Parenting Press- Spring/Summer 2024

Parenting

EARLY CHILDHOOD FAMILY EDUCATION

Classes open to everyone in the

2024 marks the 50th anniversary of ECFE in Minnesota

The mission of ECFE is to strengthen families through the education and support of all parents to provide the best possible environment for the healthy growth and development of their children.

Established in 1974, it is the largest and oldest program of its kind in the country and has been cited as a national model for parent education and family support.

ECFE provides a place for parents to learn about and practice important parenting and family life skills and build trusting relationships with other parents from their community.

Research confirms that children whose parents are involved in their education and learning are more successful in school.

We are excited to celebrate 50 years of partnering with families in our community and look forward to growing the program through the next generation.

Joelle Hofer Early Learning Director

Register For Class

Classes fill quickly. Make sure to register and secure your spot. Register online at www.moorheadschools.org/CE or call (218) 284-3400 to sign up for a class.

Age Requirements

Your child must be the required age for the class by the first day of the class. State funding requires that only children ages birth through kindergarten entry may participate in our program.

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.

Cancellations

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.

Vista

Family Connections

EPC119A, pg. 4

8:30-10:15 am

3/18-5/13, 8 classes

*No class 4/1

Toddler Time

EPC71A, pg. 7 8:30-10:00 am

3/18-5/13, 8 classes

*No class 4/1

Toddler Time

EPC71B, pg. 7 10:15-11:45 am

3/18-5/13, 8 classes

*No class 4/1

Family Connections

EPC119B, pg. 4

10:30 am-12:15 pm

3/18-5/13, 8 classes

*No class 4/1

Baby Beginnings

EPC176A, pg. 8 12-1 pm

3/18-5/13, 8 classes

*No class 4/1

Family Connections

EPC119C & D, pg. 4

8:30-10:15 am

3/19-5/14, 9 classes (two sections)

Family Connections

EPC119E & F, pg. 4 10:30-12:15 pm 3/19-5/14, 9 classes (two sections)

Homeschool Connections

EPC185B, pg. 9 12:45-2:45 pm 3/19-5/14, 9 classes

Spring Classes Calendar View

Family Connections

EPC119G & H, pg. 4

8:30-10:15 am

3/20-5/15, 8 classes (two sections)

*No class 4/10

Adventures in Nature

EPC184A, pg. 9

10:15 am-12:15 pm

3/20-5/15, 8 classes

*No class 4/10

Family Connections

EPC119J & K, pg. 4

10:30 am-12:15 pm

3/20-5/15, 8 classes (two sections)

*No class 4/10

Family Connections

EPC119L & M, pg. 4

8:30-10:15 am

3/21-5/16, 8 classes (two sections)

*No class 4/11

Family Connections

EPC118C, pg. 4

8:45-10:45 am

9/14-5/24, 31 classes

*No class 4/11

Family Connections

EPC118E, pg. 4

10:30 am-12:15 pm

9/14-5/24, 31 classes (two sections)

*No class 4/11

Sensory Xplosion

EPC187A, pg. 9

12:15-2:15 pm

3/21-5/16, 8 classes

*No class 4/11

MAPS Family Connections

EPC118F 4-5:30 pm

9/14-5/24, 31 classes

*No class 4/11

Family Connections

EPC119N pg. 4 6-7:30 pm

3/21-5/16, 8 classes

*No class 4/11

Family Connections

EPC119P & Q, pg. 4

8:30-10:15 am

3/22-5/17, 6 classes (two sections)

*No Class 3/29,4/12 & 4/26

Family Connections

EPC119R & S, pg. 4

10:30 am-12:15 pm

3/22-5/17, 6 classes (two sections)

*No Class 3/29,4/12 & 4/26

Farm 3/9

EPC196A & B, pg. 8

8:30-10:15 am

10:30-12:15 pm (two sections)

Zoo 3/23

EPC197A & B, pg. 8

8:30-10:15 am 10:30-12:15 pm (two sections)

Birds 4/6

EPC198A & B, pg. 8

8:30-10:15 am 10:30-12:15 pm (two sections)

Dinosaurs 4/13

EPC199A & B, pg. 8 8:30-10:15 am 10:30-12:15 pm (two sections)

Camping 5/4

EPC200A & B, pg. 8 8:30-10:15 am 10:30-12:15 pm (two sections)

Planting 5/11

EPC20A & B, pg. 8 8:30-10:15 am 10:30-12:15 pm (two sections)

Family Connections Classes

(birth - kindergarten entry)

Class Structure: Parents and children spend the first hour together working on activities the teacher and room provides. Then we transition into circle time, which may consist of music, finger plays, movement activities, books, flannel board stories, puppets and other child-centered activities. The second hour parents discuss topics of interest with each other and a parent educator. Children enjoy play time, remaining with a licensed early childhood educator. You know your child best. If your child is not ready to separate, you can stay with your child the entire class.

Monday *No class 4/1

EPC119A - Nancy Fix-Shelton & Vanessa Warling

8 Mondays, 3/17-5/18, 8:30-10:15 am Vista Room 104, $96 ($80)*

EPC119B - Nancy Fix-Shelton & Vanessa Warling

8 Mondays,3/17-5/18,10:30 am-12:15 pm Vista Room 104, $96 ($80)*

Tuesday

EPC119C - Nancy Fix-Shelton & Vanessa Warling

9 Tuesdays,3/18-5/19,8:30-10:15 am

Vista Room 104, $108 ($90)*

EPC119D - Shanna Fischer & Jen Krause

9 Tuesdays,3/18-5/19, 8:30-10:15 am Vista Room 102, $108 ($90)*

EPC119E - Shanna Fischer & Jen Krause

9 Tuesdays,3/18-5/19,10:30-12:15 pm

Vista Room 102, $108 ($90)*

EPC119F - Nancy Fix-Shelton & Vanessa Warling

9 Tuesdays,3/18-5/19,10:30-12:15pm

Vista Room 104, $108 ($90)*

Wednesday

EPC119G - Shanna Fischer & Dani Wright

8 Wednesdays, 3/19-5/20, 8:30-10:15 am

Vista Room 102, $96 ($80)*

Wednesday - Continued

EPC119H - Nancy Fix-Shelton & Dani Wright

8 Wednesdays, 3/19-5/20, 8:30-10:15 am

Vista Room 104, $96 ($80)*

EPC119J - Shanna Fischer & Dani Wright

8 Wednesdays, 3/19-5/20, 10:30-12:15 pm

Vista Room 102, $96 ($80)*

EPC119K - Nancy Fix-Shelton & Dani Wright

8 Wednesdays, 3/19-5/20, 10:30-12:15 pm

Vista Room 104, $96 ($80)*

Thursday

EPC119L - Shanna Fischer & Dani Wright

8 Thursdays, 3/20-5/21,8:30-10:15 am

Vista Room 102, $96 ($80)*

EPC119M - Nancy Fix-Shelton & Jen Krause

8 Thursdays, 3/20-5/21,8:30-10:15 am

Vista Room 104, $96 ($80)*

EPC119N - EVENING OPTION

8 Thursdays, 3/20-5/21,6:00-7:30 pm

Vista Room 102, $96 ($80)*

Friday

EPC119P - Shanna Fischer & Jen Krause

6 Fridays, 3/22-5/22, 8:30-10:15 am

Vista Room 102, $72 ($60)*

Friday - Continued

EPC119Q - Nancy Fix-Shelton & Jen Krause

6 Fridays, 3/22-5/22, 8:30-10:15 am

Vista Room 104, $72 ($60)*

EPC119R - Shanna Fischer & Jen Krause

6 Fridays, 3/22-5/22,10:30-12:15 pm

Vista Room 104, $72 ($60)*

EPC119S - Nancy Fix-Shelton & Jen Krause

6 Fridays, 3/22-5/22, 10:30-12:15 pm

Vista Room 104, $72 ($60)*

Year long classes

*Year long classes will be prorated for Spring Registration.

EPC118C - Rachel Stalberger & Vanessa Warling

8 Thursdays, 3/21-5/17, 8:45-10:45 am

Vista Room 105, $112 ($96)

EPC118E - Nancy Fix-Shelton & Jen Krause

8 Thursdays, 3/21-5/17, 10:30-12:15 pm, Vista Room 104, $112 ($96)

EPC118F - MAPS Employee Family Connections

8 Thursdays,3/21-5/17, 4:00-5:30pm

Vista Room 102, $112 ($96)

I grew up in St. Cloud, MN. Our family included my parents, two younger brothers, and the occasional classroom pet over school breaks. We spent summers with all the neighborhood kids playing from house to house because everyone knew everyone.

I grew up in Bismarck, ND with a brother two years younger and a sister nine years younger. Memories from that time were playing Kick-theCan, Tag, "Come On In Where It Is Freezing" and being outside until it was supper time or the street lights came on.

I grew up in Wadena, MN. I have five sisters! I loved playing tennis growing up as well as dancing.

I grew up in Luverne, a little rural town in Southwestern, MN. We love to go back to visit and hike at the Blue Mound State Park and use my parent’s e-bikes for long bike rides. It’s a sweet little town with a great sense of community.

I grew up in Eden Prairie, MN. I am the oldest in my family. I have one sister and one brother. We had a springer spaniel growing up. We spent our weekends in the summer in Alexandria, MN on a Lake Resort.

I grew up in a Military family. We moved around until I was in 5th grade. After that I grew up in Dilworth, MN and have two brothers. I'm the oldest.

Childhood Teacher

I was born in Bemidji, MN where I spent the first 8 years of my life. We moved to the Iron Range to a small town called Mt. Iron MN. Summers were spent in Canada at our family resort. My large blended family keeps us on our toes!

I spent my childhood in West Fargo with two older step siblings and my dad and step-mom. In my teens, I moved to Audubon, MN and lived on a dairy farm with my mom and step-dad. Not only did I experience different home lifestyles, but the schools were drastically different in size and atmosphere.

Jen Krause Parent Educator

Nancy Fix-Shelton Early Childhood Teacher

Shanna Fischer Early Childhood Teacher

Vanessa Warling Parent Educator

Katy Jund ECFE Paraprofessional

Katy Peltier Early Childhood Teacher

Dani Wright Parent Educator

Rachel Stalberger Early

EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES

Moorhead Area Public Schools provides special education services at no cost to district children ages birth to age of school entry. Licensed teachers, speech pathologists, occupational therapists and physical therapists respond to referrals to Early Intervention Services (EIS) with support to answer questions parents have about their child's development. EIS provides developmental assessments as needed and offers services upon meeting Minnesota special education entrance qualifications.

Professionals strive to provide services in settings with other children of similar ages and work collaboratively with Moorhead JumpStart Preschool program.

If you are concerned about your child's development, please contact EIS at 218-284-3800 or place a referral at www.helpmegrowmn.org.

EARLY CHILDHOOD SCREENING

In Minnesota, all children are required to complete an Early Childhood Screening to find out how they are growing and developing before they enter kindergarten. Children should be registered for their free screening between their third and fourth birthdays.

At the screening, early childhood specialists observe the child's vision, hearing, speech and development. Early screening will help identify any conditions that might impact a child's learning and assist parents in taking steps to help their child.

During the screening, a parent will stay with their child while his or her hearing, vision, height, weight, speech and development are assessed. Early childhood specialists will review the child's immunization record and Ages and Stages Social/Emotional Indicator and visit with parents about their observations.

S chedule your child's appointment at: isd152.org/screening

BOOKS WE

Sometimes kids have big emotions and books are a wonderful way to teach about the emotions and appropriate ways to handle emotions. Here are some books that you may enjoy to teach your child about dealing with anger.

"Sometimes I'm Bombaloo"

by Rachel Vail (Author) and Yumi Heo (Illustrator)

Katie Honors is a really good kid -- most of the time. But sometimes... well, sometimes, say when her little brother knocks down her beautiful castle after she told him not to touch it and she knows she'll never be able to make it look that good again... sometimes Katie gets so mad she's BOMBALOO, she's just not herself.

"When Sophie Gets Angry-Really, Really Angry...."

by Molly Bang (Author and

Illustrator)

A young girl is upset and doesnt know how to manage her anger but takes the time to cool off and regain her composure.

Family Connections Classes Cont.

(birth - kindergarten entry)

Toddler Time

Join our class to have fun with other toddlers exploring and learning while connecting with other parents experiencing the toddler stage along with you. You know your child best. For separating classes, if your child is not ready to separate, you are welcome to stay with your child the entire class time.

EPC71A- Shanna Fischer & Dani Wright

8 Mondays, 3/18-5/13, 8:30-10 am

Vista Room 102, $96 ($80)**No class 4/1

EPC71B- Shanna Fischer & Dani Wright

8 Mondays, 3/18-5/13,10:15-11:45 am

Vista Room 102, $96 ($80)**No class 4/1

"Ravi's Roar"

by Tom Percival (Author and

Illustrator)

Ravi never minded being the smallest in his family. Until one day, his short arms can’t reach the monkey bars, he can’t find anyone during hide-andseek, AND he’s too little to ride the big slide. Ravi is so mad -- so furious -- that he can’t control his temper anymore . . . and he turns into a ferocious, roaring TIGER!

Additional Classes

Parent-Child -- Non-Separating Classes.These classes are designed to help parents and children get familiar with our building and our teachers without leaving each other's side. It also enables families to spend more time together in play activities. Parents who work away from home love this option. You will have the opportunity to learn finger plays and songs, create art and activities and anything else our creative teachers plan for you.

Baby Beginnings

Little ones will have the comfort of exploring and playing in a new environment. Caregivers have an opportunity to relax and connect with other adults that are experiencing the same stages and growth in their little ones.

EPC176B

Shanna Fischer & Dani Wright

8 Mondays, 3/18-5/13,12-1 pm

Vista Room 102, $72 ($64)*

*No class April 1

Register Online

See a class you want to take? Visit www.moorheadschools.org/CE to register.

SATURDAY CLASS FAMILY FUN!

Farm

March 9th

EPC196A & B

Vista Rm 102, $24 ($19) 8:30-10:15 am 10:30-12:15 pm (two sections)

Zoo

March 23rd

EPC197A & B

Vista Rm 102, $24 ($19) 8:30-10:15 am 10:30-12:15 pm (two sections)

Birds

April 6th

EPC198A & B

Vista Rm 102, $24 ($19) 8:30-10:15 am 10:30-12:15 pm (two sections)

Dinosaurs

April 13th

EPC199A & B

Vista Rm 102, $24 ($19) 8:30-10:15 am 10:30-12:15 pm (two sections)

Camping

May 4th

EPC200A & B

Vista Rm 102, $24 ($19) 8:30-10:15 am 10:30-12:15 pm (two sections)

Planting

May 11th

EPC20A & B

Vista Rm 102, $24 ($19) 8:30-10:15 am 10:30-12:15 pm (two sections)

moorheadschools.org/CE

Spring Classes!

Sensory Xplosion!

Do your kids love to get messy and explore hands on but doing it at home overwhelms you? If so come and join us as we get down and dirty with sensory play.

EP192A - Rachel Stalberger & Dani Wright

8 Thursdays, 3/21-5/16

12:15-2:15 pm

Vista Room 105, $126 ($108)

*No class 4/11

Adventures in Nature

A little dirt never hurt! Come and join us in our outdoor classroom as we explore the great outdoors. This class is weather permitting and you always have the option to stay in the gym if you choose.

EPC184A - Rachel Stalberger & Jen Krause

8 Wednesdays, 3/20-5/15

10:15 am-12:15 pm

Vista Room 105, $112 ($96)

*No class 4/10

Homeschool Connections

This class is for families with children birth through age 8, who are home schooling their child or children. Join us for a class that will provide you and your child opportunities to play and explore. There will be activities for your child to explore and a time for you to connect with other parents who are home schooling their children.

EPC185A Nancy Fix-Shelton, Shanna Fischer & Dani Wright

9 Tuesdays, 3/19-5/14

12:45-2:45 pm

Vista Room 104, $126 ($108)

Financial Assistance/Scholarships available to qualifying families.

Summer Classes

Calendar ViewTuesday

Tuesday

Family Connections

EPC119T

Shanna Fischer & Vanessa Warling

10am-12pm $56 ($48)

June 4,11,18 & 25

Family Connections

EPC119U

Shanna Fischer & Jen Krause

12:30-2:30pm $56 ($48)

June 4,11,18 & 25

Family Connections

EPC119X

Shanna Fischer & Vanessa Warling

10am-12pm $70 ($60)

July 9,16,23,30 & Aug 6

Family Connections

EPC119Y

Shanna Fischer & Jen Krause

12:30-2:30pm $70 ($60)

Wednesday Thursday

Family Connections

EPC119Z

Shanna Fischer & Vanessa Warling

10am-12pm $70 ($60)

July 10,17,24,31 & Aug 7

Family Connections

EPC119AA

Shanna Fischer & Jen Krause

12:30-2:30pm $70 ($60)

July 10,17,24,31 & Aug 7

Family Connections

EPC119V

Shanna Fischer & Vanessa Warling

10am-12pm $56 ($48)

June 6,13,20 & 27

Family Connections

EPC119W

Shanna Fischer & Jen Krause

12:30-2:30pm $56 ($48)

June 6,13,20 & 27

Family Connections

EPC119BB

Shanna Fischer & Vanessa Warling

10am-12pm $70 ($60)

July 11,18,25 & Aug 1,8

Family Connections

EPC119CC

Shanna Fischer & Jen Krause

12:30-2:30pm $70 ($60)

July 11,18,25 & Aug 1,8

3 Day Summer Camps

JUNE

Monkey, Monkey, Monkey

EPC80A, 9-11am, 6/4-6/6 , 3 classes in a row, $42($36)*

Weird, Wild, Wacky Art

EPC81A, 9-11am, 6/11-6/13 , 3 classes in a row, $42($36)*

Backyard bash

EPC82A, 9-11am, 6/18 & 6/20 , 2 classes, $28($24)*

Red, White and Blue - BOOM!

EPC83A, 9-11am, 6/25-6/27 , 3 classes in a row, $42($36)*

Chicka Chick Boom Boom

EPC84A, 9-11am, 7/9-7/11 , 3 classes in a row, $42($36)*

Move and Groove

EPC85A, 9-11am, 7/16-7/18 , 3 classes in a row, $42($36)*

Music, Music, Music

EPC86A, 9-11am, 7/23-7/25 , 3 classes in a row, $42($36)* Bugs!

EPC87A, 9-11am, 7/30-8/1 , 3 classes in a row, $42($36)*

JULY AUGUST

Water, Water Everywhere!

EPC88A, 9-11am, 8/6-8/8 , 3 classes in a row, $42($36)*

Fishy, Fishy

EPC89A, 9-11am, 8/13-8/15 , 3 classes in a row, $42($36)*

3 DAY SUMMER CAMP FUN!

Monkey, Monkey, Monkey

EPC80A

Nancy Fix-Shelton & Jen Krause

9-11am, $42($36)*

June 4-6

Weird, Wild, Wacky Art

EPC81A

Nancy Fix-Shelton & Jen Krause

9-11am, $42($36)*

June 11-13

Backyard Bash

EPC82A

Nancy Fix-Shelton & Jen Krause

9-11am, $28($24)*

June 18 & 20 (2 Day Camp)*

Red, White and BlueBOOM!

EPC83A

Nancy Fix-Shelton & Jen Krause

9-11am, $42($36)*

June 25-27

Chick Chick Boom Boom

EPC84A

Nancy Fix-Shelton & Jen Krause

9-11am, $42($36)*

July 7-9

Move and Groove

EPC85A

Nancy Fix-Shelton & Jen Krause

9-11am,$42($36)*

July 16-18

Music, Music, Music

EPC86A

Nancy Fix-Shelton & Jen Krause

9-11am, $42($36)*

July 23-25

Bugs!

EPC87A

Nancy Fix-Shelton & Jen Krause

9-11am, $42($36)*

July 30-August 1

Water, Water Everywhere!

EPC88A

Nancy Fix-Shelton & Jen Krause

9-11am, $42($36)*

August 6-8

Fishy, Fishy

EPC89A

Nancy Fix-Shelton & Jen Krause

9-11am, $42($36)*

August 13-15

Independent School District 152

Early Childhood Family Education

Community Education

2777 34th St. S. Moorhead, MN 56560

Parenting Press

Published three times a year by Early Childhood Family Education, a Community Education program of Moorhead Area Public Schools

Joelle Hofer Early Learning Director

Brenda Richman Executive Director of Community Engagement & Public Relations

Brandon Lunak Superintendent

Early Childhood Family Education’s mission is to strengthen families and support parents in providing the best possible environment for the healthy growth and development of their children.