Early Childhood Family Education is a program of District 16 for all families with young children (ages birth up until kindergarten). ECFE believes that the years before a child begins school are the most important in their development.  From the moment a child is born to the time she or he is ready for kindergarten, ECFE offers a variety of services and classes to families.  All activities provide opportunities to build positive parent/child relationships while having fun together!

Throughout the year, ECFE offers: Parent-child classes Sibling care Home visits Outreach programs Baby Showers Baby Bag visits Special events and more!

For more information please call 763-785-5560.

What is an ECFE class like? ECFE classes provide families a time to learn and play together and are limited to 10-14 children, based on the age of the children enrolled.  In order to give more families a chance to attend ECFE, you may enroll each child in only one 14/15-week morning class per semester.  Most ECFE classes have three components:

• Parent and child interaction time
  Parents and children explore the ECFE room together. Learning activities are provided as well as time for open play. This time also includes a group "Circle Time" of songs and games.
• Parent discussion time
  A licensed parent facilitator provides resources and guides discussion about child development, parenting techniques, and current issues concerning today’s families.
• Guided play for children
  During parent discussion time, your children have snack, continue to play and are supervised by the early childhood staff. Learning experiences such as sharing, socializing and relating to friends their own age are encouraged.