Outreach is about being present in your community—but marketing is how you tell the ECFE story in a way that feels clear, meaningful and welcoming to families.
You’re not selling a product. You’re inviting families into the story of ECFE—and that story is all about their wants, needs, fears and hopes. These families are the hero in the story you’re telling, and ECFE is the guide that helps them navigate the twists and turns of parenting.
And good news: You don’t need a big budget or a polished ad campaign. Small, consistent efforts—shared in the right places—can make a big difference.
Why marketing matters
A lot of families who could benefit from ECFE still haven’t heard of it—or they don’t think it’s meant for them. That’s where thoughtful marketing comes in. It helps:
- Spread the word
- Build trust and connection
- Clear up confusion or misconceptions
- Encourage word-of-mouth sharing
What to say: Your key messages
When you talk about ECFE, try to use consistent, inclusive language that helps people feel welcomed and understood. Here are a few go-to phrases you can use:
- "ECFE is for any parent or caregiver with a child from birth to kindergarten. It’s a place to learn, play and connect—with your child and with other families."
- "Classes are free or low-cost, and they’re designed to support you at every stage of early parenting."
Families want to know what’s in it for them—so focus on the benefits they care about most:
- A supportive, judgment-free space
- Meaningful connections with other parents
- Fun, educational experiences for their kids
- Flexible class times
- Culturally responsive and inclusive programming
Where to share your message
You don’t need to start from scratch. This toolkit includes editable templates, posters and images to make it easier for you to get the word out—without taking up all your time. Use what’s provided or tweak it to fit your community.
Print materials
- Flyers, brochures, postcards, magnets or business cards with QR codes
- Use friendly visuals that reflect the families in your area—skip the text-heavy designs
- Post them in places families already go: schools, clinics, libraries, laundromats, grocery stores and places of worship
Digital tools
- School or district websites (make sure ECFE is easy to find)
- Social media: Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, TikTok
- Neighborhood or parent groups online (like Facebook or WhatsApp)
- Email newsletters
Tip: A flyer with a QR code that links directly to your ECFE page or signup form is a simple, effective way to help families take action.
Video content
- Use the ECFE video in the kit or create your own
- Share short clips: parent testimonials, class sneak peeks or a warm teacher intro
- Keep videos short (1–2 minutes), and add captions so they work with or without sound
What to share: Easy content ideas
You don’t have to post every day. What matters most is sharing regularly and keeping it real. Here are a few simple things you can share throughout the year:
- Photos or video clips from class (with permission)
- Parent quotes like, "This class helped me feel less alone"
- Class reminders or updates
- A quick "what to expect" post
- Teacher spotlights
- Highlights like sibling care, scholarships or flexible times
- Fun seasonal tips or play ideas that tie into class themes
Tip: Keep it consistent—weekly or monthly updates go further than trying to do it all at once.
Working as a team
You don’t have to do this by yourself. Think about who can pitch in:
- A staff member who enjoys social media or design
- Parents who want to share their story or help with posts
- Your school or district's communications team
- Local partners who can help spread the word
Low-effort, high-impact ideas
Even quick actions can go a long way. Here are a few examples:
| Time | Effort |
|---|
| 5 minutes | Put up a flyer at a coffee shop or community board |
| 10 minutes | Post a parent quote and class reminder on Facebook |
| 20 minutes | Record a short video of a teacher saying hello |
| Ongoing | Add ECFE to newsletters or partner emails |
Keep it welcoming
However you share the ECFE story, keep it kind, clear and inclusive:
- Use plain, friendly language
- Skip jargon or assumptions about parenting
- Include images that reflect the real families in your community
- Be clear: ECFE is for everyone
With a little planning and the tools in this kit, you’ll be able to connect with more families, build trust, and help them feel excited about joining your ECFE community.
