Parenting Press- Spring 2023

HOP INTO SPRING AND SUMMER

Stay connected this summer with our fun 3-day camps!

See pg. 10 for details

Classes open to everyone in the

Learning Together, About Each Other

Culture shapes our values and beliefs. Along with family structures, culture also determines languages, dress, food, etiquette, approaches to disabilities, child-rearing practices, and even our expectations for children’s behavior.

Think about your own upbringing. How did your family’s expectations affect what you did? Your childhood experiences impact the way that you parent.

Each child and adult brings unique experiences and talents into our classroom, providing us opportunities to learn from each other. Noticing and appreciating differences in others is an important part of teaching children about themselves and accepting our differences.

Diverse books are one way to expose children to different cultures and experiences. Diverse stories can reflect different views and experiences. Having diverse books in a classroom allows all children to see themselves in the stories and provides opportunities for children to learn about others, their perspectives and experiences.

Here are a few of our favorites:

• Mae Among the Stars, by Roda Ahmed and Stasia Burrington

• Daniel's Good Day, by Micha Archer

• Little You, by Richard Van Camp and Julie Flett

• I Got Next, by Daria Peoples-Riley

• Hungry Johnny, by Cheryl Kay Minnema and Wesley Ballinger

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.

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

p.m.

3/28-5/23, 9 classes

Family Connections

EPC119E & F, pg. 4 10:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

3/28-5/23, 9 classes (two sections)

Family Connections

EPC119U, pg. 9 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. 6/06-6/27, 4 classes

Family Connections

EPC119X, pg. 9 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

7/18-8/08, 4 classes

Family Connections

EPC119G & H, pg. 4

9 classes

Family Connections - Fun Outdoors

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 licensed 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 Wednesday

EPC119A - Nancy Fix-Shelton & Jill Christopherson

8 Mondays, 3/27-5/22, 8:30-10:15 a.m.

Vista Room 104, $96 ($80)*

*No class 4/10

EPC119B - Nancy Fix-Shelton & Jill Christopherson

8 Mondays, 3/27-5/22, 10:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Vista Room 104, $96 ($80)*

*No class 4/10

Tuesday

EPC118A - Rachel Stalberger & Dani Wright

9 Tuesdays, 3/28-5/23, 8-10 a.m.

Vista Room 105, $140 ($120)*

EPC119C - Shanna Fischer & Jen Krause

9 Tuesdays, 3/28-5/23, 8:30-10:15 a.m.

Vista Room 102, $108 ($90)*

EPC119D - Nancy Fix-Shelton & Jill Christopherson

9 Tuesdays, 3/28-5/23, 8:30-10:15 a.m.

Vista Room 104, $108 ($90)*

EPC118B - Rachel Stalberger & Dani Wright

9 Tuesdays, 3/28-5/23, 10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Vista Room 105, $140 ($120)*

EPC119E - Shanna Fischer & Jen Krause

9 Tuesdays, 3/28-5/23, 10:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Vista Room 102, $108 ($90)*

EPC119F - Nancy Fix-Shelton & Jill Christopherson

9 Tuesdays, 3/28-5/23, 10:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Vista Room 104, $108 ($90)*

EPC119G - Shanna Fischer & Dani Wright

9 Wednesdays, 3/29-5/24, 8:30-10:15 a.m.

Vista Room 102, $108 ($90)*

EPC119H - Nancy Fix-Shelton & Dani Wright

9 Wednesdays, 3/29-5/24, 8:30-10:15 a.m.

Vista Room 104, $108 ($90)*

EPC119K - Nancy Fix-Shelton & Dani Wright

9 Wednesdays, 3/29-5/24, 10:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Vista Room 104, $108 ($90)*

Thursday

EPC119L - Nancy Fix-Shelton & Jen Krause

9 Thursdays, 3/30-5/25, 8:30-10:15 a.m.

Vista Room 104, $108 ($90)*

EPC119M - Shanna Fischer & Jill Christopherson

9 Thursdays, 3/30-5/25, 8:30-10:15 a.m.

Vista Room 102, $108 ($90)*

EPC118C - Rachel Stalberger & Dani Wright

9 Thursdays, 3/30-5/25, 8:45-10:45 a.m.

Vista Room 105, $140 ($120)*

EPC119N - Shanna Fischer & Jill Christopherson

9 Thursdays, 3/30-5/25, 10:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Vista Room 102, $108 ($90)*

Friday

EPC119O - Nancy Fix-Shelton & Jen Krause

7 Fridays, 3/31-5/26, 8:30-10:15 a.m.

Vista Room 104, $84 ($70)*

*No class 4/07 or 4/21

EPC119Q - Shanna Fischer & Jen Krause

7 Fridays, 3/31-5/26, 8:30-10:15 a.m.

Vista Room 102, $84 ($70)*

*No class 4/07 or 4/21

EPC119R - Nancy Fix-Shelton & Jen Krause

7 Fridays, 3/31-5/26, 10:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Vista Room 104, $84 ($70)*

*No class 4/07 or 4/21

EPC119S - Shanna Fischer & Jen Krause

7 Fridays, 3/31-5/26, 10:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Vista Room 102, $84 ($70)*

*No class 4/07 or 4/21

More family connections classes on pg. 7 & 9

Meet Our Teachers

Fun Fact: Stay-cations bring me more peace than Vacations

Fun Fact: I was born on a Army base in Germany

Fun Fact: I have sailed in the Grenadines 3 times with my friends

Fun Fact: My kids came to ECFE when they were little

Fun Fact: I have five sisters

Fun Fact: I love being outside in the woods near the water

Fun Fact: Both my kids and I attended ECFE

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

Jill Christopherson Parent Educator

Dani Wright Parent Educator

Let's Get Ready for School Let's Get Ready for School School Ready

Early Childhood Screening

One more important aspect of preparing your child for kindergarten is an early childhood screening. This is required in Minnesota and is free to attend.

Benefits of Screenings:

• Identify possible health or developmental concerns

• Supports your child's learning and promotes health and development

• Can link you to free early learning opportunities and support programs

• Sets your child up for success going into kindergarten

JumpStart Preschool Registration

Our preschool offers fun and safe classes for children ages 3-5 living in the Moorhead School District. Classes include circle time, snack, art, gym and learning centers.

Enrollment opens March 1:

• Visit www. moorheadschools.org/CE

• Scroll down and click on preschool

• Fill out the enrollment form

• You will receive a confirmation email with further instructions

Kindergarten Registration

It's finally time! Are you excited? nervous? Your child is hitting a major milestone, enrolling in kindergarten! We will make that process easy and seamless for your family.

Enrollment opens March 1:

• Visit www. moorheadschools.org/ enroll

• Click on the 2023-24 Kindergarten Enrollment button

• Fill out the enrollment form

• You will receive a confirmation email with further instructions

Keys to Kindergarten

Your first introduction to our schools is important and we can't wait to show you around. We have packed this event with valuable information and key connections.

Join us on March 30:

• Welcome from your school principal

• Food Services (lunch, snack and milk break, free and reduced programs and more)

• Transportation (riding the bus, areas of services and more)

• Health Services (required vaccinations, medication forms and more)

• How to prepare your child for kindergarten

PEDIATRIC CARE

WE TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER

Pediatrics & Pediatric Walk-In Care

South University Clinic (Fargo) 1702 South University Drive

Pediatrics

The Lights West Fargo Clinic 3150 Sheyenne Street, Suite 240

Schedule online at EssentiaHealth.org or visit our walk-in clinic for immediate care.

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.

EPC155A - Jen Krause & Rachel Stalberger

9 Wednesdays, 3/29-5/24, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Vista Room 105, $108 ($90)*

EPC155B - Rachel Stalberger & Dani Wright

9 Wednesdays, 3/29-5/24, 12:15-2:15 p.m.

Vista Room 105, $108 ($90)*

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, 3/27-5/22, 9-10:30 a.m.

Vista Room 102, $96 ($90)*

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.

Featured Classes

Saturday classes are a great 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!

Saturday Class - Messy Art!

EPC90A - Katy Peltier

1 Saturday, 4/1, 8:30-10:15 a.m.

Vista Room 102, $24 ($19)*

EPC90B - Katy Peltier

1 Saturday, 4/1, 10:30 a.m.12:15 p.m.

Vista Room 102, $24 ($19)*

Saturday Class - Nature Play in Spring

EPC91A - Katy Peltier

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, 3/27-5/22, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Vista Room 102, $72 ($64)*

*No class 4/10

Register Online

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

1 Saturday, 4/15, 8:3010:15 a.m.

Vista Room 102, $24 ($19)*

EPC91B - Katy Peltier

1 Saturday, 4/15, 10:30 a.m.12:15 p.m.

Vista Room 102, $24 ($19)*

Saturday Class - Summer Fun

EPC92A - Katy Peltier

1 Saturday, 5/6, 8:30-10:15 a.m.

Vista Room 102, $24 ($19)*

EPC92B - Katy Peltier

1 Saturday, 5/6, 10:30 a.m.12:15 p.m.

Vista Room 102, $24 ($19)*

Spring Activity & Books

Let's Build a Fort

1. Grab sheets, couch cushions, kitchen chairs and anything else you want.

2. Build the fort of your dreams.

3. Play inside the fort with your child. Ideas: eat a meal together, pretend to cook, play school, play animals.

BOOKS WE

"Fatima's Great Outdoors"

by Amber Tariq (Author) and Stevie Lewis (Illustrator)

An immigrant family embarks on their first camping trip in the Midwest in this lively picture book by Ambreen Tariq, outdoors activist and founder of @ BrownPeopleCamping

"The Hike"

by Alison Farrel (Author)

The Hike is a must-have for budding scientists, best friends, and all adventurers in preschool and kindergarten. A plucky and sweet adventure story, The Hike celebrates how fun and rewarding it is to explore nature in your own backyard!

3-Day Summer Class FunMonkey, Monkey, Monkey

ECFE fun themed all around monkeys.

EPC80A - Nancy Fix-Shelton & Jen Krause

Tue/Wed/Thu, 6/06-08, 9-11 a.m.

Vista Room 104, $36 ($30)*

Welcome TO SUMMER

3-Day Summer Class FunWeird, Wild, Wacky Art

ECFE fun with art!

EPC81A - Nancy Fix-Shelton & Jen Krause

Tue/Wed/Thu, 6/13-15, 9-11 a.m.

Vista Room 104, $36 ($30)*

3-Day Summer Class FunBackyard Blast

ECFE fun using large motor skills.

EPC82A - Nancy Fix-Shelton & Jen Krause

Tue/Wed/Thu, 6/20-6/22 , 9-11 a.m.

Vista Room 104, $36 ($30)*

3-Day Summer Class FunUnder the Sea

Take a dive into ECFE with this three day class.

EPC83A - Nancy Fix-Shelton & Jen Krause

Tue/Wed/Thu, 6/27-29, 9-11 a.m.

Vista Room 104, $36 ($30)*

3-Day Summer Class FunChicka Chicka Boom Boom

Have fun with this classic book!

EPC84A - Nancy Fix-Shelton & Jen Krause

Tue/Wed/Thu, 7/18-20, 9-11 a.m.

Vista Room 104, $36 ($30)*

3-Day Summer Class FunMove and Groove

Get moving and grooving with ECFE!

EPC85A - Nancy Fix-Shelton & Jen Krause

Tue/Wed/Thu, 7/25-27, 9-11 a.m.

Vista Room 104, $36 ($30)*

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 licensed 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.

EPC119T - Shanna Fischer & Jen Krause

4 Mondays, 6/05-6/26, 9-11 a.m.

Vista Room 102, $48 ($40)*

EPC119U - Shanna Fischer & Jill Christopherson

4 Tuesdays, 6/06-6/27, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Vista Room 102, $48 ($40)*

EPC119V - Shanna Fischer & Jill Christopherson

4 Wednesdays, 6/07-6/28, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Vista Room 102, $48 ($40)*

EPC119X - Shanna Fischer & Jen Krause

4 Tuesdays, 7/18-8/08, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Vista Room 102, $48 ($40)*

EPC119Y - Shanna Fischer & Jen Krause

4 Wednesdays, 7/19-8/09, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Vista Room 102, $48 ($40)*

EPC119Z - Shanna Fischer & Jen Krause

4 Thursdays, 7/20-8/10, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Vista Room 102, $48 ($40)*

3-Day Summer Class FunCamp ECFE

Come along and join the fun at Camp ECFE!

EPC86 - Nancy Fix-Shelton & Jen Krause, $36 ($30)*

Vista Room 104, all sections

EPC86A - Tue/Wed/Thu 8/01-03, 9-11 a.m.

EPC86B - Tue/Wed/Thu 8/08-10, 9-11 a.m.

Independent School District 152

Early Childhood Family Education Community Education

2777 34th St. S. Moorhead, MN 56560

@MoorheadCommunityEducation

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.