Early Childhood Family Education 2020-2021 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. 15 E C F E • 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. 651-702-8411 (651-788-3664 Español)