Virtual event celebrates 50th anniversary and impact of Early Childhood Family Education

The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families is hosting a free, live virtual event in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Early Childhood Family Education for families, districts and communities.

Early Childhood Family Education is built on the belief that parents are children's first and most enduring teachers and provide their first and most significant learning environment. The program supports parents and caregivers and strengthens and empowers families. ECFE helps parents and other family members provide the best possible environments for their child's learning and development.

“Every parent wants their child to get the best start they can, and for 50 years, ECFE has helped parents better understand their child’s needs and development,” said Commissioner Tikki Brown. “Children, youth, and families are the foundation of our state, and programs like ECFE set them up for success.”

The virtual ECFE 50th anniversary celebration will take place from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 7, on Zoom.

Assistant Commissioner Diane Haulcy will speak about how the state is committed to investing in children and families through ECFE. There will also be a discussion of how organizations support the ECFE program and the vision for collaboration for the next 50 years.

Parents from White Bear Lake, St. Cloud and Robbinsdale will share the impact ECFE has had on their families. There will also be a discussion on recruiting and supporting new teachers in the program.

ECFE serves more than 15,000 families per year across 323 Minnesota school districts. Since its inception, ECFE has served more than 4 million families statewide.

More information about the event and registration is available at https://redcap.health.state.mn.us/redcap/surveys/?s=HCA38X7P89HYE4R7 or the DCYF website at https://dcyf.mn.gov/news/celebrate-50-years-early-childhood-family-education.