Parenting Press- Fall/Winter 2026 by Moorhead Area Public Schools

Parenting PRESS

Classes open to everyone in

Welcome to Moorhead ECFE:

New Spaces, Same Warm Heart!

Welcome to Moorhead Area Public Schools! We are absolutely thrilled to welcome you and your family to a brand-new school year.

This year brings an extra dose of excitement as our Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) is moving to our wonderful new home at the Moorhead High School Career Academy. We cannot wait to explore new classrooms, navigate new hallways, meet new friends, and dive into wonderful new experiences together.

For many families, ECFE and Preschool are the very first steps into the school system. We know this milestone is a big deal, and we don't take it lightly. These early experiences lay the vital foundation for lifelong learning. That is why we are proud to offer programs that truly support both children and their families right from the very start.

We know you have choices when it comes to your child's early education. Here is what makes our program a special place to grow:

Quality Educators: Our dedicated, passionate teachers are experts in early childhood development and are committed to creating a safe, nurturing environment.

Individualized Learning: We recognize that every child learns at their own pace. Our curriculum adapts to meet your child exactly where they are.

A Warm, Welcoming Environment: From the moment you walk through our doors, you are family. We celebrate the unique personality and potential of every single child.

Flexible Class Options: Today’s families are busier than ever. We offer thoughtfully designed, flexible schedules to make it easier than ever to find a program that fits your life.

At the heart of everything we do is a simple belief: you are your child’s first and most important teacher. We don't just teach your children; we partner with you. We are excited to walk alongside your family during these magical early years, and we look forward to building a strong, lasting connection with you.

Moorhead ECFE would like to officially welcome you to our program. We cannot wait to meet you and your child, explore our new space together, and start a fantastic journey of learning and discovery!

Joelle Hofer Director of Early Learning

Our Mission

Moorhead Early Childhood Family Education is designed to strengthen families through the education and support of all parents/caregivers to provide the best possible environment for the healthy growth and development of their children.

Register For Class

If you have questions, please call 218-284-3400

We will continue to take registrations if there are available openings in the class, and the cost will be prorated.

Class Fees

Class fees are indicated with each description and are payable upon registration. All families are welcome. Families that live in the Moorhead School District receive a discounted rate, indicated by ($)*. Fee is per family except where noted. If you need financial assistance and live in the Moorhead Area Public School District, please call (218)284-3400 for scholarship information.

Weather-Related Cancellations

Check online at www.moorheadschools.org or listen to the radio or television to receive the latest update on any storm-related cancellations or late starting time for classes.

Cancellation Policy

Unless otherwise specified, if you have to cancel, we can give a full refund only if you notify the Community Education Office at least 48 hours prior to the first class meeting. Refunds after a class has begun will be given only in extreme circumstances. In the unlikely event your class is canceled, we will give a full refund.

Fall/Winter Classes Calendar View

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

Family Connections

EPC120A, pg. 4

8:30 - 10:30 a.m.

9/14 - 12/14, 12 classes

Family Connections

EPC120B, pg. 4

8:30 - 10:30 a.m.

9/14 - 12/14, 12 classes

Family Connections

EPC120C, pg. 4

9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

9/14 - 12/14, 12 classes

Family Connections

EPC120D, pg. 4

10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

9/14 - 12/14, 12 classes

Family Connections

EPC120E, pg. 4

10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

9/14 - 12/14, 12 classes

Lunch Bunch & Play

EPC130A, pg. 6

11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

9/14 - 12/14, 12 classes

Supported Steps

Early Intervention

EPC131A, pg. 5

1:00 - 2:30 p.m.

9/14 - 12/14, 12 classes

Family Connections

EPC120F, pg. 4

8:30 - 10:30 a.m.

9/15 - 12/15, 12 classes

Family Connections

EPC120G, pg. 4

8:30 - 10:30 a.m.

9/15 - 12/15, 12 classes

Family Connections

EPC120H, pg. 4

9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

9/15 - 12/15, 12 classes

Family Connections

EPC120J pg. 4

10:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.

9/15 - 12/15, 12 classes

Family Connections

EPC120K, pg. 4

10:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.

9/15 - 12/15, 12 classes

Family Connections

EPC120M, pg. 4

11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.

9/15 - 12/15, 12 classes

STEAM

Family Connections

EPC134A, pg. 9

12:30 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. 9/15 - 12/15, 12 classes

Toddler Time 2.0

EPC135A, pg. 4

8:00 - 10:00 a.m.

9/16 - 12/16, 12 classes

Family Connections

EPC120Q, pg. 4

8:30 - 10:30 a.m.

9/17 - 12/17, 12 classes

Family Connections

EPC120R, pg. 4

8:30 - 10:30 a.m.

9/17 - 12/17, 12 classes

Family Connections

EPC120N, pg. 4

9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

9/16 - 12/16, 12 classes

Together we Play, Then we Grow

EPC136A, pg. 7

10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

9/16 - 12/1 6, 12 classes

Family Connections

EPC120P, pg. 4

11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.

9/16 - 12/16, 12 classes

Family Connections

EPC120S, pg. 4

9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

9/17 - 12/17, 12 classes

Family Connections

EPC120T, pg. 4

10:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.

9/17 - 12/17, 12 classes

Family Connections

EPC120U, pg. 4

10:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.

9/17 - 12/17, 12 classes

Family Connections

EPC120W, pg. 4

8:30 - 10:30 a.m.

9/11 - 12/18, 12 classes

Family Connections

EPC120X, pg. 4

9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

9/11 - 12/18, 12 classes

Family Connections

EPC120Y, pg. 4

9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

9/11 - 12/18, 12 classes

Family Connections

EPC120Z, pg. 4

10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

9/11 - 12/18, 12 classes

BIPOC Family Connections

Multiple Options, pg. 6

9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Multiple Dates, 1 class

Family Game Night

Multiple Options, pg. 9

4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

Multiple Dates, 1 class

Parenting Tweens & Teens (Parents only)

EPC133A, pg. 6

6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

9/14 - 12/14, 12 classes

Homeschool Connections

EPC137A, pg. 6

12:30 - 2:30 p.m.

9/16 - 12/16, 12 classes

Big Art, Little Hands

EPC138A, pg. 9

3:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

9/16 - 12/16, 12 classes

Family Connections

EPC120V, pg. 4

12:30 - 2:30 p.m.

9/17 - 12/17, 12 classes

Navigating Challenging Behaviors

EPC140A, pg. 6

6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

9/17 - 12/17, 12 classes

Family Connections Classes

(Birth - Kindergarten)

Connect, play, and grow together! Family Connections is designed for parents and their little ones to build strong bonds while fostering early childhood development. Create lasting memories through interactive play, circle time, music, and more.

Hour 1 (Together): Dive into fun, hands-on activities, songs, and group learning alongside your child. Hour 2 (Separate or Stay): Parents have the optional opportunity to meet with a licensed Parent Educator to discuss topics of interest and share experiences. Meanwhile, children will enjoy a snack and guided socialization with a licensed Early Childhood Educator. You know your child best. If your little one isn't ready to separate, you are always welcome to stay together for the entire class.

Monday

12 classes, 9/14 - 12/14 No Monday classes 10/12, 11/9

EPC120A - 8:30-10:30 a.m.

MHSCA-ECFE Room 308, $180 ($144)*

EPC120B - 8:30-10:30 a.m.

MHSCA-ECFE Room 306, $180 ($144)*

EPC120C - 9:00-11:00 a.m.

MHSCA-ECFE Room 307, $180 ($144)*

EPC120D - 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

MHSCA-ECFE Room 306, $180 ($144)*

EPC120E - 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

MHSCA-ECFE Room 308, $180 ($144)*

Tuesday

12 classes, 9/15 - 12/15

No Tuesday classes 10/13, 11/24

EPC120F - 8:30-10:30 a.m.

MHSCA-ECFE Room 308, $180 ($144)*

EPC120G - 8:30-10:30 a.m.

MHSCA-ECFE Room 307, $180 ($144)*

EPC120H - 9:00-11:00 a.m.

MHSCA-ECFE Room 306, $180 ($144)*

EPC120J - 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

MHSCA-ECFE Room 307, $180 ($144)*

EPC120K - 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

MHSCA-ECFE Room 308, $180 ($144)*

EPC120M - 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

MHSCA-ECFE Room 306, $180 ($144)*

Wednesday

12 classes, 9/16-12/16

No Wednesday classes 10/14, 11/25

EPC120N - 9:00-11:00 a.m.

MHSCA-ECFE Room 308, $180 ($144)*

EPC120P - 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

MHSCA-ECFE Room 308, $180 ($144)*

Thursday

12 classes, 9/17 - 12/17

No Thursday classes 10/15, 11/26

EPC120Q- 8:30-10:30 a.m.

MHSCA-ECFE Room 308, $180 ($144)*

EPC120R - 8:30-10:30 a.m.

MHSCA-ECFE Room 306, $180 ($144)*

EPC120S - 9:00-11:00 a.m.

MHSCA-ECFE Room 307, $180 ($144)*

EPC120T - 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

MHSCA-ECFE Room 308, $180 ($144)*

EPC120U - 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

MHSCA-ECFE Room 306, $180 ($144)*

EPC120V - 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

MHSCA-ECFE Room 306, $180 ($144)*

Friday

12 classes, 9/11 - 12/18 No Friday classes 9/25, 10/16, 11/27

EPC120W - 8:30-10:30 a.m.

MHSCA-ECFE Room 308, $180 ($144)*

EPC120X - 9:00-11:00 a.m.

MHSCA-ECFE Room 306, $180 ($144)*

EPC120Y - 9:00 -11:00 a.m.

MHSCA-ECFE Room 307, $180 ($144)*

EPC120Z - 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

MHSCA-ECFE Room 308, $180 ($144)*

Toddler Time 2.0

(12 months - 3+ years)

The perfect place for you and your little explorer to learn and play together. Designed for toddlers aged 1-3, our interactive sessions are filled with activities, music, and play that will spark curiosity and foster development. Have older siblings? Bring them with you and they will go with their own teacher for more learning fun.

Come join us for a fun-filled adventure where every moment is a cherished memory in the making.

Wednesday's

12 classes, 9/16-12/16

No Wednesday classes 10/14, 11/25

EPC135A- 8:00-10:00 a.m.

MHSCA-ECFE Room 307, $144 ($120)*

MEET OUR STAFF

Supported Steps: Early Intervention Connections

Navigating early childhood when your child has unique developmental timelines, medical needs, or specialized learning styles can feel like a journey all its own— but you don’t have to walk it alone.

Supported Steps is a warm, inclusive space designed specifically for families navigating Early Intervention services, developmental delays, or neurodivergent paths. This class focuses on celebrating every milestone, sharing valuable resources, and building a strong, empathetic community of parents who truly "get it."

For Children: Enjoy gentle play activities tailored to meet all abilities right where they are. Siblings are warmly welcomed to attend and play, too! For Parents: Connect with fellow caregivers, share the joys and challenges of navigating therapeutic or medical systems, and build connections with other families.

Monday's

EPC131A - 1:00-2:30 p.m.

MHSCA-ECFE Room 307, $144 ($120)*

12 classes, 9/14-12/14

No Monday classes 10/12, 11/9

Vanessa Warling Parent Educator

Jen Krause Parent Educator

Nancy Fix-Shelton Early Childhood Teacher

Shanna Fischer Early Childhood Teacher

Rachel Stalberger Early Childhood Teacher

Randi Zimney Administrative Assistant

Jen Smith Paraprofessional

Dani Wright Parent Educator

Parenting Tweens & Teens

(Parents Only)

The journey through the tween and teen years comes with incredible growth-and plenty of unique challenges. Join us for a supportive class dedicated to helping you confidently navigate this transitional phase. In these sessions, we will demystify adolescent brain development and temperament, share tools to scaffold your teen’s independence, and practice strategies for maintaining a deep, meaningful connection with your child. We hope you walk away with practical insights and a renewed confidence in your parenting toolkit.

Monday's

EPC133A - 6:30-8:00 p.m.

MHSCA-ECFE Room 315, $120

12 classes, 9/14-12/14

No Monday classes 10/12, 11/9

Navigating Challenging Behaviors

(Parents Only)

Hit the reset button on your parenting toolkit! When usual strategies aren't working, this class offers a supportive, judgment-free space to learn a new approach. Together, we’ll explore practical communication tools to manage resistant behaviors using both love and limits. Come connect with fellow caregivers, participate in helpful group discussions, and leave with a refilled parenting cup and a renewed spirit.

Thursday's

EPC140A- 6:30-8:00 p.m.

MHSCA-ECFE Room 313, $120

12 classes, 9/17-12/17

No Thursday classes 10/15, 11/26

Homeschool Connections: Learn, Play & Grow Together

Join other homeschooling families for a welcoming ECFE experience designed to build friendships, support learning, and create community. Children and their grown-ups will enjoy hands-on activities, creative play, stories, movement, and engaging learning experiences while connecting with other homeschool families. Parents will have opportunities to share ideas, celebrate successes, discuss challenges, and discover new resources in a supportive environment.

Wednesday's

EPC137A - 12:30-2:30 p.m.

MHSCA-ECFE Room 307

$180 ($144)*

12 classes, 9/16-12/16

No Wednesday classes 10/13, 11/24

Lunch Bunch & Play

(non-separating)

Pack a lunch and join us for a relaxed afternoon of play, connection, and fun! Children and caregivers will enjoy free play, stories, sensory activities, art invitations, and music while building friendships with other families. We’ll gather to share lunch together and enjoy a welcoming space where learning happens naturally through play and conversation. Come as you are, make new friends, and enjoy a midday break together.

Monday's

EPC130A- 11:15 a.m.- 12:45 p.m.

MHSCA-ECFE Room 307

$144 (120)*

12 classes, 9/14-12/14

No Monday classes 10/12, 11/9

(Family Connections-separating)

BIPOC ECFE is intentionally designed for families who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. It moves beyond “one-size-fits-all” parenting advice to create a space where cultural heritage is celebrated and the unique systemic challenges faced by BIPOC families are addressed with nuance and empathy.

1 Session

Saturday's

EPC139A- 9/19, 9:00-11:00 a.m.

MHSCA-ECFE Room 307, $12

EPC139B- 10/24, 9:00-11:00 a.m.

MHSCA-ECFE Room 307, $12

EPC139C- 11/21, 9:00-11:00 a.m.

MHSCA-ECFE Room 307, $12

EPC139D- 12/12, 9:00-11:00 a.m.

MHSCA-ECFE Room 307, $12

Together We Play, Then We Grow!

EPC136A - 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

We begin class together with fun, engaging ECCFE activities that build connection, confidence, and commentary through play, songs, stories, and hands-on exploration. Then we “split and grow”-children separate into small groups with two early childhood teachers, grouped by age and or splitting siblings. This allows us to focus on developmentally appropriate skills, independence, and social growth while also supporting comfort and connection. During this same time, adults gather in a supportive parent group for conversation, ideas, and connection! A warm, welcoming ECFE experience where families start together, then grow in their own ways, building independence for children and community for grown-ups. 12 classes, 9/16-12/16 No Wednesday classes 10/14, 11/25

MHSCA-ECFE Room 307 $180 ($144)*

Early Childhood Screening

Early Childhood Screening is a FREE opportunity for children to participate in a health and developmental screening after their 3rd birthday. State law requires screening for all children prior to entering kindergarten. Screening may detect possible health or learning concerns that can result in help and support before kindergarten entry.

Does my child need to be screened?

It's best to be screened by age 3, but state law requires all childreen to be screened before kindergarten entry.

How do I schedule a screening?

Scan the code below or call 218-284-3800 to schedule your child's screening today!

Dates: September 18 October 23 November 20

Big Art, Little Hands (non-separating)

Roll up your sleeves and get ready to create! In this nonseparating ECFE class, children and their grownups will explore art on a grand scale through painting, collaging, and other messy, hands-on creations. We’ll use large materials, unique tools, and plenty of imagination as we create together, build confidence, and celebrate the creative process. This class focuses on exploration rather than perfection - because the best art often happens when we think big, get messy, and have fun!

Wednesday's

EPC138A - 3:00-4:30 p.m.

MHSCA-ECFE Room 307

$144 ($120)*

12 classes, 9/16-12/16

No Wednesday classes 10/14, 11/25

*$10 Supply Fee

Family Game Night

Unplug, connect, and have fun together! Join us once a month for an evening of laughter, friendly competition, and family connection. Each game night will feature a variety of age appropriate board games, cooperative games, movement games, and family challenges designed to help build social skills, problemsolving abilities, and confidenceall while having a great time with the people that they love. Play together, laugh together, and make family game night a monthly tradition!

Monday's

EPC132A- 9/21, 4:00-5:30p.m.

MHSCA-ECFE Room 307, $12

EPC132B- 10/26, 4:00-5:30p.m.

MHSCA-ECFE Room 307, $12

EPC132C- 11/23, 4:00-5:30p.m.

MHSCA-ECFE Room 307, $12 ($10)*

EPC132D- 12/14, 4:00-5:30p.m.

MHSCA-ECFE Room 307, $12 ($10)*

STEAM

Explorers:

Learn, Create & Play!

Get ready for a hands-on adventure where curiosity leads the way! In this exciting ECFE class, children and their grown-ups will explore the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) through playful experiments, creative challenges, building projects, sensory exploration, and plenty of discovery. Together, we’ll ask questions, solve problems, make predictions, and celebrate the joy of learning. Come ready to build, create, test, and explore - because in STEAM Explorers, every child is a scientist, engineer, artist, and inventor.