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Learn about new laws that are causing significant changes in time-limited work rules for SNAP recipients and that impact recipients and increase workload for Minnesota's counties and Tribal Nations.

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SNAP does not shut off on its own. Learn how the USDA and federal government are limiting food access for more than 440,000 Minnesotans.

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About ECFE

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ECFE is energizing

ECFE is a statewide program in Minnesota. Designed for families with children from prenatal to kindergarten, and up to third grade in some districts, ECFE supports parents and caregivers as their child's first and most important teachers. Since 1974, ECFE has fostered early learning, family engagement and confident school readiness while addressing opportunity gaps in early childhood learning.

Programs are guided by local community needs and reflect family needs with multilingual resources, trusted community partnerships and accessible fee structures. Whether in a school, a community location, someone's home or even online, ECFE helps build knowledge, confidence, community and family relationships. ECFE often partners with other district and community programs such as WIC, Head Start, public health and adult education.

ECFE is flexible

Classes and services are tailored to meet specific family needs. And while no one program is exactly the same, there are tried and true curriculum approaches:

  • Individual attention time with parents/caregivers and their children to help strengthen bonds
  • Playful learning time to help children with their next phase while minimizing separation anxiety
  • Supportive discussion time for parents and caregivers to talk about their parenting dreams, desires and concerns