Hopkins Community Education

Meet and connect once a week with other parents and their toddlers to get your questions answered by our licensed parent educator in these ongoing ECFE classes. This is the perfect way to meet other parents, learn from others, and discover what is right for you and your family with the guidance of a parent educator and research-based information. Enjoy playing and learning with your toddler as you sing songs, read books, and get your fingers into art, and more! Non-separating classes: #202, #205. Gradual-separating classes: #201, #204, #206. For an evening options, see classes #110, #207,  in our Evening section.

There is so much fun to be had as your child interacts with the world at ever-increasing levels! Listen to the giggles as you and your toddler enjoy creative activities, sing songs, play with toys, explore new art forms, and more! Each week, the parent educator will lead discussions on topics you are most interested in, such as sharing, routines and rituals, temper tantrums, toilet learning, and child development.

Your child is exploring his growing independence. This class will give your child opportunities to practice social skills, cooperative activities, reading, art, sensory experiences, stories, science, and more that will enhance their other preschool experiences. Your child's classroom will have interesting learning stations that will engage them while they develop school readiness skills.Parents have a unique opportunity to develop strong connections with other Hopkins Public Schools parents and learn strategies to support their child’s readiness for elementary school in this class.  Discussion topics include sibling rivalry, overindulgence, your child's temperament, healthy communication, setting limits, and more.At the beginning of each class, children and parents play in a classroom environment designed to promote children’s exploration, curiosity and discovery. Following time together, parents meet in a separate classroom with a licensed parent educator for discussion on topics related to child development, parenting and school readiness. Your child remains in the classroom during this time with a licensed early childhood teacher and engages in activities that support love of learning and preparation for kindergarten.These classes are separating

Step back in time for a tour of the Alexander Ramsey House decorated for the 1875 Christmas season. Enjoy lunch at the popular Tavern on Grand.Menu choices:1. Walleye Basket: battered, deep-fried walleye fillet, seasoned tavern fries, cole slaw, beverage, ice cream.2. Grilled Chicken Breast, seasoned tavern fries, cole slaw, beverage, ice creamArrive at the St. Paul Cathedral for a guided tour of this historic building. Registration deadline: November 19, 2018 Limit: 12Wednesday, December 12, 7:45am–3:30pm  $70

Join us for an introduction to Baby Sign Language! It is a great way to communicate with your baby and a strategy for avoiding frustration. The book, Baby Signs: How to Talk With Your Baby Before Your Baby Can Talk, by Linda Acredolo and Susan Goodwyn, will be the basis for the workshop. Discuss the way baby signs can help you understand what your baby needs, learn some signs that will help get you started, and end with songs and finger plays that incorporate baby signs. This class is for parents and babies 4-15 months old. This is a free class, but registration is required.Presenter:  Angela Hart, Med., ECFE Parent Educator

Join Kelly Shay, certified yoga instructor with advanced prenatal and postnatal training for a delightful yoga class designed for both you and your baby. Bond with baby using massage, simple songs, and a gentle yet strengthening yoga sequence designed for postnatal bodies. It is great for moms over six weeks postpartum, as well as any other caregivers (dads, grandparents, nannies…) looking to connect in a new way with baby. Class is designed for babies 6 weeks to 9 months (or just crawling). Please bring a baby blanket and a yoga mat or towel (a limited number of yoga mats will be available for families who don't have one). Limited childcare available.