Early Childhood Family Education 2019-2020 Catalog | Page 4

Welcome to ECFE
Early Childhood Family
Education (ECFE) is for
your child AND for you!
Early Childhood Family Education is based on the idea
that the family provides a child's first and most significant
learning environment and parents are a child's first and
most important teachers.
• ECFE offers classes for parents and their children ages
birth to 5 years old (before kindergarten).
• Programs are designed for parents and their infants,
toddlers and preschool-aged children.
• Classes help strengthen family relationships and
provide information and resources to parents in their
journey to help their children grow and develop to
their maximum potential.
• Programs strive to build a strong foundation for
families by forming a partnership between home
and school.
A typical ECFE class includes
three components:
1
Parent-Child Time
You and your child spend time together enjoying
activities designed to enhance their learning.
• Learn skills and routines that can easily be adapted for
use at home.
• Have special and meaningful time focused on each
other.
• Experience a successful transition into preschool
and kindergarten.
2
Parent Time
Meet with other parents and a licensed parent
educator to discuss topics such as development,
temperament, discipline and getting ready for
school. The parent time takes place in a separate room or
in a designated area of the children’s classroom for non-
separating classes.
• Make connections with other parents in your
community, gain support from one another and
benefit from the understanding that “You are not
the only one going through this” in an environment
where parents can be real and honest about parenting
challenges.
• Learn how you can better help your children now
and in the future.
• Learn how the school system works. ECFE prepares you
to be involved in your child’s education beginning in
the early years, which helps children do better
in school.
3
Children’s Classroom
While you and other parents participate in parent
time, children learn through play in the classroom
with a licensed early childhood teacher and a
paraprofessional. Children will enjoy music, art, stories,
large and small motor activities as they interact with other
children.
• Experience a safe place to learn and get ready for
preschool, kindergarten, and beyond.
• Have an opportunity to socialize with other children
and develop relationships with other adults.
• Participate in activities and challenges that contribute
to healthy social, emotional, and physical development.
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E C F E
651-702-8411 (651-788-3664 Español)