Come ready to explore outer space through stories, songs, art, sensory play, and hands-on activities. Children will discover planets, stars, astronauts, rockets, and more while using their imagination and creativity.

Explore the Hemker Zoo by Freeport, MN. See a wide variety of zoo animals in a smaller setting perfect for young children. There are opportunities to feed some animals for an additional fee. Pack a lunch or purchase concessions at the zoo. There is a covered picnic area available. Register all students and parents except children under 1 year. Drop off and pick up on the North side of Jefferson Learning Center. Load the bus at 8:35am. The bus will leave promptly at 8:45am and cannot wait for late families. We will arrive back at JLC at 2:45pm.

Enjoy a morning exploring a robotic dairy, the animals and the equipment. It might be muddy so wear appropriate shoes. Drop off and pick up on the north side of Jefferson Learning Center. Load the bus at 8:40am. The bus will leave promptly at 8:50 and cannot wait for late families. We will arrive back at JLC at 11:30am. Register EACH person attending except for children under 1. ($5 per attendee)

Join us for a fun-filled fall harvest celebration! Enjoy stories, music, sensory activities, art, and more — all centered around farms, autumn, and the magic of the harvest season.

Help your child(ren) craft a few meaningful, handmade gifts to share with their loved ones.

An ECFE class just for dads and children. The class will start in the gym at Jefferson. Then to the room for a couple of projects and activities (dad style). We will separate for a short parent chat geared toward dad topics. The morning will end with a circle time.

Learn and play with your little one each Monday! The day starts in our gym with bikes, playground equipment, and a climbing wall. Next we will head to our early childhood classroom for time to engage with age appropriate activities, art and sensory play. While children continue their play, parents go to the adjoining room for learning, support and fun. The session ends with a circle time. If your child is 6 months or younger they will accompany parents and not need to be registered.

Learn and play with your little one each Tuesday! The day starts in our gym with bikes, playground equipment, and a climbing wall. Next we will head to our early childhood classroom for time to engage with age appropriate activities, art and sensory play. While children continue their play, parents go to the adjoining room for learning, support and fun. The session ends with a circle time. If your child is 6 months or younger they will accompany parents and not need to be registered.

Be prepared for hands-on fun possibly indoors or out. There might be materials you wouldn’t try at home!

We're going on a nature adventure! Each week will be a different park in the Willmar area. We will explore nature using all of our senses. Art, Music, Science and Movement are other learning areas we focus on. Dress comfortably for the weather as all sessions will be outdoors. The first location will be Rau Park with the next locations TBD.

Elementary Parents! Join in conversation with other parents at your school. Various parent topics will be facilitated by a Parent and Family Educator although conversation can depend on the concerns of the group. Rotating Tuesdays from 8:30-9:30am Watch for notices of locations at each school. Please Register for one school but walk-ins will be welcome.

Hop aboard for a transportation adventure! Children will explore vehicles of all kinds—including trains, cars, trucks, airplanes, and boats—through stories, music, art, sensory experiences, and interactive play

Learn and play with your little one each Thursday! The day starts in our gym with bikes, playground equipment, and a climbing wall. Next we will head to our early childhood classroom for time to engage with age appropriate activities, art and sensory play. While children continue their play, parents go to the adjoining room for learning, support and fun. The session ends with a circle time. If your child is 6 months or younger they will accompany parents and not need to be registered.

Join other families and toddlers in a safe environment! Enjoy activities, songs, take-home keepsakes and movement games together with your child. Our focus will be on bonding with your child, discussing development and alleviating parent concerns.

.Choose one or all of the sessions. An online option will be available for each class. Session 1: Building a Foundation for Hard Conversations Topic: Creating Connection Before Correction Summary:Parents will learn how to foster trust so children feel safe bringing difficult questions and experiences to them. The session explores active listening, emotional validation, responding instead of reacting, and creating a family culture where no topic is off limits. Session 2: Talking with Children About Reproductive Health and Growing Bodies Topic: Age-Appropriate Conversations from Early Childhood Through Adolescence Summary:Parents will gain confidence discussing anatomy, puberty, consent, healthy relationships, and sexuality in ways that are honest, accurate, and appropriate for each developmental stage. The emphasis is on many small conversations over time rather than one “big talk.” Session 3: Navigating Big Emotions and Mental Well-Being Topic: Helping Children Cope with Stress, Anxiety, Grief, and Strong Feelings Summary:This session helps parents recognize emotional distress, normalize conversations about mental health, and teach healthy coping skills. Parents will learn how to support resilience while recognizing when professional help may be needed. Session 4: Safety in Today’s World Topic: Preparing Children for Challenging Situations Summary:Parents will explore how to talk with children about personal safety without creating unnecessary fear. Topics include online safety, peer pressure, bullying, abuse prevention, media literacy, and responding to emergencies.