Hi everyone! This fall I would like to take some classes with my 10 month old son. I have looked into ECFE and Family Village. I was wondering if anyone has other places that they've taken classes from and enjoyed. I'm looking for some inexpensive options too. Thanks for your help!
M.
I've been taking my son to music classes through Music Together since he was 11 months old. They are fantastic. I took ECFE classes and while they are great, I would say that the music classes are even better. We have Clarice as a teacher and she is amazing with the children (and parents)in addition to having a beautiful singing voice.
My daughter (6 months) and I just went to a baby storytime at the Red Balloon Bookstore in St. Paul (they have a website). There is a storytime every Tuesday done by a great children's libraian with puppets, and songs! The kids all really enjoyed it. There is a baby storytime, toddler storytime, and a preschool storytime - check the website for times.
Good luck!
I'm on the same boat. I too am looking for my 9 month old daughter. I've heard mixed things about ECFE when the kids are a little older and get separated from the parents for classes. I've heard good things about the infant programs, but haven't signed up yet. Please let me know how your search goes. I too am a stay at home mom (Mpls).
*Just started going to the Saturday 10-11 storytime at the Mpls Central library and that was a blast!
-Celeste
Kindermusik is great. There website is kindermusik.com and they have group music classes for 0-4 year olds. I did it with my daughters, and found they have great teachers and a good program. Good luck!
We have been taking ECFE classes since my son was 4 months old and LOVE them! I can't say enough good things about them.
I have a free option for you...Hennepin County Libraries offer Baby Storytime. You have to sign up but it is free and SO much fun. You don't have to live in Hennepin County to go. They do fingerplays, songs, and stories and then they put out the toys for playtime. We loved it! www.hclib.org
I have been taking a GREAT interactive music class with my son since he was 6 months old. It's a birth to 5 class called Music Together. You can go to
http://www.musictogetherclasses.com
to find out when and where classes are and how to sign up. Sign up for fall session just started. I think the classes are well worth the money. You get 2 CDs and a piano book with all the songs in it for each session and the teachers are phenominal!
M.,
I highly suggest ECFE as a great option for you. I've been involved in a couple different programs and it's a wonderful (not only for you with the parent education aspect, but socially for your son). Also, their fees are based on a sliding scale according to your household income. You will find Moms there that are "in the same boat" as you as well as a resource for parenting questions/concerns.
Good Luck!
