Early Childhood Family Education ECFE Parent Handbook 2018-2019 | Page 5

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) is a program for all Minnesota families with children between the ages of birth to kindergarten entrance. The program is offered through Minnesota public school districts. ECFE 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 works to strengthen families. ECFE’s goal is to enhance the ability of all parents and other family members to provide the best possible environment for their child’s learning and growth. The Minnesota Department of Education provides support to local school districts to provide high-quality parenting education to families within their communities. ~Minnesota Department of Education Home Visiting Do you have questions about potty training, setting limits, sibling relationships, bedtime routines or healthy eating? District 622’s licensed parent educators can provide • Parenting support • Referrals to community resources • Ideas to support your child’s cognitive, social, emotional, language and physical development We offer confidential, one-on-one parent consults at no cost to families with children birth through 3rd grade. To request a visit with a parent educator, call 651-702-8411. The components of most ECFE parent-child classes include: Parent-Child Interaction Time • Circle Time • Snack Parent-Child Separation Time • Parent Discussion Time • Children’s Activity Time Parent-Child Interaction Time The parent-child interaction time is usually the first half of class and includes circle time and snack. This interaction time is planned by a licensed early childhood teacher. Enjoy this time by: • Sharing planned learning activities with your child • Watching your child play with classmates • Learning new games, songs and ways to play • Communicating with and observing your child 5