Anoka-Hennepin Community Education

Is it summer, fall, winter or spring? Living in Minnesota, we experience all four seasons in a relatively short period of time. Explore favorite activities of each season with your child as you learn, play and discover together. Parenting discussion topics based on participant questions and choices.

Babies have a lot to say even before they can speak. Research shows that babies who learn sign language learn to talk earlier, feel more confident, and can be happier. Learn signs surrounding the areas of mealtime, bedtime, bath time, dressing and more.  

Studies prove that spending time outdoors builds confidence, promotes creativity, provides unique stimulation, and gets children moving, all while reducing stress and fatigue. Parents and children will learn about the outdoors and nature, both in and out of our greenhouse, through artwork and sensory experiences. Class will be spent inside and outdoors - even through the winter months.

As your children grow and change, so do their interests, needs and behaviors. Are you noticing how you parent might need to grow and change too?Meet with other parents of preschoolers to third graders, along with a licensed parent educator, for coffee and conversation. Join us for friendship, sharing of ideas, information, strategies and support. Bring your own coffee or other beverage. 

Parenting with Empathy, Kindness, and Compassion of Excess Screen TimeScreen time has a huge impact on how we parent and the development of children to adults. What can you do to be connected and kind as you help your children grow from babies to young adults? Gain simple ideas to talk about your family's relationship with technology and discover how to interact with your children this digital age of parenting.About the presenter: Dr. Eric Skanson, principal of Cold Spring Elementary in the ROCORI school district, was named Minnesota's 2019 National Association of Elementary School Principals National Distinguished Principal. As a husband and father of five, Eric knows very well that technology and screens are here to stay, he says, “It’s what we do with it that matters. Being present in the lives of our children is what is most important.”

This workshop is for home and center-based child care providers sponsored by Anoka-Hennepin Schools Child Care Collaborative and Early Childhood Special Education.Hear from Anoka-Hennepin Schools Early Childhood Special Education staff about developmentally appropriate and effective strategies, materials, and tools that can be used when caring for a child with special needs. This educational workshop meets the licensed family child care annual training requirement (Develop Event ID: 316717). This is an adult-only event – no child care is provided.

Learn how to massage your baby's entire body. These techniques help infants relax, relieve colic or gassy spells, and promote bonding in the parent-infant relationship.

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) classes are designed to strengthen families and support children's healthy growth and development. Enjoy this time to play with your child in an early childhood classroom exploring play dough, art activities, building with blocks and more. During the second part of class, parents/guardians separate from children to discuss a variety of parenting topics made to boost parenting skills and confidence while licensed teachers help your child develop their physical, language, cognitive and social potential. 

This workshop is for home and center-based child care providers sponsored by Anoka-Hennepin Schools Child Care Collaborative and Early Childhood Special Education.Learn about Anoka-Hennepin Schools Early Childhood Screening, the Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) referral and evaluation process, the Individual Education Plan (IEP) document and meetings, and various ECSE services.This educational workshop meets the licensed family child care annual training requirement (Develop Event ID: 316704). This is an adult-only event – no child care is provided.

Develop your child’s curiosity and learning through messy play and creative exploration. You and your child will benefit from the hands-on exploration of art materials while they create their own messy masterpieces. Join us for all of the fun without the stress of cleaning up!

Congratulations, you're a grandparent! Whether you are a full-time caregiver grandparent or you occasionally care for your grandchild, this class is meant for you! Grandparents will have the opportunity to paint, play, sing and read with their grandchild. Grandparents will also have time to talk with other grandparents about their role as caregiver, boundaries and about the joys of being a grandparent.

Oh baby, what a special time for you! You have a million questions as every new parent does and we're here to support you on this journey called parenthood. Join other families and their babies in a room filled with activities and information geared just for the little ones. No charge, but pre-registration is necessary. This event is geared to newborns (birth-9 months) with their parent/caregiver, older siblings cannot be accommodated. 

If you are tired of power struggles, tantrums and searching for the right "consequence," look no further. We'll explore the book, “Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids: How To Stop Yelling And Start Connecting,” by Dr. Laura Markham. This approach is simple and effective.Spanish-speaking teacher in class.