Education. Interaction. Discussion.

These are a few things that Jess Renchin said she gets out of bringing her 2-year-old son to family classes at the Community Learning Center (CLC).

The School of the Month series this December focuses on free and inexpensive educational opportunities at the CLC.

Renchin and her little one, Tripp, are taking “Fun, Two, Three,” a class in the CLC’s Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) programs.

This course is one of several classes and activities offered by ECFE for parents and their children, from expectancy to pre-school age. Courses are sometimes offered in Spanish and the family education courses range from free to $10 per class meeting.

ECFE teacher Julie Hecimovich said “Fun, Two, Three,” meets for about an hour once a week for parents and children of certain age groups to spend time with each other and other families.

The families play together during PACT, or Parent And Child Time, and they spend time apart during the children’s playtime and adult discussion sessions.

The playtime includes specific excercises aimed at encouraging development. In Tripp’s class for 2 and 3-year-olds, there were sensory toys like Lincoln Logs and a dirt box — with coffee grinds as dirt and rubber bugs and insects to play with.

There were also activities geared toward fine and gross motor skills, like toy homes and crafts.

There is a different theme for each week’s course. The theme Tuesday was “Giving and Sharing,” and parents crafted cards and gift wrap with their young children during PACT.

“I signed up for the class so that he could interact with other kids,” said Renchin, who previously took classes with her now 4-year-old son Cole.

Though it was all mothers and children in Tuesday’s class, Hecimovich said dads, grandparents and other caregivers are welcome to take the courses.

ECFE parent and family educator Cassie Boettcher said kids as well as their parents benefit from the interaction and camaraderie with other familes.

Boettcher leads the parent discussion portion of “Fun, Two, Three,” and teaches other ECFE classes.

“We talk about different things, from discipline to nutrition… and we listen to everyone’s opinion,” Boettcher said.

ECFE classes can be popular and some even have waiting lists. An average classroom size is eight parents and their children.

Registration for ECFE winter courses began Monday. Classes begin Jan. 11.

Winter courses include Sibling Care for 4 and 5-year-olds; Baby and Me; Valentines Day art workshops; and Backpacker Book Club. A complete list of course offerings is available at austin.revtrak.net.

Parents can register for ECFE classes in person or by mail to the CLC, 912 First Ave. NE; by phone, 460-1709; or online at austin.revtrak.net.

Upcoming Early Childhood Family Education Events

Dec. 10 — Santa Workshop, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Community Learning Center. Children can purchase gifts priced from 25 cents to $5 for their families and make gifts for their parents. There will also be stories, songs and treats for kids and relaxation time for parents. Cost: Free. Registration required.

Dec. 11 — Family Movie Night, 5:30 p.m. in the Sumner School Auditorium. Cost: Free. No registration required.

Dec. 16 — December Fun Shop, 10 to 11 a.m at the Community Learning Center. Moms, dads, grandparents and children ages 2 to 5 will turn milk boxes into gingerbread houses. Cost: $10 per family. Registration required.

Dec. 17 — Food and play, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Hy-Vee. Parents and children ages 3 to 5 participate in a scavenger hunt and make healthy snacks together. $5 per child. Registration required.

The Community Learning Center (CLC) is located at 912 First Ave. NE.

Event registration can be completed in person at the CLC, online at austin.revtrak.net or by phone at 460-1709.