Who participates in ECFE?
Parents and children participate together. Participation is voluntary. ECFE is committed to accessibility for everyone, so fees are based on a sliding fee scale or are waived for families unable to pay.
It is the goal of ECFE to serve a representative cross-section of families with young children in each community. All families have different needs. Programs offer sessions with specific topics to meet these individual needs.
Why start at birth?
Brain research confirms the first three years are an extremely critical period in a child's development. This is especially true in the areas of language, social skills and the foundation of intelligence. An infant's daily interactions with caregivers actually determine the structure of some areas of the brain itself. Getting involved in ECFE can help parents be better equipped to deal with the challenges of caring for these rapidly developing infants and toddlers.
Why involve parents?
Research shows that early childhood programs involving parents and children are more effective than programs focusing exclusively on children. Educators and psychologists agree that it is vital for early childhood programs to assist parents in their role as primary educators of their children. Involvement prior to kindergarten encourages parents to play an active role in their children's learning throughout their entire education. Children whose parents are involved in their education have been shown to be more successful in school.
Who benefits from ECFE?
Society benefits from strong families and healthy, well-developed children. The potential of ECFE to prevent or reduce later learning problems of children has been confirmed by evaluation of ECFE and similar programs. Parents involved in ECFE report feeling more supported and more confident in their role as parents. They also report having a better understanding of how children develop and having improved parenting skills. Research strongly suggests that dollars spent on ECFE are more than repaid by savings in remedial health, education and welfare costs later.
Early Childhood Screening for Kindergarten
Required by State Law for children before starting Kindergarten and required for Pre-K entrance. Screening checks for:
• Vision • Speech
• Hearing • Development
• Height • Social/Emotional
• Weight • Health History
• Immunization Review
Screening is recommended for children when they are 3 (and up to 5) for early identification of any concerns which may interfere with learning. Screening is offered by Saint Paul Public Schools free of charge. Forms are available from the Early Childhood Screening Office if parents choose to have their own health provider complete the screening. For day and Evening Appointments, call 651-632-3746 or contact Early Childhood Screening
Developmental Concerns
If you have concerns about the development of your child, contact Help Me Grow at 1-866-693-4769
