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Early Childhood Family Education’s (ECFE) mission is to strengthen families through education and support of all parents through providing the best possible environment for the healthy growth and development of their children. ECFE provides education in child development and parent/child relationships which sets the stage for children’s school success.
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What to Expect in ECFE
- Classes for the fall will be held in-person and online.
- ECFE fall classes will begin, Monday, September 13th, 2021.
- Current Covid Safety measures will be followed for in-person classes.
- Please contact us at ecfe@spps.org if you need technology or a hot spot for online classes.
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COVID Safety for In-Person Classes
In our in-person classes families can expect:
- Handwashing upon arrival and multiple times during class when moving from activity to activity
- Masks required for adults and children 2 and older
- If you or your child are experiencing any COVID 19 symptoms, or illness symptoms, please stay home
- Improved ventilation and daily building sanitation
- Equipment, surfaces, and toys will be disinfected after each class
- ECFE will continue to create space for social distancing of three feet or more to the greatest extent possible
- Snacks will not be served during this time
- Non-registered guests are not allowed at this time
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Program Details and Policies
Registration for fall classes opens June 1st, 2021. If you need help filling out the application, please email us at ecfe@spps.org
Program Details and Policies
- Registration opens June 1st.
- In-person Registration is at Hamline Elementary. Please contact 651-793-5410 prior to visiting.
- The sliding fee scale can be found in the Catalog. If you are in need of a scholarship, contact us and we will assist you.
- Classes run the entire school year unless otherwise specified.
- All adult participants must have a child age birth to kindergarten entrance.
- Refunds can be made through the third week of class.
- Participants may make tax-deductible donations to sponsor other participating families.
- Preference is given to families residing in Saint Paul. If space is available after the second week of class, families residing outside of Saint Paul may enroll.
- No one is turned away for their inability to pay.
- Fees are collected upon registration for the 1st half of the year and on January 31, 2022 for the 2ndhalf of the year.
- ECFE reserves the right to cancel classes with low enrollment. Schedules can be changed at any time.
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Personal Phone Consultation
Have a question about parenting? Wonder what normal development looks like? Need a new strategy for handling difficult behavior? We offer 30-minute phone consultations with an Early Childhood professional.
Email ecfe@spps.org for details.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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 ScreeningDevelopmental Concerns
If you have concerns about the development of your child, contact Help Me Grow at 1-866-693-4769
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Family Handbook and Media Release Forms
HANDBOOK
Family HandbookMEDIA RELEASES
Media Release - English
Media Release - Espanol
Media Release - Hmoob
Media Release - Karen
Media Release - SoomaaliREGISTRATION
Registration - English
Registration - Spanish
Registration-SomaliECFE PROGRAM SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
ECFE Program Schedule -
Resources
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SPPS Community Education is working to determine how the new Stay Safe MN Guidelines impact programming. We will notify participants of any changes via email and our website. Thank you for your continued patience.
