Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) is based on the idea that parents provide their child’s first and most significant learning experiences and are their child’s first and most enduring teachers. ECFE classes and programs are designed to strengthen and empower families and support the healthy growth and development of young children.

Experienced Early Childhood teachers support children as they develop cognitive, physical, language and social skills through a variety of fun learning activities. Licensed Parent Educators provide support and facilitate discussion on a variety of topics such as discipline, sleep, nutrition, child development, and more. We offer engaging classes and programs for children ages birth to five.

Our classes include:

Activities for parents and children to learn together
Circle time with songs
Time for children to interact with one another
Parent/caregiver discussion time
An opportunity for young families to be in community with one another

Summer 2025 ECFE

Click here!

Fall 2025 ECFE classes

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Questions about ECFE?

Contact Cathy Dickinson at 952-928-6763 or email dickinson.catherine@slpschools.org.

Click here for the required immunization form.

Note: No family will be turned away due to an inability to pay for an ECFE class.

Central Early Learning Center – Door 3
6300 Walker Street
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
Phone: 952.928.6774
Fax: 952.928.6728

Early Childhood Screening

The state of Minnesota requires all children to be screened before entering kindergarten. Screening is free and includes a hearing, vision, growth & development, and immunization check. Screening is most valuable soon after you child turns 3 years old. Early Childhood screening can help identify whether or not your child might benefit from early childhood services before entering kindergarten. It can also connect families to useful resources and programs within the school district and the city of St. Louis Park. Appointments are required and are available September through June. Click here to learn more.

Questions about Early Childhood Screening? Contact Adri Melander at 952-928-6774 or email melander.adri@slpschools.org.

Early Learning Parent Advisory Council

The Early Learning Parent Advisory Council (ELPAC) welcomes YOU! Parent volunteers on the Advisory Council support programming at the Central Early Learning Center in many different ways. We sponsor fun, community building events for families and fund support for programming. Creating a warm, safe, welcoming, and nurturing early childhood environment for all children and their families is our priority. We welcome you to our community! Please call the Central Early Learning Center at 952.928.6785 for Early Learning Advisory Council contact information and meeting dates.

The Early Learning Parent Advisory Council (ELPAC)

Sponsors fun events for families with young children such as as Family Playground Playdates, Vehicle Fair, Fall Ball, Winter Meltdown and more!
Supports teachers and staff by providing classroom supply stipends, recognition, and enrichment opportunities.
Email the ELPAC for more information at elpac.slp@gmail.com