Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) Delano Early Childhood Family Education is here for you! Welcome to Delano Public Schools Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) where you can: Play and explore, Learn and grow together with your child, Connect and meet with other families and our ECFE staff. ECFE is an educational program unique to Minnesota, supported by the legislature, offered only through public school district community education programs. It is a program designed to support all parents/caregivers in providing the best possible environment for healthy growth and development by providing support, connections/friendships and information to meet the challenges of parenting. ECFE serves all families in the Delano School District with children ages birth to kindergarten. ECFE Goals are to: Support families in their child raising efforts Offer information about child development and parenting techniques/tips Give children an opportunity to discover and learn during these vital first years of life Promote positive and realistic attitudes and expectations about raising children Provide information on community resources available for families ECFE recognizes that families provide children their first and most important learning environment and that parents are their children’s first and most significant teachers. ECFE offers a variety of classes that provide additional information, encouragement and support for you and your children. What is Involved in a typical ECFE Parent-Child Class? What is involved in a typical ECFE Parent-Child Class? A variety of classes meet once a week at the Delano Community Education Center and include parent-child play and educator-led discussions. During a typical class, parents spend time with their children following their child’s lead during play and then move to the conference room for discussion led by a licensed parent educator. Alternatively, depending on their child’s age (young ones/twos, and multi-age groups) will stay together for discussion while their children play with peers and staff all in the same classroom. In our FREE Baby & Me class, an educator-led discussion is included; however, parents and babies will stay together the entire class. What Else Does ECFE Offer? Each semester you will find a variety of special events, which may include theme based fun, field trips, parent education opportunities and more! Licensed, Experienced Teachers Our teachers create welcoming, safe and secure learning environments where your children will discover, learn and grow as you, How Do I Find Out What Is Being Offered? Click here to access on-line registration. Parent Coaches You can call the ECFE office and a parent educator will be happy to visit with you and give professional advice about your parenting joys and concerns. Questions typically include: Activities for children Support and information on parenting questions Child development and family relationships Referrals to community based services Contact Dawn Hilgers at dawn.hilgers@delanoschools.org or 763-972-6210 ext 1103.