Classes open to everyone in the FM Metro
REGISTRATION OPENS DECEMBER1
Meeting you where you are
Welcome to ECFE!
Did you know that Early Family Childhood Education (ECFE) can come to you to provide individual support? Through our Home Visit program, home visitors will meet with your family either in your home or at a community location to provide guidance, education and resources.
Home visitors will work alongside you, as parents or caregivers, to promote child health and development, offer parenting support, encourage early learning activities and promote family well-being. They will also work to connect your family with available community resources.
If you're a parent or caregiver of a child up to age five, you are eligible for the Home Visit service!
Our outstanding home visitors provide support for many families. If you are interested in learning more about this program or want to schedule an appointment, please give us a call at 218-284-3400.
Joelle Hofer Director of Early Learning
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.
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.
Vista Center for Education 2777 34th St. S., Moorhead
Family Connections
EPC121A, pg. 4
8:30 - 10:15 a.m.
1/6 - 5/19, 15 classes
Family Connections
EPC121B, pg. 4
8:30 - 10:15 a.m.
1/6 - 5/19, 15 classes
Family Connections
EPC121C, pg. 4
9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
1/6 - 5/19, 15 classes
Family Connections
EPC121D, pg. 4
10:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
1/6 - 5/19, 15 classes
Toddler Time 2.0
EPC72A, pg. 4
10:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
1/6 - 5/19, 15 classes
Baby Beginnings
EPC176A, pg. 8
12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
1/6 - 5/19, 15 classes
Parenting Workshop
Multiple Options, pg. 8
5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
1/13, 2/10, 3/17, 4/14, 5/12, 1 class
Winter/Spring Classes Calendar View
Family Connections
EPC118A, pg. 4
8:00 - 10:00 a.m.
1/7 - 5/20, 19 classes
Family Connections
EPC121E, pg. 4
8:30 - 10:15 a.m.
1/7 - 5/20, 19 classes
Family Connections
EPC121F, pg. 4
9:15 - 11:15 a.m.
1/7 - 5/20, 19 classes
Family Connections
EPC121G, pg. 4
10:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
1/7 - 5/20, 19 classes
Family Connections
Non-Separating
EPC123A, pg. 4
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
1/7 - 5/20, 19 classes
Nature Exploration
Multiple Options, pg. 10
1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
3/18, 4/15, 5/13, 1 class
More than Board Games
Multiple Options, pg. 10
3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
1/14, 2/11, 3/18, 4/15, 5/13, 1 class
Family Connections
EPC121H, pg. 4
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
1/7 - 5/20, 19 classes
Morning Classes
Family Connections
EPC121J, pg. 4
8:30 - 10:15 a.m.
1/8 - 5/21, 19 classes
Toddler Plus Time
EPC73A, pg. 7
8:30 - 10:15 a.m.
1/8 - 5/21, 19 classes
Family Connections
EPC121K, pg. 4
10:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
1/8 - 5/21, 19 classes
Toddler Time
EPC71A, pg. 7
10:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
1/8 - 5/21, 19 classes
Family Connections
Non-Separating
EPC123B, pg. 4
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
1/8 - 5/21, 19 classes
Sensory Xplosion
EPC192A, pg. 7
12:15 - 2:15 p.m.
1/8 - 5/21, 19 classes
Afternoon Odyssey
EPC126A, pg. 7
2:45 - 4:15 p.m.
1/8 - 5/21, 19 classes
Family Connections
EPC121L, pg. 4
8:00 - 10:00 a.m.
1/9 - 5/22, 19 classes
Grumpy Monkey
EPC182A, pg. 4
8:30 - 10:15 a.m.
1/9 - 1/30, 4 classes
How to Find a Polar Bear in a Snowstorm
EPC182C, pg. 4
8:30 - 10:15 a.m.
2/13 - 2/27, 3 classes
I Spy
EPC182E, pg. 4
8:30 - 10:15 a.m.
3/6 - 3/27, 3 classes
Litte Mouse, Mouse, Mouse
EPC182G, pg. 4
8:30 - 10:15 a.m.
4/3 - 4/24, 3 classes
Birds, Bees, Flowers and Trees
EPC182J, pg. 4
8:30 - 10:15 a.m.
5/1 - 5/22, 4 classes
Family Connections
EPC121M, pg. 4
10:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
1/9 - 5/22, 19 classes
Family Connections
EPC118E, pg. 4
10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
1/9 - 5/22, 19 classes
Unlocking the Power of Play
EPC181A, pg. 9
12:15 - 2:15 p.m.
1/9 - 5/22, 19 classes
MAPS Family Connections
EPC118F, pg. 4
4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
1/9 - 5/22, 9 classes
Family Connections
EPC121N, pg. 4
8:30 - 10:15 a.m.
1/10 - 5/23, 16 classes
Grumpy Monkey
EPC182B, pg. 4
8:30 - 10:15 a.m.
1/10 - 1/31, 4 classes
How to Find a Polar Bear in a Snowstorm
EPC182D, pg. 4
8:30 - 10:15 a.m.
2/14 - 2/28, 3 classes
I Spy
EPC182F, pg. 4
8:30 - 10:15 a.m.
3/7 - 3/28, 3 classes
Litte Mouse, Mouse, Mouse
EPC182H, pg. 4
8:30 - 10:15 a.m.
4/4 - 4/25, 3 classes
Birds, Bees, Flowers and Trees
EPC182J, pg. 4
8:30 - 10:15 a.m.
5/2 - 5/23, 4 classes
Family Connections
EPC121Q, pg. 4
10:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
1/10 - 5/23, 16 classes
Family Connections
EPC121R, pg. 4
10:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
1/10 - 5/23, 16 classes
Saturday Adventures at ECFE
Multiple Options, pg. 8
9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
1/11, 1/25, 2/8, 2/22, 3/29, 4/12, 4/26, 1 class
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.
15 classes, 1/6-5/19
No Monday classes 1/20, 2/17, 3/10, 3/31, 4/21
EPC121A - 8:30-10:15 a.m.
Vista Room 102, $180 ($150)*
EPC121B - 8:30-10:15 a.m.
Vista Room 104, $180 ($150)*
EPC121C - 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Vista Room 106, $210 ($180)*
EPC121D - 10:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Vista Room 104, $180 ($150)*
19 classes, 1/8-5/21 No Wednesday classes 3/12
EPC121J - 8:30-10:15 a.m.
Vista Room 104, $228 ($190)*
EPC121K - 10:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Vista Room 104, $228 ($190)*
Year-round
Tuesday No Tuesday classes 3/11
EPC118A - 8:00 a.m-10:00 a.m.
Vista Room 105, $224 ($192)* 19 classes remain 1/7-5/20
Thursday No Thursday classes 3/13
EPC118E - 10:15 a.m-12:15 p.m.
19 classes, 1/7-5/20 No Tuesday classes 3/11
EPC121E - 8:30-10:15 a.m.
Vista Room 104, $228 ($190)*
EPC121F - 9:15-11:15 a.m.
Vista Room 102, $266 ($228)*
EPC121G - 10:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Vista Room 104, $228 ($190)*
EPC121H - 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Vista Room 102, $266 ($228)*
19 classes, 1/9-5/22 No Thursday classes 3/13
EPC121L - 8:00-10:00 a.m.
Vista Room 102, $266 ($228)*
EPC121M - 10:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Vista Room 104, $228 ($190)*
Vista Room 102, $224 ($192)* 19 classes remain 1/10-5/22
EPC118F - 4:00-5:30 p.m.
For MAPS Employees Only Vista Room 102, $90 9 classes remain 1/10-5/22
16 classes, 1/10-5/23
No Friday classes 2/7, 3/14, 4/4, 4/18
EPC121N - 8:30-10:15 a.m.
Vista Room 102, $192 ($160)*
EPC121Q - 10:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Vista Room 102, $192 ($160)*
EPC121R - 10:30 a.m-12:15 p.m.
Vista Room 104, $192 ($160)*
More family connections classes on pg. 7 & 8
What is ECFE?
Early Childhood Family Education, or ECFE, is a program designed to support families with young children from birth to kindergarten entry. It offers a variety of parent-child classes, workshops, and activities aimed at promoting parent-child interaction, early childhood development, and strengthening and empowering families. Parents and caregivers are critical to a young child’s development and provide a foundation for young learners’ success. ECFE classes focus on topics such as child development, early literacy, socialization and parenting skills. The program provides a supportive environment for parents to connect with others, share experiences and gain valuable resources for navigating the joys and challenges of raising young children.
MEET OUR STAFF
What Does a Typical ECFE Class Include?
Parent and Child Interaction Time: A licensed early childhood teacher provides developmentally appropriate activities for parents and children to explore together. The teachers will provide a safe and secure learning environment that includes art, movement, stories, music, games, and activities.
Parent Education Time - Parents and caregivers participate in a discussion led by a licensed Parent Educator. This time provides support, builds connections and shares information on a variety of parenting topics.
Children’s Activity Time - While the parents are in Parent Education Time, the children will enjoy time with a licensed early childhood teacher exploring and learning through play. They will work on gaining independence and practicing social skills, while using their imagination and curiosity to discover and learn.
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
Dani Wright Parent Educator
More Family Connections
Sensory Xplosion (ages 3-5)
Do your kids love to get messy and explore hands-on but doing it at home overwhelms you? If so join us as we get down and dirty with sensory play! Activities are designed to stimulate sensory development, enhance fine motor skills, foster cognitive growth, and encourage social interaction.
EPC192A - 19 Wednesdays, 1/8-5/21, 12:15 - 2:15 p.m. No class 3/12
Vista Room 105, $266 ($228)*
Afternoon Odyssey (birth - age 8)
Embark on an Afternoon Odyssey as we dive into a world of imagination and adventure. We will explore through creative storytelling, interactive games and fun activities. Join us and unleash your child's imagination.
EPC126A - 19 Wednesdays, 1/8-5/21, 2:45 - 4:15 p.m. No class 3/12
Vista Room 105, $228 ($190)*
Toddler Time (12 months - 3 years)
Do you have a 1 or 2-year-old? 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. If your child is not ready to separate at Parenting Time, you are welcome to stay with your child the entire class time.
EPC71A - 19 Wednesdays, 1/8-5/21, 10:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
No class 3/12
Vista Room 102, $228 ($190)*
Toddler Plus Time (12 months - 5 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 and they will go with their own teacher for some more learning fun! Come join us for a fun-filled adventure where every moment is a cherished memory in the making.
EPC73A - 19 Wednesdays, 1/8-5/21, 8:30 - 10:15 a.m.
No class 3/12
Vista Room 102, $228 ($190)*
Toddler Time 2.0 (12 months - 3 years)
Toddler Time 2.0 is focused on play-based learning for toddlers who have practiced separating before. Social skills will be targeted and reinforced as your child develops and grows in their confidence.
EPC72A - 15 Mondays, 1/6-5/19, 10:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
No class 1/20, 2/17, 3/10, 3/31, 4/21
Vista Room 102, $180 ($150)*
PEDIATRIC CARE
Essentia Health is
and your family with
for
care and easy scheduling.
Grumpy Monkey
More Family Connections Classes (continued)
Explore big emotions with fun songs, books, activities and monkeys.
Vista Room 104, $48 ($40)* 8:30 - 10:15 a.m.
EPC182A - 4 Thursdays, 1/9-1/30
EPC182B - 4 Fridays, 1/10-1/31
How to Find a Polar Bear in a Snowstorm
Explore Arctic animals and icy, snowy activities.
Vista Room 104, $36 ($30)*
8:30 - 10:15 a.m.
EPC182C - 3 Thursdays, 2/13-2/27
EPC182D - 3 Fridays, 2/14-2/28
I Spy
An I Spy adventure - what will we find using our powers of observation?
Create an I Spy jar to take home. Vista Room 104, $36 ($30)* 8:30 - 10:15 a.m.
EPC182E - 3 Thursdays, 3/6-3/27
EPC182F - 3 Fridays, 3/7-3/28 No class March 13-14
Little Mouse, Mouse, Mouse
EEEK! The Mice are mischievous in these mouse stories, activities and fun.
Vista Room 104, $36 ($30)* 8:30 - 10:15 a.m.
EPC182G - 3 Thursdays, 4/3-4/24 No class April 10
Birds, Bees, Flowers and Trees
It’s Spring! Learn about birds, bees, flowers, and trees as the outdoors comes to life.
Vista Room 104, $48 ($40)* 8:30 - 10:15 a.m.
EPC182J - 4 Thursdays, 5/1-5/22
EPC182K - 4 Fridays, 5/2-5/23
Unlocking the Power of Play
Join us on Thursday afternoons as we explore the world of play. Through play, children learn about the world and themselves. We will use play to stretch imaginations, explore creativity, solve problems and build relationships.
EPC181A - 19 Thursdays, 1/9-5/22, 12:15 - 2:15 p.m. No class 3/13
Vista Room 105, $266 ($228)*
See a class you want to take? Visit www.moorheadschools.org/CE to register. Register Online
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.
Baby Beginnings
This class is designed especially for new babies and their caregivers. Join us for a nurturing and supportive environment where you and your little one can bond, explore, and grow together. Whether it's through music, movement, or sensory play, every moment in this class is an opportunity to deepen the special bond between you and your baby. Come join us and embark on this beautiful journey of parenthood!
EPC176A - 15 Mondays
1/6-5/19, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
No class 1/20, 2/17, 3/10, 3/31, 4/21
Vista Room 102, $180 ($150)*
Family Connections (Non-separating)
Family Connections is a class designed for parents and their young ones to bond, play, and learn together. Engage in interactive activities, circle time, music, and more, fostering early childhood development while creating lasting memories.
EPC123A - 19 Tuesdays
1/7-5/20, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
No class 3/11
Vista Room 102, $190 ($152)*
EPC123B - 19 Wednesdays
1/8-5/21, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
No class 3/12
Vista Room 105, $190 ($152)*
Saturday Adventures
Start your Saturdays with some learning adventures! We will explore and play the time away through art, sensory, fine motor, large motor, stories, songs and snacks! Parents, you will connect and engage with your children as they learn through play. $24 ($19)* per session
EPC193A 1/11 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. Vista Room 102
EPC193B 1/25 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. Vista Room 102
EPC193C 2/8 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. Vista Room 102
EPC193D 2/22 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. Vista Room 102
EPC193E 3/29 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. Vista Room 104
EPC193F 4/12 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. Vista Room 104
EPC193G 4/26 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. Vista Room 104
Parenting Workshop - One Night, One Topic
Join our dynamic Parent Class series, where each night focuses on a specific topic to individually fit your schedule and interest. Each session equips parents with valuable tools and resources to navigate the joys and challenges of parenthood. to support and empower parents in their journey of raising happy and resilient children. Come join our supportive community and discover new ways to thrive as a parent! Sign up for each date individually as it fits your schedule and interest.
**Please Note: There will be no Parent-Child playtime. The whole 90 minutes is for parents and caregivers. Infants are welcome to be with their parents. Optional Child Play Time is available for a small extra fee - add “Sibcare” when you register. $12 ($10)* per session
EPC-Parenting Styles 1/13, 5:00-6:30 p.m., Vista Room 108
EPC-Attachment 2/10, 5:00-6:30 p.m., Vista Room 108
EPC-Growth Mindset 3/17, 5:00-6:30 p.m., Vista Room 106
EPC-Potty Training 4/14, 5:00-6:30 p.m., Vista Room 106
EPC-Sibling Rivalry 5/12, 5:00-6:30 p.m., Vista Room 106
Fun HANDS-ON
Join us for these unique one-time classes where your child will grow through hands-on play time, either outdoors or indoors.
More than Board Games (ages 3-8)
Let’s play a game, where fun and learning go hand in hand! Designed specifically for preschool-aged children, this class offers a delightful mix of interactive games, engaging activities and playful challenges. Through these games, kids will develop important social skills, enhance coordination, and spark their creativity.
Vista Room 105, $14 ($12)* per session
EPC110A 1/14 3:00-5:00 p.m.
EPC110B 2/11 3:00-5:00 p.m.
EPC110C 3/18 3:00-5:00 p.m.
EPC110D 4/15 3:00-5:00 p.m.
EPC110E 5/13 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Nature Exploration
Let nature be your guide as we explore the great outdoors. Outdoor play is essential in early childhood development and we will connect young learners with nature, creativity, and risky play. Sign up for one or all of the sessions! *plus apply sunscreen and bug spray before class, and bring a water bottle! $12 ($10)* per session
EPC-Gooseberry Park (March) 3/18 1:00-2:00 p.m. Gooseberry Park
EPC-Gooseberry Park (April) 4/15 1:00-2:00 p.m. Gooseberry Park
EPC-Rivers Oak 11/19 1:00-2:00 p.m. Rivers Oak Park
Independent School District 152
Early Childhood Family Education
Community Education 2777 34th St. S. Moorhead, MN 56560
Parenting Press
Published two times a year by Early Childhood Family Education, a Community Education program of Moorhead Area Public Schools
Joelle Hofer Director of Early Learning
Brenda Richman Executive Director of Community Engagement & Public Relations
Brandon Lunak Superintendent
