Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)

Join the class at any time; babies and parents are always welcome! Babies bring joy and big changes to families. This is a weekly class for infants, birth - 12 months, and their parents. All of your baby questions and insights will be discussed with a Licensed Parent Educator and other parents of little ones. Opportunities to connect with other parents and find your parenting style are part of our time together. Join the class at any time; babies and parents are always welcomed. Sibling care is available upon request at registration.

Sibling care is available upon request at registration.

• When: Fridays, 10:30 a.m. to noon
• Where: Parent Education Room 103, Sibling Care Early Childhood Room 106
• Term 3: Jan. 24, 2020 through March 27, 2020. No class on March 13.
• Term 4: April 3, 2020 through May 29, 2020. No class on April 10, May 22.

REGISTER

This class suits toddlers between 12-30 months of age. During parent/child interaction time, parents and toddlers will participate in a variety of activities geared for the busy world of toddlers. This is followed by a brief discussion time for parents while children continue with activities. Discussion topics include ideas for separation issues, encouraging language development, and more. Class ends with a circle time of songs and movement. Parents and children do not separate in this class. Walking or crawling, all toddlers are invited!

• When: Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
• Where: Early Childhood Room 106
• Term 3: Jan. 24, 2020 through March 27, 2020. No class on March 13.
• Term 4: April 3, 2020 through May 29, 2020. No class on April 10, May 22.

REGISTER

Children will be able to explore the world of books and literacy and still get play time in the Zoom Room. Parenting discussion will include how to help children build a foundation of early literacy skills. Parents and children do not separate in this class.

• When: Wednesdays, 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
• Where: Early Childhood Room 106
• Term 3: Jan. 22, 2020 through March 25, 2020. No class on March 11.

REGISTER

Explore and discover the world outside through experiential, hands-on activities. Parenting discussion will include how to help children learn in nature. Weather permitting, we will go outside to our outdoor classroom for activities. Nature will be brought inside on days where the weather doesn’t cooperate. Parents and children do not separate in this class. Dress for outdoor play every week.

• When: Wednesdays, 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
• Where: Early Childhood Room 106
• Term 4: April 1, 2020 through June 3, 2020.

REGISTER

There’s a new set of the 3 R’s for our children — respect, responsibility and resilience. Once developed, these skills better prepare children for life in the real world. Vicki Hoefle, author of "Duct Tape Parenting" encourages a unique and effective approach to parenting so that parents can step back and kids can step up, solve their own problems, and develop lifelong confidence along the way.

• When: Mondays, 8:30-10:30 a.m. OR Tuesdays, 8-10 a.m. OR Thursdays, 8-10 a.m.
• Where: Early Childhood Room 106
• Term 3: Begins week of Jan. 20 and end week of March 23. No Monday class on Feb. 24, March 9; no Tuesday class on March 10 and no Thursday class on March 12.

REGISTER

We will spend our class time talking about the importance of singing in early childhood. We will discuss research on why it is important and how it is diminishing in our culture. Our curriculum will include one or two expert guests on the topic, plus a short “group sing” each time we meet. Parents will leave this course with a little collection of songs on paper to take home, plus plenty of tips for making lyrics accessible on the fly and incorporating music into your relationship with your young children.

• When: Mondays, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Where: Early Childhood Room 106
• Term 3: Jan. 20 through March 23, 2020. No class on Feb. 24, March 9.

REGISTER

Parents these days are under a great deal of pressure to be “perfect.” Vicki Hoefle’s approach in "The Straight Talk on Parenting" makes the bold claim that it’s not about perfection. In fact, there is no template, because no two children are alike. Instead, Hoefle argues that parenting is more about fostering family growth by keeping the children’s best interests in mind. Above all, "The Straight Talk on
Parenting" offers the confidence-boosting reminder that parenting is about practice, not perfection.

• When: Mondays, 8:30-10:30 a.m. OR Tuesdays, 8-10 a.m. OR Thursdays, 8-10 a.m.
• Where: Early Childhood Room 106
• Term 4: Begins week of April 6 and ends week of June 1, 2020. No Monday class on May 13, May 25.

REGISTER

New in 2020, ECFE is offering some mini special event sessions during Terms 3 and 4. Join us for one or even all of these special events to learn more about these fun topics. These classes are open to all ages. You must register for each topic. Please register in the ECFE office. Four-week topics are $20 per family and three-week topics are $15 per family. (No family will be turned away due to inability to pay.)

Our Term 2 class is based on the book “How Much Is Enough?: Everything You Need to Know to Steer Clear of Overindulgence and Raise Likeable, Responsible and Respectful Children.” This book is packed with practical guidelines, helpful tools and visual aids that make parenting successfully feel just a little more accessible. Join us to discuss a topic that’s especially helpful to consider during the holidays, with year-round, life-long benefits.  

• When: Mondays, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Where: Early Childhood Room 106
• Term 2: Nov. 11, 2019 through Jan. 13, 2020. No class on Dec. 23, Dec. 30.

REGISTER

The Search Institute of Minneapolis has done extensive research on qualities, opportunities, relationships and environments that help children succeed. In "What Young Children Need to Succeed" authors Jolene L Roehlkepartain and Nancy Leffert, Ph.D., report on their research in an easy to read format that has ideas parents can implement in their home, neighborhood and community. Information from the Search Institutes’ ongoing research will be included.

• When: Mondays, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. OR Tuesdays 8 to 10 a.m. OR Thursdays 8 to 10 a.m.
• Where: Early Childhood Room 106
• Term 1: Sept. 9, 2019 through Oct. 28, 2019 (Monday class); Sept. 3, 2019 through Oct. 29, 2019 (Tuesday class, no class Oct. 1) and Sept. 5, 2019, through Oct. 31, 2019 (Thursday class, no class Oct. 17).

REGISTER

In "How Eskimos Keep Their Babies Warm," Mei-Ling Hopgood shares with readers how other cultures outside of the United States react to common challenges that all parents face: bedtimes, potty-training, feeding, play and more. Class discussion will review a variety of ways to address common childhood needs and the fact that there isn’t one right way to parent.

• When: 8 to 10 a.m. on Mondays OR Tuesdays OR Thursdays
• Where: Early Childhood Room 106
• Term 2: Nov. 11, 2019 through Jan. 13, 2020 (Monday class, no class Dec. 23, Dec. 30); Nov. 5, 2019 through Jan. 14, 2020 (Tuesday class, no class Dec. 24, Dec. 31); Nov. 7, 2019 through Jan. 16, 2020 (Thursday class, no class Nov. 28, Dec. 26).

REGISTER

Drop-In Playgroup is an opportunity for children to learn, grow and develop through play. There is something to keep every child happy and busy, with a baby and toddler area, activities for preschoolers, a great outdoor space plus lots of art, craft and messy play. And what’s even better — we clean up the mess afterwards! No registration required.

• When: Wednesdays, 12:30 to 2 p.m.
• Where: Early Childhood Room 106
• Term 3: Jan. 22, 2020 through March 25, 2020. No drop-in on Feb. 12, March 11.
• Term 4: April 1, 2020 through June 3, 2020. No drop-in on April 8, May 13.

Drop-In Playgroup is an opportunity for children to learn, grow and develop through play. There is something to keep every child happy and busy, with a baby and toddler area, activities for preschoolers, a great outdoor space plus lots of art, craft and messy play. And what’s even better — we clean up the mess afterwards! No registration required.

• When: Wednesdays, 12:30 to 2 p.m.
• Where: Early Childhood Room 106
• Term 3: Jan. 22, 2020 through March 25, 2020. No drop-in on Feb. 12, March 11.
• Term 4: April 1, 2020 through June 3, 2020. No drop-in on April 8, May 13.

Do you have questions about parenting, your child’s development or how to help your child be ready for kindergarten? A Parent Educator is available to meet with you at home, for coffee or conversation over the phone. For information call 507-494-0913.

Teen Parent and Prenatal Programs Parent education, prenatal education, parent-child activities and support for adolescent and expecting parents at the Winona Area Learning Center and Winona Senior High School. Contact Lynnea Pfohl at 507-494-1469 for more information about the Teen Parent Program that is ongoing throughout the school year.

Itty Bitty Book Club brings literacy and circle time activities to our Licensed Child Care Providers homes. Sign up for a monthly home visit from our Licensed Early Childhood Staff. Staff brings in activities, circle time and a fun reading program to the child care setting every month, September through May. Call 494-0916 for more information about the program.

ECFE offers classes and activities for parents and their children from birth to age five. The program offers guidance and support for families from licensed early childhood and parent educators. You will also find support and friendship from other parents of small children. In addition, your child will learn through play and develop social skills along the way.

Separating Classes:
All our classes begin with parent child activities where parents and children play together in the early childhood room. Parents then move on to the Parent Education room, facilitated by a licensed parent educator, to meet other parents and discuss issues related to parenting. The children stay in the classroom with a licensed early childhood educator to enjoy a variety of age appropriate activities. Your child will make new friends, enjoy art activities, music, gym time and a snack.

Non-separating Classes:
In our baby and toddler classes, parents do not separate from their children. The baby group is held in the parent education room and the toddler group is held in the early childhood room.

The program encourages positive parental interactions that affect how children develop and learn. Research has shown that ECFE programs involving parents with their children are more effective than programs focusing exclusively on children. In addition, children whose parents are more involved in their early education are more likely to be successful in school.

ECFE is located at Goodview Elementary School. The address is 5100 West 9th Street in Winona.

Yes, fees are on a sliding scale based on a family's income. No one will be turned away due to inabiliity to pay.

Term 1: Aug. 19, 2019 by noon

Term 2: Oct. 16, 2019 by noon

A confirmation phone call will be made the week following the registration deadline with classes starting on:

Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019 for Term 1
Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019  for Term 2

If you miss our random draw deadline, you can call for availability of remaining classes at 507-494-0913.

YES! ECFE has a PTA/Parent Advisory Council that works with staff on program planning, development and special events. The PTA also sponsors special events like a fall color run and winter family dance.

Juggling work, school and activities can make cooking family meals more challenging. The fridge is empty, there’s no time to grocery shop, and appetites are ramping up. That’s when planning a menu and prepping your meals ahead can really pay off. Learn tips, tricks and positive habits to keep on track and set the entire family up for a successful week! Cost is $20 for the class.

• When: Wednesdays, 8-10 a.m. on Jan. 22, Jan. 29, Feb. 5, Feb. 12
• Where: Early Childhood Room 106

Did you know play is the most powerful, effective method for teaching, learning and connecting with kids? Come explore how parents and families can help prepare their children to be successful,  and connected in life through the simple act of play. In this 3 week class we will discuss and explore new ways to help you and your child(ren) play with a purpose. Cost is $15 for the class.

• When: Wednesdays, 8-10 a.m. on Feb. 19, Feb. 26, March 4
• Where: Early Childhood Room 106

This term, parents, it’s time to put self-care on your to-do list! Putting your best self forward requires intentional choices (especially for busy parents), even if that means stepping outside your comfort  zone and putting yourself first. Come join us for a 3 week class full of tips and strategies to help you  make purposeful choices to help you feel healthy, look great, and live a joyful life. Cost is $15 for the class.

• When: Wednesdays, 8-10 a.m. on March 18, March 25, April 1
• Where: Early Childhood Room 106

The transition to kindergarten can be a big change for parents and children. In many cases, this means not only a classroom change but a transition to a new school as well. As exciting as this change may be, it can also bring anxiety. Come join us for a four-week class full of helpful tips and strategies that can help prepare both you and your child for kindergarten. Cost is $20 for the class.

• When: Wednesdays, 8-10 a.m. on April 15, April 22, April 29, May 6
• Where: Early Childhood Room 106

In this class we will discuss ways children can interact with the natural environment and all the benefits of appreciating the great outdoors. Research reveals the necessity of contact with nature for healthy child and adult development. A growing body of research links our mental, physical and spiritual health directly to our association with nature. This class will include field trips to discover our community’s natural spaces as well as many nature activities that will engage your child. Cost is $20 for the class.

• When: Wednesdays, 8-10 a.m. on May 13, May 20, May 27, June 3
• Where: Early Childhood Room 106