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 to 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: Wednesdays, 10-11:30 a.m.
• Where: Parent Education Room 103, Sibling Care Early Childhood Room 106

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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: Wednesdays, 8-9:30 a.m.
• Where: Early Childhood Room 106

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Mixed Ages classes include: 

• Parent and child interaction time as an opportunity to spend uninterrupted quality time with your child.
• Activities created by an Early Childhood teacher based on a theme and focused on all areas of your child's development.
• Parent discussion in a separate space based on your needs with a focus on the Parent Education Core Curriculum Framework

Sign up for one of these five classes:

• Monday mornings, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
• Monday afternoons, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Monday evenings, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
• Tuesday mornings, 8-10 a.m.
• Thursday mornings, 8-10 a.m.

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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. The class is suitable for children birth to five years of age.

• When: Wednesdays, 12:30 to 2 p.m.
• Where: Early Childhood Room 106

Have you ever said to yourself "I wish they had ECFE for older kids?" Great news! We've got you covered! Do you have a child or children older than 5 years old? Do you need support navigating parenting older children? If so, this class is for you. We will continue to have quality parent-based conversations on topics relevant to chilren older than 5. You must have one child ages birth to Grade 3 to register for this class.

• When: Wednesdays, 7:30-9 p.m.
• Where: Virtual (you must register)

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ECFE Around Town is a traveling Early Childhood Family Education program for families, caregivers and children ages birth to 5 years old. This is a program that travels to different locations around town to provide you with a wonderful ECFE experience that includes ideas for creative, fun, age appropriate activities, as well as time to discuss questions on kids and family. Information and ideas on child development, parenting and community resources are also available. Free and no registration required.

• When: Tuesdays, 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
• Where: Different places in Winona. Locations will be posted on the Winona ECFE Facebook page.

Let your child explore our early childhood classroom where we are all set up for our youngest learners to do what they do best — PLAY! This is a non-separating class. You are present in the classroom with your child and the teacher. Class includes a parent and child interaction time,  and circle time with books, songs and activities all designed to enhance a child's learning. Parents also get great ideas to take home to enjoy with the whole family.

• When: Fridays, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
• Where: Early Childhood Room 106

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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 494-0920 for more information about the program. Note: The Itty Bitty Book Club Child Care Provider visits are scheduled individually and at your convenience.

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.

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.

A confirmation phone call will be made before the start of a term. Once a term has started, please call for availability at 507-494-0913.