Rockford Area Schools Community Ed

Ages 30-54 months: Give your child, and yourself, a gentle introduction to the preschool experience. This class combines the best of ECFE with opportunities to practice independence and school readiness. On Wednesdays, parents and children begin class together before parents join a licensed parent educator for discussion while children remain in the classroom with an early childhood teacher. Parent topics may include school readiness, child development, behavior, friendships, discipline, and other topics chosen by the group. Sibling care is available on Wednesdays. Registration is required. On Fridays, children attend independently, giving them the chance to practice separating from caregivers, build confidence, and make new friends in a nurturing preschool environment. Families reunite at the end of class for a brief time together before saying goodbye.

Ages: Newborn – 16 months: Enjoy special time with your baby while connecting with other parents and caregivers. Each class includes parent-child activities and informal discussions based on the interests and needs of the group. Topics may include infant development, feeding, sleep, play, routines, bonding, self-care, and family life. You and your baby stay together for the entire class. Whether this is your first baby or your fifth, you'll find a welcoming community of families. Join the class whenever it fits your family's schedule, even if the session dates don't fully align with your maternity or family leave. Please call 763-477-7500, or email tiffany.reinhard@rockford883.org to inquire. Non-Separating - you and your infant stay together for the entire class

Parenting doesn’t get less complicated when children start school, it simply changes. As children grow more independent, take on new responsibilities, and navigate big feelings, parents often face new questions and challenges. Join Jess, facilitator and fellow parent, along with other caregivers for supportive conversations about the joys, concerns, and uncertainties of parenting during the school years. Connect with others, share experiences, and gain new perspectives in a welcoming environment. Join and meet from anywhere!

Mixed ages: Birth-5 years *Note date changes from brochure Designed for fathers and other male caregivers, this fun and engaging class provides opportunities to learn, play, and connect with your child. Enjoy hands-on activities, parent-child play, and informal conversations about child development and parenting in a welcoming, supportive environment. This is a non-separating class, so you and your child will spend the entire class together exploring, learning, and making memories while connecting with other families.

Connect with other parents and caregivers as we explore ideas from popular parenting books in a welcoming, supportive discussion led by Jessica, our licensed Parent Educator. Whether you've read the book, just started, or simply want to join the conversation, everyone is welcome. Open to all community members. Reading or bringing the book is optional. Childcare is available for children ages infant through 5 years. Fall session book selection is: Raising Your Spirited Child: A guide for parents whose child is more intense, sensitive, perceptive, persistent, and energetic by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka Every child is unique! Whether your child is intense, persistent, sensitive, energetic, or simply experiences the world in big ways, this class offers a welcoming space to connect with other parents and caregivers while gaining practical strategies for everyday parenting. Together, we'll explore topics such as temperament, emotional regulation, communication, routines, and positive parenting approaches that help spirited children thrive, while also supporting ourselves as caregivers through shared experiences and meaningful conversation.

Celebrate the season with a fun-filled morning of games, crafts, face painting, and tasty snacks! This family-friendly event is open house style, so come anytime during the event and enjoy the festivities at your own pace. Children must be accompanied by an adult Costumes optional Food donations to Rockford’s Riverworks Food Shelf are welcome!

Sing, dance, move, and make music together! Through songs, rhythm, movement, and simple instruments, children build important early learning skills while having fun. Musical experiences help develop listening, memory, patterns, counting, and problem-solving—all essential foundations for future math learning. Join us for a playful class where music inspires learning, creativity, and joyful exploration!

Come explore the wonders of nature! Each class begins with an adventure in our school forest, where we'll discover and collect natural treasures to use in a different nature-inspired project each week. We'll also enjoy classroom play, songs, and activities that encourage curiosity, creativity, and a love of the outdoors.

Looking for parenting support, resources, or someone to talk through your questions? Our licensed parent educator is available to meet with you one-on-one to provide guidance, share resources, and help you develop parenting strategies tailored to your family's needs. Appointments are available in person or virtually. Two ways to schedule a consultation: 1. Contact Early Childhood Programs at 763-477-7500 or Tiffany.Reinhard@rockford883.org 2. Register through Eleyo at rockford.ce.eleyo com.

Is separation a challenge for your child? This class provides a gentle, supportive environment where children and caregivers can explore activities, music, movement, and snack together while building confidence and independence. Parents participate in informal discussions led by a licensed parent educator right in the classroom, allowing children to check in as needed while they play, learn, and develop friendships with support from our early childhood teacher.