Education General Education Birth-Kindergarten

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)

What?
ECFE offers many different classes and resources to parents of children from birth to kindergarten age. The goal of these classes is to teach parents how to have the best family environment so children can grow, develop and be successful throughout the school years. A typical class meets once a week for a 10-week session. Classes include parent-child activity time, parent discussion time, and childrens activity time during which parents exchange parenting techniques and early childhood teachers help children develop social skills and learn.

Who?
Families interested in learning more about parenting and how to help their child develop and be successful throughout school.

ECFE allows parents to support each other by sharing the successes and challenges of parenthood while spending quality time with their children. Many districts now offer classes designed for dads and their children.

How?
Contact your local school district or Community Education coordinator to register. Payment is usually on a sliding fee scale, but it can vary from district to district.

Society benefits from strong families and healthy, well developed children. -Sarah, parent Parenting is one of the toughest jobs well ever have, and most of us are inexperienced. ECFE is a great way to learn about child development and effective parenting. -David, parent

Where?
More information can be found on the ECFE website. The Minnesota Department of Education website can direct you to the ECFE class nearest to you. The MN Fathers and Families Network website has a helpful factsheet about ECFE.