Stillwater Community Education

Caring for an infant who cries a lot or has periods of inconsolable crying can be stressful. The stress can lead to questioning oneself, negative feelings toward the infant, and parental anxiety. Of course, you want to be able to soothe your baby, but sometimes even your best efforts might not work. Join for an informational session on how to cope with caring for an infant that is a high crier to understand the why behind the crying and what caregivers can do when they start to feel frustrated or overwhelmed. This course is geared toward those who are pregnant or have recently welcomed a newborn. Infant crying is often heightened in newborns between 2-8 weeks of age. This one-time class will be held virtually, with packet information to be picked up at the Early Childhood Family Center a few days before the class. This class lasts roughly 45 minutes and is offered each month on the second Tuesday at 1pm. Virtual 900-31C-1 Tue 1-1:45 pm May 13 1 session $5/ Person 900-31C-2 Tue 1-1:45 pm June 10 1 session $5/ Person 900-31C-3 Tue 1-1:45 pm July 8 1 session $5/ Person 900-31C-4 Tue 1-1:45 pm August 12 1 session $5/ Person

Join our ECFE Summer Class for a season of exploration and joy! Young learners and parents alike will engage in a blend of educational play, outdoor activities, and shared discovery. A portion of this class includes a parent discussion time in a separate space from the children led by a licensed parent educator while the children play in our classroom with a licensed early childhood educator and education assistant. Ages 18 mos-5 years and a caregiver Early Childhood Family Center.

Grandparents and Grandkids 700-1A Celebrate the special bond between generations in our Grandparents and Grandkids ECFE Class! This heartwarming experience brings together the wisdom of grandparents and the curiosity of grandchildren through fun, engaging activities designed to create lasting memories and meaningful connections. Join us for a truly enriching time together! **Babies up to 6 months can join caregivers in class.

Nature Explorers Geared toward 2.5 - 6 year olds and a caregiver Rain or shine Belwin Conservancy, Hilltop Classroom Trails, 1553 Stagecoach Trail South Afton, MN 55001 4:00 - 5:15 pm, 6 weeks on Wednesdays Sept. 3rd, 17th, 24th, Oct. 1st, 15th, and 22nd (no class Sept. 10th and Oct. 8th) $90/ child Playing outside promotes curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. Studies have found that children who spent more time in nature exploration had improved learning outcomes. Come join us to learn together outdoors at Belwin at the Hilltop Classroom Trails! Each session will begin with a land acknowledgment and a nature-themed story that will guide our time together. There will be a combination of guided exploration and open-ended nature play. We will meet rain or shine. Our program can lend you outdoor gear during the class if needed or desired.

New Parent Connection Wednesdays, 5:00-5:45 pm Birth-12months Bond with your baby and connect with other parents. Share the joys and frustrations of parenthood. It helps to know you're not alone. In our classes, you will gain support not only from our parent educators, but also from others going through similar experiences. Parents and babies enjoy time together! ECFE teachers will have activities ready and lots topics related to having a new baby in the family. This is a Free Class.

New Parent Connection 150-1A 150-2A 0-12months If your child is born in the month of September, please contact us at 651-351-4000 to register. Due to a software glitch you will be unable to enroll online. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Bond with your baby and connect with other parents. Share the joys and frustrations of parenthood. It helps to know you're not alone. In our classes, you will gain support not only from our parent educators, but also from others going through similar experiences. Parents and babies enjoy time together! ECFE teachers will have activities ready and lots topics related to having a new baby in the family. This is a Free Class.

Play With Me at The ECFC Ages- Birth- 5 year olds and a caregiver No Sessions on June 19th and July 3rd. Class Fee: $75.00/Family Join us for a variety of activities planned by the early childhood teacher. Grandparents and other caregivers are welcome. Registration required.

Young children are natural explorers! This class will focus on helping young children and parents explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics! Weekly activities will revolve around these STEM topics. This ECFE class will include time for parents and children to play together and a separation time where parents can discuss topics they are interested in. Join this class for a fun semester of observing and interacting with the world around us! ***Babies up to 6 months old can join caregivers in class.

Young children are natural explorers! This class will focus on helping young children and parents explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics! Weekly activities will revolve around these STEM topics. This ECFE class will include time for parents and children to play together and a separation time where parents can discuss topics they are interested in. Join this class for a fun semester of observing and interacting with the world around us! We are unable to provide Sibling Care on Fridays for the School year 2024-25 due to staff needs in other programming.

This class, made available through a grant from the Partnership Plan through their Mental Health Initiative, is based in science and will focus on understanding the critical role a secure attachment relationship has on the development of children, and how to foster secure attachments with your child, starting before your child is even born! You will leave this class understanding: • brain development during the first 3 years • what it means to be securely attached and the impact on development • how to understand and respond to baby cues • how to address postpartum depression, and more! Following the 7-week course, the teachers of this class will follow up with you periodically via email or phone until your baby is 3 months old. Geared toward those who will be welcoming a newborn through pregnancy, adoption, or surrogacy in the next few months. Those who have welcomed a newborn in the last 2-3m months from the start of class may also attend. Partners are welcome to attend. This class meets in person for week 1 and virtually for weeks 2-7. Early Childhood Family Center for 1st session, and virtual for weeks 2-7 800-23C Wed 6:30-8 pm June 18-Aug 6 FREE No session July 2

Tiny Explorers: Evening Parent-Toddler 200-5A Adventure ClassOutdoor gear is provided for the children when needed.End your day with fun and connection in our Tiny Explorers evening class! Designed for toddlers and parents, this interactive session combines songs, sensory play, and gentle movement exercises to help your little one develop motor skills, creativity, and social confidence. The relaxed evening atmosphere offers the perfect opportunity for bonding after a busy day, while nurturing early developmental milestones. Whether winding down or energizing before bedtime, this class provides a joyful, memorable experience for parents and toddlers alike. Depending on the weather, the class will utilize the outdoor classroom. Outdoor gear is provided for the children when needed. Parent education will be integrated into the parent-child activity time. ***Babies up to 6 months old can join caregivers in class.

Baby and Toddler Outdoor Play Time Meet new friends or connect with those you already know as you explore our outdoor play spaces with your baby or toddler. For babies, you will get some tummy time ideas and see how to set up the environment to encourage rolling, sitting, or crawling. Toddlers will have access to great movement activities that meet their need to climb and explore with their whole bodies! Ages birth-30 months old and a caregiver 900-18C Sat 9-10:15 am June 7 1 session $10/ Family 900-19C Sat 9-10:15 am July 12 1 session $10/family