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Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)

Intro

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) offers caregivers of young children a space to connect with other families and participate in activities that support both parenting and children's learning and development.

Services/Topics
Have questions?

Have questions?

Eligibility

Eligibility

All Minnesota caregivers of children from birth to kindergarten enrollment. ECFE offers sliding scale fees. No family is turned away due to inability to pay.

Benefits

Benefits

Get support in providing the best possible environments for your child's learning and development.

Resources
Featured Image
Parents and their children play on the floor
More Information

Where families learn, play and grow together

By taking part in ECFE, you can learn how to support your child as they grow:

  • Infant programming often teaches about how babies grow, how the brain develops and how to support brain development in your infant. Learn how to keep your baby safe and some ways for you and your baby to have fun.
  • Toddler programming may be a great help to get support for the new issues that toddlerhood brings your family. Toddlers often experiment with independence while maintaining a need for security and predictability. Your toddler may need lots of physical activity and begin to talk with you.
  • Preschooler programming typically includes information about your preschooler's needs, how the brain develops and how to help your child get ready for kindergarten. As a parent of a preschooler, you have new opportunities to support your child's growth and learning.

How to apply

ECFE programs are offered through Minnesota's public school districts. Apply and enroll in ECFE programming directly with your local school district.

Find ECFE programs near you

Frequently asked questions

Celebrating 50 years of ECFE programs in Minnesota

In celebration of ECFE’s 50th anniversary, the Governor proclaimed April 11, 2024, as Early Childhood Family Education Day (PDF) in Minnesota. The Minnesota Association for Family and Early Education (MNAFEE) developed several materials that celebrate ECFE’s 50th anniversary, including Stories from Across the State and a 50th anniversary song created by The Teddy Bear Band.

What is the state's role?

The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families provides program implementation information, oversight, funding and support to local school districts. The department helps local school districts offer high-quality ECFE programming and services to parents and families within their communities.