Let's explore different ways to create art. You and your child will discover a variety of art forms and ways to express your imagination. Come dressed for creative fun!

Play, learn, and grow together! Children ages birth to 5 and their caregivers will enjoy songs, stories, movement, art, sensory play, and early learning activities. Families will connect with others while exploring child development, parenting, and ways to support learning at home. This class is free for children under 12 months (select waived fee when registering). EdVenture Club offers on-site childcare for children/siblings of program participants at the Handke Center location. For more information or to register please click here: Program Participant Care

In The Anxious Generation, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt argues that the transition from a traditional, "play-based childhood" to an isolating "phone-based childhood" has severely disrupted the social and neurological development of adolescents. This book study will explore the "Great Rewiring," the four foundational harms of the digital age, and the actionable escape routes parents, educators, and communities can take to reclaim a healthier, freer childhood. Our book study will be broken up into an 8-week session where we will discuss and dig deeper into The Anxious Generation — the book that launched a global conversation. We will also discuss ways to help navigate screen use and how to incorporate more connection and play! Feel free to sip on your favorite coffee, tea or cocoa while we dive in and share our reactions, insight and interpretations of the book.

Join us for a fun and flexible Drop-In & Play session designed for children ages birth to 3 and their caregivers. Enjoy a relaxed, welcoming environment filled with toys, activities, and opportunities to connect with other families.

Join us for all-outdoor exploration in this nature-based classroom experience. We will spend our class time in the Nature Explore Center rain, shine, snow, and more! When weather doesn't permit, we will continue learning about nature in a classroom setting. Our Early Childhood team will contact you with weather guidelines and dress-for-success tips!

(Formerly "Birth to Three") Enjoy time with your child and be creative, engage in active play, and share in circle time activities. Parenting time will be in the child's classroom in a non-separating atmosphere. This class is free for children under 12 months (select waived fee when registering). EdVenture Club offers on-site childcare for children/siblings of program participants at the Handke Center location. For more information or to register please click here: Program Participant Care

Having a baby can mean major adjustments in every area of your life. We are here to support you in this amazing and exciting transition. These relaxing and informative classes are led by a Parent Educator and offer discussions on development, schedules, and feeding. Come for some uninterrupted time with your infant and an opportunity to meet other parents. This is a non-separating class. Class is free, but please register. EdVenture Club offers on-site childcare for children/siblings of program participants at the Handke Center location. For more information or to register please click here: Program Participant Care

Calling all budding artists! Join us as we explore art through hands-on, sensory play. Children learn best by doing. Creative art experiences help build early brain connections while also giving little ones a healthy outlet to express feelings, practice focus, and feel calm. Parents and caregivers will enjoy making art alongside their child! Come dressed for a mess! Art smocks will be available EdVenture Club offers on-site childcare for children/siblings of program participants at the Handke Center location. For more information or to register please click here: Program Participant Care

Mini Makers is a fun, hands-on ECFE separation class for toddlers, preschoolers, and their caregivers. Children will explore Art, Music, and Cooking through rotating 4-week sessions that encourage creativity, sensory exploration, and early learning. After shared classroom activities, children will continue learning and exploring with teachers and peers while caregivers participate in parent discussions focused on child development and meaningful ways to extend art, music, and cooking experiences at home.

Let your child experience playing drums, rhythm instruments, songs with puppets, parachute, and a bungee cord. This is an enriching class whether your child has shown a strong interest in music or you want to help them develop skills in following directions and being part of a group! You will also come away with some fun songs you can enjoy at home!

PlayLab is a 12-week hands-on class where children and caregivers explore, create, and move together. Every four weeks, families will experience a new theme: Little Scientists, Loose Parts Play, and Indoor Energy Burners. Through experiments, open-ended building, and active play, children build curiosity, creativity, and confidence. Join us for a fun-filled class that encourages learning through play and connection!

Come to the Handke Nature Explore Center and experience the best-kept secret in Elk River! We will create nature art, go on scavenger hunts, learn about eagles (and help rebuild our eagle nest), and relax in the outdoors with stories and circle time! FREE admission; no registration necessary. Mondays Sep 14 - Dec 14 | 10:00-11:30 a.m.

Join us for a FREE fun filled adventure with pumpkin activities, an obstacle course, prizes and MORE! Event will be held outdoors in the Nature Explore Playground at the Handke Center.

Join us in our creative learning environment designed for curious, busy, on-the-go toddlers. Engage with other parents and a parent educator as we explore toddler development, encouraging language development, and ways to expand learning at home. This is a non-separating class. New families may join at any time as space permits. EdVenture Club offers on-site childcare for children/siblings of program participants at the Handke Center location. For more information or to register, please click here: Program Participant Care.

Children learn best through play experiences, which are essential to a child's growth. We will look at the amazing benefits of play in childhood, engage in playful activities with our children, and learn how to set up beneficial play activities at home. Come prepared to laugh and enjoy your child's play and even have fun yourself! This is a non-separating class. EdVenture Club offers on-site childcare for children/siblings of program participants at the Handke Center location. For more information or to register, please click here: Program Participant Care.

An ECFE Parent Educator will be available to discuss parenting topics with parents whose children are registered in our Discovery Learning Preschool 4's classes. Come to one or come for all!

Morning Movers is an active ECFE parent-child class for children ages 2 to 5 years old and their grown-ups. Over four Saturday morning sessions, families will head to the gym for a fun-filled time of active play, songs, dancing, and parachute games that get everyone moving. This class is all about building connections through movement, helping children practice large motor skills, and enjoying playful time with their parent or caregiver right by their side. A parent educator will also be available to offer support, answer parenting questions, and share helpful ideas along the way. Please wear comfortable clothing.

This is a time of investigating and experimenting for your child. Explore with your preschool-age child and discover the world of math, literacy, and social play. This is a separating class. EdVenture Club offers on-site childcare for children/siblings of program participants at the Handke Center location. For more information or to register, please click here: Program Participant Care.

Children learn from one another as they play and interact. Join us in a growth opportunity for children to develop social, emotional, physical, and cognitive skills in a mixed-age group setting. Parents will discuss ways to support developmental milestones, make learning fun, and discipline techniques. This is a separating class. EdVenture Club offers on-site childcare for children/siblings of program participants at the Handke Center location. For more information or to register, please click here: Program Participant Care

Two-year-olds are growing at high speed! They require guidance and limits as they set out to try new things in their world. Our classrooms are set up to allow children to engage all of their senses as they sing, dance, create, build, problem-solve, communicate, and socialize. Children gain confidence, trust, and independence as their parents separate for facilitator-led parent education focusing on child development, parenting, and parent-child relationships. This is a separating class. EdVenture Club offers on-site childcare for children/siblings of program participants at the Handke Center location. For more information or to register, please click here: Program Participant Care.