Parenting Press- Fall 2023

Parenting

Fall into Fun with ECFE!

Classes open to everyone in the

Risky play....why kids need it

Why do kids go up the slide?

Kids go up the slide to seek risk and adventure in their play. Besides being fun, kids feel powerful scaling the slide while growing in confidence. Climbing the slide helps kids test their strength, find their limits, gain balance, spatial and social awareness.

Going up the slide, climbing, jumping, tumbling or balancing is referred to as risky play. Risky play is play that incorporates safe risks relative to a child’s age, size, motor skills and comfort level and is important to a child’s development. It is not about doing something dangerous, but about moving past uncertainty to try something new and exciting. When a child tries something risky, they gain the confidence to say, “I can do this!” and try more things on their own. Children who engage in risky play are more likely to take chances when there is a chance of failure. Even if they fall, they know they can get back up and try again.

Risky play has many benefits to children. They have a chance to succeed or to fail, cope with stress, increase motor skills, increase their creativity in their environment and give them the opportunity for teamwork and social interactions. It also improves large muscle skills and helps children understand how their bodies move. Children have fun in risky play it often provides social interactions and communication opportunities, as kids are more daring and willing to try new things with others.

It can sometimes be hard for parents to allow risky play to happen. The instinct of most parents is to eliminate risk in order to protect our children. But risk doesn’t have to equal danger. In fact, there are many benefits of risky play!

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 Center for Education

2777 34th St. S., Moorhead

P: 218-284-3400

E: communityeducation@moorheadschools.org

pg. 4 10:15-12:15 pm

9/12-5/24, 33 classes

*No class 10/17 & 11/21

Family Connections

EPC120D & E, pg. 4 10:30-12:15 pm

9/12-12/19, 13 classes (two sections)

*No class 10/17 & 11/21

Homeschool Connections

EPC185A, pg.10

12:45-2:45 pm

9/12-12/19, 13 classes

*No class 10/17 & 11/21

Family Connections

EPC120F & G, pg. 4

8:30-10:15 am

9/13-12/20, 13 classes

(two sections)

*No class 10/18 & 11/22

Family Connections - Fun Outdoors

EPC109A, pg. 7

10 am - 12 pm

9/13-12/20, 13 class

*No class 10/18 & 11/22

Family Connections

EPC119H & J, pg. 4

10:30 am - 12:15 pm

9/13-12/20, 13 classes (two sections)

*No class 10/18 & 11/22

Family Connections - Fun Outdoors

EPC109B, pg. 7

12:15 - 2:15 pm

9/13-12/20, 13 classes

*No class 10/18 & 11/22

Family Connections

EPC120K & L, pg. 4

8:30-10:15 am

9/14-12/21, 13 classes (two sections)

*No class 10/19 & 11/23

Family Connections

EPC118C, pg. 4

8:45-10:45 am

9/14-5/24, 31 classes

*No class 10/19 & 11/23

Family Connections

EPC118D & E, pg. 4

10:30 am - 12:15 pm

9/14-5/24, 31 classes

*No class 10/19 & 11/23

Full STEAM Ahead

EPC187A, pg.10

12:15-2:15 pm

9/14-12/21, 13 classes

*No class 10/19 & 11/23

MAPS Family Connections

EPC118F 4-5:30 pm

9/14-5/24, 13 classes

*No class 10/19 & 11/23

Family Connections

EPC120M pg. 4 5:30-7 pm

9/14-12/21, 13 classes

*No class 10/19 & 11/23

Family Connections EPC120N & Q, pg. 4 8:30-10:15 am

9/15-12/21, 10 classes

(two sections)

*No class 9/29, 10/20, 11/10 & 11/24

Family Connections

EPC120R & S, pg. 4

10:30 am. - 12:15 pm

9/15-12/21, 10 classes

(two sections)

*No class 9/29, 10/20, 11/10 & 11/24

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 10/16 & 11/20

EPC120A - Nancy Fix-Shelton & Vanessa Warling

13 Mondays, 9/11-12/18, 8:30-10:15 am

Vista Room 104, $156 ($130)*

EPC120B - Nancy Fix-Shelton & Vanessa Warling

13 Mondays, 9/11-12/18,10:30 am12:15 pm

Vista Room 104, $156 ($130)*

Tuesday

*No class 10/17 & 11/21

EPC120C - Nancy Fix-Shelton & Vanessa Warling

13 Tuesdays,9/12-12/19, 8:30-10:15 am

Vista Room 104, $156 ($130)*

EPC120D - Shanna Fischer & Jen Krause

13 Tuesdays, 9/12-12/19,10:30-12:15 pm

Vista Room 102, $156 ($130)*

EPC120E - Nancy Fix-Shelton & Vanessa Warling

13 Tuesdays, 9/12-12/19,10:30-12:15 pm

Vista Room 104, $156 ($130)*

Wednesday

*No class 10/18 & 11/22

EPC120F- Shanna Fischer & Dani Wright

13 Wednesdays, 9/13-12/20, 8:30-10:15 am

Vista Room 102, $156 ($130)*

EPC120G - Nancy Fix-Shelton & Dani Wright

13 Wednesdays, 9/13-12/20, 8:30-10:15 am

Vista Room 104, $156 ($130)*

Wednesday - Continued

EPC120H - Shanna Fischer & Dani Wright

13 Wednesdays, 9/13-12/20, 10:30 am-12:15 pm

Vista Room 102, $156 ($130)*

EPC120J - Nancy Fix-Shelton & Dani Wright

13 Wednesdays, 9/13-12/20, 10:30 am- 12:15 pm, Vista Room 104, $156 ($130)*

Thursday

*No class 10/19 & 11/23

EPC120K - Shanna Fischer & Dani Wright

13 Thursdays, 9/14-12/21, 8:30-10:15 am

Vista Room 102, $156 ($130)*

EPC120L - Nancy Fix-Shelton & Jen Krause

13 Thursdays, 9/14-12/21, 8:30-10:15 am

Vista Room 104, $156 ($130)*

EPC120M - Rotating ECFE Teachers

13 Thursdays, 9/14-5/24, 5:30-7 pm

Vista Room 102, $156 ($130)*

Friday

*No class 9/29, 10/20, 11/10 & 11/24

EPC120N - Shanna Fischer & Jen Krause

10 Fridays, 9/15-12/21, 8:30-10:15 am

Vista Room 102, $120 ($100)*

EPC120Q - Nancy Fix-Shelton & Jen Krause

10 Fridays, 9/15-12/21, 8:30-10:15 am

Vista Room 104, $120 ($100)*

Friday - Continued

EPC120R - Shanna Fischer & Jen Krause

10 Fridays, 9/15-12/21, 10:30-12:15 pm

Vista Room 102, $120 ($100)*

EPC120S - Nancy Fix-Shelton & Jen Krause10 Fridays, 9/15-12/21, 10:30-12:15pm

Vista Room 104, $120 ($100)*

Year long classes

EPC118A - Rachel Stalberger & Dani Wright

33 Tuesdays, 9/12-5/24, 8-10 am

Vista Room 105, $396 ($330)

EPC118B - Rachel Stalberger & Dani Wright

33 Tuesdays, 9/12-5/24, 10:15-12:15pm

Vista Room 105, $396 ($330)

EPC118C - Rachel Stalberger & Vanessa Warling

31 Thursdays, 9/14-5/24, 8:45-10:45 a.m.

Vista Room 105, $396 ($330)

EPC118D - Shanna Fischer & Dani Wright

31 Thursdays, 9/14-5/24, 10:30am -12:15pm, Vista Room 102, $372 ($310)

EPC118E - Nancy Fix-Shelton & Jen Krause

31 Thursdays, 9/14-5/24, 10:30am -12:15pm, Vista Room 104, $372 ($310)

EPC118F - MAPS Employee Family Connections

31 Thursdays,9/14-5/24, 4-5:30pm

Vista Room 102, $372 ($310)

Meet Our Teachers

Summer 2023 Highlight

Watching my kids play ball. Spending time with friends and family, and going to the lake.

Summer 2023 Highlight

Morning Coffee on the Lake Deck, Kayak paddles to "Stinky Bay"and shooting the creek with the grandkids. Summer friends and family time. Sunsets on the pontoon.

Summer 2023 Highlight

Having both college kids home for the summer.

Summer 2023 Highlight

We love to swim! Being in the pool or poolside reading a book is a treasured daily activity for us

Summer 2023 Highlight

Making memories with my family. Thousands of miles were driven to uber my kids around, camping trips, time with family and friends.

Summer 2023 Highlight

My family loves water sports at the lake. Our family rule is that everyone in the boat has to ski or wakeboard before they can go tubing.

Summer 2023 Highlight

Spending time with my daughters watching them find more independence and try new things

Katy Peltier Early Childhood Teacher

Jen Krause Parent Educator

Nancy Fix-Shelton Early Childhood Teacher

Shanna Fischer Early Childhood Teacher

Rachel Stalberger Early Childhood Teacher

Vanessa Warling Parent Educator

Dani Wright Parent Educator

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

"Jabari Jumps"

by Gaia Cornwell (Author and Illustrator)

Working up the courage to take a big, important leap is hard, but Jabari is almost absolutely ready to make a giant splash. Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He’s finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he’s a great jumper, so he’s not scared at all.

Family Connections Classes Cont.

(birth - kindergarten entry)

Family Connections - Fun Outdoors

Bring us your moms, your dads, your grandparents, your infants, toddlers and preschoolers! We will enjoy our time together exploring the outdoors and having fun. 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.

EPC109A - Rachel Stalberger & Jen Krause

13 Wednesdays, 9/13-12/21, 10 am-12 pm

Vista Room 105, $182 ($156)**No class 10/18 & 11/22

EPC109B - Rachel Stalberger & Jen Krause

13 Wednesdays, 9/13-12/21, 12:15-2:15 pm

Vista Room 105, $182 ($156)* *No class 10/18 & 11/2

"Play Outside!"

by Laurent Moreau (Author and Illustrator)

Enough!

Why don’t you play outside?

An exasperated mother sends her boisterous children outside―but their games take them further than she could have imagined!

"Samantha on a Roll"

by Linda Ashman (Author) and Christine Davenier(Illustrator)

Samantha can't wait to try out her new roller skates, but Mama's too busy too help her. What's a girl to do? Well, this girl isn't waiting. While Mama tends to other things, Sammy straps on the skates.

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.

EPC70A - Shanna Fischer & Dani Wright

13 Mondays, 9/11-12/18, 9-10:30 am

Vista Room 102, $96 ($90)**No class 10/16 & 11/20

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. Parent's 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.

SATURDAY CLASS FAMILY FUN!!

Saturday classes are a g reat way to check out an ECFE class while having fun with your little ones! Join Teacher Katy for fun activities while exploring our environment. Each Saturday class is a separate registration and will have a different theme. Register early to ensure a spot for you and your little one!

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.

EPC176A - Shanna Fischer & Dani Wright

13 Mondays, 9/11-12/18 , 11 am-12 pm

Vista Room 102, $117($104)*

*No class 10/16 & 11/20

Register Online

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

EPC188A - Katy Peltier

9/30, 8:30-10:15 am

Vista Room 102, $24 ($19)*

EPC188B - Katy Peltier

9/30, 10:30 am-12:15 pm

Vista Room 102, $24 ($19)*

EPC189A - Katy Peltier

10/14, 8:30-10:15 am

Vista Room 102, $24 ($19)*

EPC189B - Katy Peltier

10/14, 10:30 am-12:15 pm

Vista Room 102, $24 ($19)*

ART MATERIALS EXPLORATION

EPC190A - Katy Peltier

11/11 8:30-10:15 am

Vista Room 102, $24 ($19)*

EPC190B - Katy Peltier

11/11, 10:30 am-12:15 pm

Vista Room 102, $24 ($19)*

EPC191A - Katy Peltier

12/2, 8:30-10:15 am

Vista Room 102, $24 ($19)*

EPC191B - Katy Peltier

12/2, 10:30 am-12:15 pm

Vista Room 102, $24 ($19)*

Financial Assistance/Scholarships available to qualifying families. NO Registration fee! Enroll now to reserve your child's spot.

Join us for some afternoon fun as we enter the world of STEAM and learn through play. This class will give students hands on experience in science, technology, art and mathematics.

EP187A - Rachel Stahlberger & Dani Wright

13 Thursdays, 9/13-12/20, 12:15-2:15 pm

Vista Room 105, $182 ($156)*No class 10/18 & 11/23

NEW Classes!

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

13 Tuesdays, 9/12-12/19, 12:45-2:45 pm

Vista Room 104, $156 ($130)

*No class 10/17 & 11/21

Morning Make & Take

Each week we will feature a simple home made toy, circle time prop or handy visual that you could use at home. You get to try them out with your child during Parent-Child time. During Parent time you will get to make your own to take home while you discuss parenting topics.

EP184A - Shanna Fischer & Jen Krause

13 Tuesdays, 9/12-12/19, 8:30-10:15 am

Vista Room 102, $156 ($130)

*No class 10/17 & 11/21

Full STEAM Ahead!

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.