Laurentian Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)
Classes and Activities for You and Your Child
Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) is a community education program of the Rock Ridge Public Schools. We understand that parents are a child’s first and most important teachers. We partner with parents and families to offer the very best in early childhood and family education.
We provide classes, programs, and services for families with children from birth to kindergarten age. ECFE classes include time for parents and children to learn together, parent discussions facilitated by a parent educator and interaction among children to engage, learn and grow together within an early childhood classroom.
We are eager to welcome your family and young children as an important part of our school community.
Every class includes:
- Activities where parents and children learn together
- Time for children to learn and interact with one another
- Parent education time with a licensed parent educator
2025-2026 ECFE Schedule at Laurentian Elementary
- FALL KICK-OFF EVENT – “A FAIRYTALE BEGINNING”: SEPTEMBER 23, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM. This is a great time to meet the teacher, tour the classroom, and learn more about our early childhood programs.
- ECFE CLASSES BEGIN THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 30.
| DAY | TIME | CLASS | AGES |
| Friday | 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM | Play and Learn | Birth – 5 years |
| Friday | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM | 4-Week Specialty Class (see schedule below) |
18 months – 5 years |
| Friday | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Baby Class (see schedule below) |
Birth – Not yet walking |
2025-2026 ECFE Registration Form
ECFE Class Descriptions & Opportunities
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Play and Learn
Location: Laurentian Elementary
Fridays 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
This mixed age class is a great opportunity for families with more than one child to be able to experience ECFE. Jump, crawl, and slide in the playland area before returning to the classroom setting for a hands-on learning experience. Parents will engage in discussions led by a licensed Parent Educator. The parent group includes information on developmental, age-related concerns and allows time to get to know other parents.
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Four-Week ECFE Specials
Location: Laurentian Elementary
FRIDAYS 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Cost: $50/Special
- COOKING WITH KIDS FALL SPECIAL
Young chefs will enjoy mixing, prepping, and cooking food.
10/24, 10/31, 11/7, 11/14 - LITERACY WINTER SPECIAL FEATURING BILL MARTIN, JR.
We will explore Bill Martin, Jr. books with literacy and math activities.
1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6 - STEAM SPRING SPECIAL
Each week there will be a STEAM challenge using scientific investigation to complete the activities.
4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8
- COOKING WITH KIDS FALL SPECIAL
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Baby Class
Location: Laurentian Elementary
FRIDAYS 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
CLASS DATES: 10/3, 10/10, 11/21, 12/5, 1/9/26, 2/20, 2/27, 3/6, 3/20, 3/27, 4/10FREE class designed for babies. Infants learn best by interacting with the people and objects in their environment. Learn about the importance of the early years and what you can do to promote healthy development. This class includes parent and child activity time, parent discussion, and time to connect with other parents. Sibling care will be available to older children.
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Bright Beginnings
Location: Parkview Elementary
MONDAYS, TUESDAYS, THURSDAYS 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
This mixed age class is a great opportunity for families with more than one child to be able to experience ECFE. Classes start with parent-child activity time. Parents and children play and learn together in a safe and educational environment.During the Parent Education time, children stay with the early childhood teacher and staff. This is an opportunity for children to play with peers and enjoy activities in all areas of development. Parents attend a discussion group led by a Parent Educator. The parent group includes information on developmental, age-related concerns and allows time to get to know other parents.
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Toddler Time (Gradual Separation)
Location: Parkview Elementary
WEDNESDAYS 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Your toddler’s road to independence has begun. Enjoy time playing with your toddler in a safe and educational environment. Children will have time to play with peers and enjoy activities in all areas of development, while parents engage in a discussion led by a licensed Parent Educator. The parent group includes information on develop- mental and age-related concerns and allows time to get to know other parents. We realize separation from toddlers can be difficult. One-year-old classes will begin a gradual separation when each group is ready.
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Home Visits
For families who need additional support from a parent educator visiting them to address individual child, parent or family needs. If you have questions about home visiting, please contact our office. Visits can also be done by phone or virtually.
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Child Care Provider Mentorship
For licensed childcare providers who would like a visit from a early childhood educator once a month. The educator will provide an hour long lesson to children and materials for the child care provider. If you would like to be part of this program, please contact our office.
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Family, Friend and Neighbor
For care providers (grandparents, friend of the family, neighbors in the community, aunts or uncles, older sisters or brothers) in the quad city area. Meet other care providers, help children learn and build skills through play, and learn helpful tips for caring for them. FREE books, project supplies and resources. Sessions are designed for care providers to bring children with them.
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Early Childhood Screening
Free early childhood screenings will be held at Laurentian and Parkview Elementary. Email laura.johnson@rrps.org for an appointment.
Children 3 1/2 years of age and older are eligible for screening. Early childhood screening is an enrollment requirement for kindergarten and PreK.
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Tuition
Tuition is based on a sliding fee scale with payment plans and fee assistance available upon request (per semester):
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- $75,000+ $100
- $60,000-74,999 $75
- $45,000-59,999 $50
- $25,000-44,999 $25
- UNDER $25,000 $5
*Additional children 50% off original fee.
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