Spring Lake Park Schools

Early Childhood Family Education, which is part of District 16's Community Education program,  is for all families with young children (ages birth up until kindergarten). ECFE believes that the years before a child begins school are the most important in their development. From the moment a child is born to the time she or he is ready for kindergarten, ECFE offers a variety of services and classes to  families, all of which provide information, encouragement and support for parents and their children. All activities provide opportunities to build positive parent/child relationships while having fun together.	Early Childhood Family Education 880 Osborne Road Fridley, MN 55432 School Hours 9:00 am - 3:15 pm Summer Hours 9:00 am - 11:30 am
	Main Office: Attendance: Fax:	763-600-5900 Call Teacher 763-600-5913

Throughout the year, ECFE offers:

Most ECFE classes have three components:

Parent and Child Interaction Time
Parents and children explore the ECFE room together. Learning activities are provided as well as time for open play. This time also includes a group "Circle Time" of songs and games.

Parent Discussion Time
A licensed parent facilitator provides resources and guides discussion about child development, parenting techniques, and current issues concerning today’s families.

Guided Play for Children
During parent discussion time, your children have snack, continue to play and are supervised by the early childhood staff. Learning experiences such as sharing, socializing and relating to friends their own age are encouraged.

ECFE classes provide families a time to learn and play together and are limited to 10-14 children, based on the age of the children enrolled. In order to give more families a chance to attend ECFE, you may enroll each child in only one 14/15-week morning class per semester.

What do District 16 parents have to say about ECFE?

• "ECFE has definitely helped me be a better parent. We look forward to coming to school each week."
• "Even though my child is in preschool, we also still attend an ECFE class together so that I can particpate in a parenting group. I love the support and great ideas from staff and other moms and dads."
• "I like knowing that that we are not the only family that struggles with sleep and discipline issues. I have learned new ways to deal with the struggles of parenting."
• "The ECFE teachers are knowledgable, caring and compassionate. They really care about my family."