Newborn Baby Talk
Baby Talk is a free class for parents with newborns from birth to 12 weeks. Join other parents with newborns from birth to 12 weeks for connection and support. Class runs year-round, except on public holidays. No need to pre-register…just show up. Sibling care is always provided. Please text Ellen at 507-301-7369 with any questions. The NEW class day and time begins Wednesday, September 6th, 2023 from 10:00-11:30. A public health nurse, parent educator, and lactation specialist are available to answer questions about your newborn and provide support and information for your new journey of parenting. Facilitated discussions cover feeding, attachment, sleep, development, family changes, and returning to work. In-person participants have an opportunity to get their baby weighed.
Classes are held at the Northfield Community Education Center, 700 Lincoln Parkway in Northfield. Free sibling care is available each week. Please note that in inclement weather, there will be no in-person class if Northfield Public Schools begin two hours late, or cancel school. If you’d like to attend Baby Talk virtually, please text Ellen at 507-301-7369 to obtain Zoom meeting information.
This program is co-sponsored by Northfield Hospital + Clinics, Northfield Public Schools Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE), and Rice County Public Health Nursing Service. For more information, call or text Ellen at 507-301-7369 or ehaefner@northfieldschools.org.
Bridges To Kindergarten
Bridges to Kindergarten is a free summer program held at each of the elementary schools in August to help ease the transition into kindergarten and provide a boost in readiness skills, such as listening, working in groups, orientation to classroom routines as well as academic activities focused on literacy and math. Bridges to Kindergarten is taught by licensed kindergarten and early childhood teachers. Children are placed in the neighborhood school they will attend. If needed, transportation is available! This year Bridges to Kindergarten will be held August 12-16, 2024 with morning and afternoon options. The Bridges to Kindergarten registration form can be found here. For more information, call 507-645-1232.
Teen Parent Program
The Teen Parent Program offers classes for current or expectant parents between the ages of 14 and 21 who are enrolled at the Northfield Area Learning Center. Contact Daryl Kehler (507.645.1238) for more information.
Northfield Community Education Advisory Council (NCEAC)
Purpose: The Community Education Advisory Council plays an important role in shaping the lifelong educational offering available through the Community Education Department, routinely advising staff in programming, budgeting and department development.
Meeting Dates: 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Fourth (4th) Tuesday of the month (no meeting in July and December)
Location: Northfield Community Education Center, Room 116
Membership:
Erin Bailey, Emily Blumhoefer, Joshua Bowens, Corey Butler (School Board Representative), Robert Coleman, Caitlyn Otis, Em Palencia, Rebecca Peterson (PRAB Liason), CJ Riehl-Merrill (student member), Rosie Sharkey, Jeffery Svien, Vanessa Winter (student member), Sarah Wolfe, Erin Zimmerman.
Census Makes a Difference
Help the school district keep census information up to date. Call us at 507.664.3750 if:
- You have had a baby recently
- You have an infant, toddler or preschooler and have moved into the school district
- Your address and phone number has changed since the birth of your preschool child