Early Childhood Family Education is a program of DGF School District for all families with young children (age birth up until kindergarten).  ECFE believes that the years before a child begins school are the most important in their development.  The program is based on the recognition that the home is the child's first learning environment and that the parents are the primary and most important teachers.  All activities provide opportunities to build positive parent/child relationships while having fun together! 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Who attends the classes? Other parents and children just like you  

What activities are offered? You and your child explore the ECFE room together.  Learning activities are provided as well as time for open play.  This time also includes a group "Circle Time" of songs and stories.  The activities are adjusted for each age group. Parent Discussion time is during the second half of class.  A licensed parent facilitator provides resources and guides discussion about child development.

When are the classes offered? We offer different sessions of classes each year that include fall, winter and spring sessions.  Each session will last between 8-10 weeks.  Watch the Early Childhood website or email Tracy Tollefson (ttollefson2@dgf.k12.mn.us) for an up-to-date list of class offerings! 

How do I join?   Call Tracy Tollefson at (218) 477-6805 or complete the registration form below.  Give your child's name, birth date, phone number, and the name of the class you wish to join.

After registering what do I do? On the starting date and time of your class, come to the Early Childhood Classroom.  Please bring your child's immunization record.  Fees are to be online via SchoolPay.

2024-2025 Classes:

Classes Begin:

• We will offer fall, winter and spring sessions.  Class dates/times are listed below.

• Fees vary due to the number of classes per session.  Each class is $10.  For example: a class that meets ten times during a ten week session is $100.  If you have any questions on fees, please contact the Community Education office.

Classes:

• Adventures in Parenting (Birth to Kindergarten - Separating Class)

• You and your child will have opportunities to paint, create, sing, and play!  These activities will support cognitive and social development while learning solutions to parenting challenges and enjoying opportunities to develop friendships.

• Location:  DGF Elementary, Room 107

• Dates:  

  • Fall Sessions:  Tuesdays:  September 17, 24 and October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and November 5, 12, and 19

  • Winter Session:  Tuesdays:  December 3, 10, 17 and January  7, 14, 21, 28 and February 4, 11, and 18

  • Spring Session:  Tuesdays:  March 4, 11, 18, 25 and April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and May 6

ECFE (Birth to Kindergarten) - Non-Separating Class 

• Program for parent and child to participate and collaborate with other children and parents.

• DGF Elementary:  9:30-11:00 am (class dates:  Will post more information on this class once confirmed).

• Dates:  

  • Fall Sessions:  Wednesdays:  October 2, 9, 16, 23 and November 6, 13, 20 and 27

  • Winter Session:  Wednesdays:  January 8, 15, 22, 29 and February 5, 12, 19 and 26

  • Spring Session:  Wednesdays:  March 12, 19, 26 and April 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30

Class Registration Form - Will open on August 1, 2024

SchoolPay - Will open on August 1, 2024