Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)

Building Bright Futures - One Family at a Time!

Our mission is to provide each family with a positive introduction to STMA schools by providing a nurturing environment where parents and children can learn and grow together.

Join a class full of laughter, learning and meaningful moments for you and your little one(s)! At Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE), we create joyful experiences that help families connect, explore, and grow through:

Engaging activities
Support for early development
Parent-to-parent connections

Looking for fun, learning and connection?

Click to view our Brochure:

Click to visit our Registration Website:

If you have questions regarding ECFE,
please contact Shonna Hoeper, Early Childhood Coordinator, at shonnah@mystma.org
or call 763-497-6512

What is ECFE?

ECFE's goal is to enhance the ability of parents and other family members to provide the best possible environment for their child's learning and growth.

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) recognizes that parents are their child's first and most important teachers. ECFE offers parents hands-on learning experiences that will nourish a lifetime of teachable moments.

All ECFE classes are taught by licensed early childhood teachers and parent educators to provide the quality educations parents are looking for. ECFE teachers use the Parent Education Core Curriculum Indicators of Progress: Minnesota's Early Learning Standards provided through the Minnesota Department of Education.

ECFe Information

ECFE Schedule 2025-2026

Where is ECFE Located?

ECFE is located at the STMA Community Education Center.

60 Central Ave W. Saint Michael, MN 55376

Parking:

Parking is available in the lot directly behind the Historic St. Michael Catholic Church (access via Co. Rd. 19). Enter through Door A. Alternative parking is available in the larger lower lot, where you can enter through Doors C or D.

Contact Us

Contact for more information:

Shonna Hoeper
Early Childhood Coordinator
shonnah@mystma.org
763-497-6512

More to Explore

ECFE Class Overview

Components of ECFE Classes

ECFE offers fun, educational classes for caregivers and children to attend together. Most classes meet once a week and include the following components:

Parent-Child Interaction Time:
Each ECFE class begins with a shared time for parents and children to explore and enjoy the classroom together. This time is thoughtfully planned by a licensed early childhood teacher to include a variety of developmentally appropriate activities.

Circle Time:
A short portion of the interaction time is set aside for circle time, a group experience led by early childhood staff. During circle time, you and your child will participate in songs, stories, fingerplays, movement activities, and games.

Play-based Classroom Learning:

During ECFE classes, licensed teachers and assistants guide children’s play to support learning and development in a fun, engaging environment. Play is how young children learn best—and our classrooms are designed to encourage exploration, creativity, and problem-solving through meaningful play experiences.

Parent Education Time:
While children remain in the classroom, parents gather in a separate space for guided discussion led by a licensed parent educator. Discussion topics are based on participant needs and cover five core areas from the Parent Education Core Curriculum Framework

Sibling Care:

Sibling care is available during most classes for children ages 3 months through kindergarten. Non-crawling infants may attend class with parents. Advance registration is required as space is limited.

Home & Child Care Provider Visits

Saint Michael Albertville ECFE offers several visit options for families and child care providers in an effort to share knowledge and resources. Explore the options below. We would love to help support and encourage you in your role as a parent or child care provider. We look forward to connecting with you!

To Set up a Visit: Contact the Early Childhood Coordinator at 763-497-6512, shonnah@mystma.org.

Home Visits for Families

1-1 Support for Parents ECFE & You!

ECFE & You is a personalized visiting program that comes right to you! Having trouble with bedtime routines? Need fresh ideas for potty training? Or maybe you have other questions about your child—we’re here to help! One of our experienced staff members will meet with you, and together, we’ll work through any challenges or questions you have.

Families can choose to meet in their home, at a public location, or one-on-one at school. These visits offer creative, hands-on, age-appropriate activity ideas, plus time to talk about your child’s development and any concerns you may have. We also share helpful information about parenting and community resources.

Fee: Free!

Baby & Me! (Classes/Visits)

Personalized Visits/Classes for New Parents
Have a newborn baby? Baby & Me visits are for you! Our ECFE parent educator will come to your home with information about our Baby and Me classes—which help new parents build connections—along with details about community resources and a free gift. If you prefer, personalized visits can be arranged instead of attending classes.
Fee: Free!

Home Visits for Child Care Providers

Child Care Provider Connections ECFE: Come Learn with Me

We are here to partner with you! As part of our ECFE Providers Connection home visiting program, child care providers can request a visit from one of our knowledgeable educators.

ECFE teachers are available to visit your child care home monthly (or on a schedule that works best for you). We will provide a storytime followed by fun, engaging, hands on activities for the children in your care (with your involvement).

In addition, we will provide handouts you can share with families about the activities we provided and how they support child development and learning. This is a great way to connect with our program and stay informed of all of the school and community activities that may pertain to you as a child care provider!

Fee: $10/ session

FAQ

Resources

St. Michael-Albertville ECFE Goals:

While attending the STMA ECFE Program, children will:

build relationships with peers and adults as well as develop emotional connections and expression of feelings and grow an appreciation of rules
and routines. (SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL)
establish verbal and nonverbal tools for communicating with others and participate in books, stories, and songs. (LANGUAGE/LITERACY)
use exploration to discover new information through play and become problem solvers by approaching new activities with curiosity and wonder. (COGNITIVE)
express creativity through multiple mediums and be encouraged to use imagination during pretend play and social interactions. (ARTS)
grow large and small motor control and coordination during physical activity and develop self-help skills by expanding independence. (MOTOR)

While working with parents, ECFE staff will:

Communicate the importance of parent’s role as child’s first teacher
Provide parents realistic expectations and knowledge of child development stages.
Support parent-child relationships and demonstrate positive interactions
Guide parents through transition of early childhood to kindergarten and school-age years
Provide opportunities for formal and informal social networks
Introduce families to available community resources

ECFE PARENT HANDBOOK

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