parents participate in a discussion led by a licensed parent educator. The
discussion is based on the Minnesota Department of Education’s Core Curriculum
areas of parent development, parent-child relationship, early childhood
development, family development and culture and community.
3. Children’s Time
While parents are in the discussion group, children are learning through activities designed by a
licensed Early Childhood teacher to help them grow and develop socially, emotionally, cognitively,
physically, and in their communication skills.
ECFE Fall Class Schedule:
Times Monday Tuesdays Wednesday Thursday Friday
8:30 am Tremendous Terrific Threes,
8:45 am Twos Fours, & Fives
9:00 am 8:30-10:00 Flourishing 8:30-10:00
9:15 am Tiny Tots Separating Families Separating
9:30 am 9:00 -10:15 Page 2 9:00-10:15 Page 2
9:45 am Non-Separating Non-Separating
10:00 am Page 2 Page 3 Nature
10:15 am Quest
10:30 am 10:00-11:00
10:45 am Page 3
11:00 am Baby Multi-Lingual (At Nature Center)
11:15 am Connection Flourishing
11:30 am 11:15-12:15 Families
11:45 am Page 2 11:00-12:30
12:00 Separating
12:15 pm Page 3
12:30 pm
12:45 pm
1:00 pm
1:15 pm
1:30 pm
1:45 pm
2:00 pm
2:15 pm
5:00 pm
5:30 pm Flourishing
6:00 pm Families Nights
6:30 pm 5:30 – 6:45
7:00 pm Page 3
Baby classes
Toddler classes
Multi-age classes
Preschool age classes
Parent only classes