Early Childhood Family Education

ECFE Welcomes All Families!
The Mission of ECFE is to educate, empower, and support all families by supporting parents as their child's first teacher, by offering information about child development and parenting techniques, and by giving children opportunities to discover and learn.


ECFE Staff Phone Numbers
494-0900 Margaret Schild, Coordinator
494-0916 Stephanie Gilliland, Early Childhood Educator
494-0919 Anne Hayes, School Readiness Facilitator
494-0915 Chris Overhaug, Early Childhood Educator and Parent Educator
494-0917 Ann Riebel, Parent Educator
494-0920 Katy Smith, Parent Educator
494-0918 Jill Burt, ECFE Librarian, classroom paraprofessional
494-0913 Judy Rusert, classroom paraprofessional
494-0913 Early Childhood Office, Glenda Roellich, secretary

JUST FOR BABIES AND TODDLERS
Non-separating classes
Baby and Me
Babies bring joy and big changes to families. Join us for a weekly class for infants, 0-12 months, to explore topics relating to those bundles of joy! This is a relaxing class that also brings you information. You can ask all your baby questions and we'll explore current philosophies on infant growth. We'll sing songs and have baby play time. Sibling care is available, please request with registration.
Tuesday
9/9/08-10/28/08 Term 1
11/11/08-1/13/09 Term 2
1-2:30 PM    
Parent Education Room 103

Using a Baby Sling
ECFE and Baby Connections are teaming up to bring you a hands on class for using your Baby Sling. Moms and dads who are experts at using slings will show us how to put slings on and position them for babies for different ages. You will get hands-on help for getting the sling to feel safe and comfortable for you and your baby. Come with or without your own sling.
To register for this free class, call the ECFE office at 494-0913.
Limited sibling care is available, please request when registering.
Tuesday
9/30/08 Term 1
11/11/08 Term 2
4-5 PM
Parent Education Room 103

Bearly Toddler
This class suits the "new" toddler, who is between 12-24 months of age. Age appropriate activities and circle time are part of the morning as children become familiar with the early childhood room. A brief parent discussion will take place, as the children play in the room. Parents and children do not separate in this class.
Friday
9/12/08-10/31/08 Term 1
11/7/08-1/16/09 Term 2
8:30-10 AM
Early Childhood Room 106

Toadally Two's
Two's are terrific! As your toddler rapidly grows, changes, and tries new things, ECFE staff is ready to support toddlers and parents with a fun learning environment. Parent and child activities and circle time will start the class. A parent discussion period gives toddlers the opportunity to practice separating from parents as they build trust in our ECFE staff and play areas.
Friday
9/12/08-10/31/08 Term 1
11/7/08-1/16/09 Term 2
10:15-11:45 AM
Early Childhood Room 106

TOPICS FOR ALL AGES
SEPARATING CLASSES
Parenting With Love & Logic
This class will use the curriculum from the book to help parents raise kids who are self-confident, motivated, and ready for the world by teaching them responsibility and the logic of life by giving them the opportunity to solve their own problems from the earliest possible age. "Parenting with Love and Logic: Teaching Children Responsibility" by Foster Cline and Jim Fay.
Monday
9/8/08-10/27/08 Term 1
9-11 AM
Early Childhood Room 106
OR
Wednesday
11/508-1/14/09 Term 2
8:30-10:30 AM (Note New Time)
Early Childhood Room 106
OR
Thursday
11/6/08-1/15/09 Term 2
9-11 AM
Early Childhood Room 106

It Takes a Parent
This class will examine today's "Parenting Culture." The author sees a nation of parents who put their children on a pedestal, shy away from discipline, and generally cede the responsibility of making decisions, large and small, to their children. This class is sure to spark some spirited discussion. "It Takes a Parent" by Betsy Hart.
Wednesday
9/3/08-10/29/08
9-11 AM
Early Childhood Room 106
OR
Monday
9/8/08-10/27/08 Term 1
Noon – 2 PM
Early Childhood Room 106
OR
Monday
9/15/08-10/27/08 Term 1
5:30-7:30 PM
Early Childhood Room 106
OR
Monday
11/10/08-1/12/09 Term 2
9-11 AM
Early Childhood Room 106
OR
Tuesday
11/11/08-1/13/09 Term 2
8:30-10:30 AM
Early Childhood Room 106

Potpourri
Back by popular demand! This class will definitely be parent driven. Join other parents as we tackle the one time topics that pop up in class. Some likely topics may include; time outs, teaching children about money, sleep issues and much more.
Tuesday
9/9/08-10/28/08 Term 1
9-11 AM
Early Childhood Room 106
OR
Thursday
9/4/08-10/30/08 Term 1
9-11 AM
Early Childhood Room 106
OR
Monday
11/10/08-1/12/09 Term 2
Noon – 2 PM
Early Childhood Room 106
OR
Monday
11/10/08-1/12/09 Term 2
5:30-7:30 PM
Early Childhood Room 106


OTHER ECFE OPPORTUNITIES

Daddy & Me Drop – In                                
Dads! Looking for a fun time for you and your child? Join other dads and their children for an evening drop - in. Drop - in begins with exciting, fun learning experiences and playtime, and then moves to circle time. Drop - in ends with time in the gym. Open to children ages 14 months to Kindergarten and their dads. No registration required.
Wednesday (Note new day)
9/3/08-10/22 Term 1 No class on 10/15/08, 10/29/08
11/5/08-1/14/09 Term 2 No class on 11/26/08
6-7:30 PM
Early Childhood Room 106

Drop – In Playgroup
This is a time for you and your child to play in tour Early Childhood room and gym. Come and explore new toys, sing songs and enjoy other fun activities with other parents and children. No registration required. This class meets weekly and is FREE.
Thursday
9/4/08-10/30/08 Term 1 NO DROP - IN 10/16/08
11/6/08-1/15/09 Term 2 NO DROP – IN 11/27/08, 12/25/08, 1/1/09
12:30-2:30 PM
Early Childhood Room 106

Moms Supporting Moms
This is a group for moms of all ages and life experiences. Moms attend with their children and learn different parenting strategies, meet new friends and improve their self nurturing skills, in a supportive environment. Children will receive a fun early childhood classroom experience, while parents have time to meet in the parent education room.
Due to popular demand, we are now offering two different class times! The class will also meet weekly. This is a change from other years.
Registration is now required to attend the class for each term. Please fill out an ECFE registration form and return to the ECFE office.
On Wednesday afternoons, children from birth up to school age can attend with their mom. On Tuesday evenings, children from birth to age 8 can attend with their mom.
Call Family Based Services at 494-0950 or Ann Riebel at 494-0917 for more information or with questions about child care or transportation needs. The Moms Supporting Moms Class is a collaborative between ECFE and Family Based Services.
Tuesday
9/9/08-10/28/09 Term 1
11/11/08-1/13/09 Term 2 No Class 12/23/08
5:30-7:30 PM NOTE NEW TIME
Early Childhood Room 106
OR
Wednesday
9/3/08-10/29/08 Term 1
11/5/08-1/14/09 Term 2
Noon – 2 PM
Early Childhood Room 106

Community Parenting
This class is ECFE parenting on wheels!  Are you interested in a parenting class or a one time guest speaking event, at your work setting, child care center, preschool or organization? Contact Katy Smith, Parent Educator, at 494-0920 for more information.

ELL Family School
A parenting and English class for immigrants and refugee adults and their preschool children. Parent-child time, parenting education, English and early childhood education is included in this learning school. There is also a home-visiting opportunity for participants in Family School that includes literacy activities, books, and one-on-one learning. Transportation assistance is available. Classes are on-going throughout the school year. Call Anne Hayes at 494-0919 for more information or to register.
Wednesday
12-2 PM
NOTE NEW LOCATION
Winona Area Learning Center
1299 W. 3rd Street, Winona

Teen Parenting at the WALC and WSHS
Parent education, prenatal education, parent-child activities and support for adolescent and expecting parents at the Winona Area Learning Center and Winona Senior High School. Contact Ann Riebel at 494-1460 for more information about the Teen Parent Program that is on going through out the school year.

Early Childhood Screening
Do you have a three year old? In Minnesota all children are required to complete Early Childhood Screening before they enter kindergarten. This screening should be done before your child turns four!
Make your appointment today call 494-0900.


ECFE PTA
2008-2009 ECFE PAC/PTA Officers:
Kim Hancock, President         452-3727
Laura Loos, Vice-President         474-0132
Tina Smeby, Treasurer                 474-6000
Jill Krase, Secretary                 961-0077

ECFE PAC/PTA meets the second Thursday of the month.  Visitors are always welcome!
Would you like to know more about the ECFE PTA? Looking for a volunteer opportunity that contributes to the quality of life for families with young children in our community? Join us on the second Thursday of the month at 6 PM. Child care is available.

Help support your ECFE PAC/PTA and become a member. PTA membership dues are only $5.75 per year. Watch for special events available to ECFE PTA members for no fee or a reduced fee.
Contact any of the PTA officers listed above, for membership information.

ECFE PAC/PTA Sponsored Events include:
*Family Field Trips
*Guest Speakers
*Family Gym Nights
*Family Sock Hop
*Family Events Newsletter
Look for more information about the ECFE PAC/PTA Special Events on www.winonakids.org

PAC/PTA Special Event
Making Children's Food Healthy
This cooking demonstration will be based on the book" Deceptively Delicious".  Julie Reed, mother of two, co-op deli manager and ECFE PTA member would like to share her ideas with you about how to make some of your children's favorites more healthful and mealtimes less of a battle. Be prepared to taste the samples and take recipes home with you. Limited child care will be available. Please register on the ECFE registration form.  

*Special for this event, is the unveiling of the ECFE PTA cookbook*

Class fee $5 per family
The cookbook will be for sale for $5, that evening only.
Thursday
9/18/08
6 PM -7:30 PM
Parent Education Room 103

Help support ECFE PTA and buy a cookbook. They will be available after September 18 in the ECFE office for $10.

ECFE PAC/PTA Family Field Trip
Amtrak to La Crosse
Saturday, October 4th, 9:30 - 2pm
Arrive at Winona Amtrak Station, 65 E. Mark Street, at 9:30am
Train Departs at 10:11am (subject to change based on train schedule)
Train will travel to La Crosse - a bus will take us to Myrick Park - a box lunch will be provided
Bus will pick us up at Myrick Park at 1pm. We will return to the Winona train station at approximately 2pm.
Adults - $10 (Must provide a valid picture ID.)
Children (15 and under) - $5
Strollers can be checked at the station to transport on the train.
Registration and payment (paid to ECFE PAC/PTA) due by August 18th.


La Crosse Children's Museum
Friday
December 12
10:30 AM
Meet at the Museum, 207 5th Ave. S La Crosse
A map will be available in the ECFE office.
We will start with an introduction to "Pet Therapy Dogs" program and then time in  the museum. Families will be able to leave at their own time.
FREE for PTA members or $4 per child/payable at the door
12 months and under FREE
Adults are free
Registration is required by December 5. Use the ECFE registration form on page ??
Friday
12/12/08
10:30 AM
La Crosse Children's Museum
207 5th Ave. S. La Crosse WI

ECFE PTA Fund Raiser
Book Shelf of Winona        
Stop in to the store on Saturday, December 13th to have proceeds from
your purchase benefit the ECFE Parenting Library. All books and merchandise in
the store qualify, and even pre-paid special orders will be accepted.
Support ECFE PTA, support a local Winona business, and get great holiday gifts
during this wonderful fund raiser!
Saturday
12/13/08
8 AM - 6 PM
Winona Book Shelf
162 W. 2nd street



ECFE FOUNDATION
The ECFE PTA has established a foundation fund in honor of our retired teachers who have worked so selflessly to support the mission of ECFE and by doing so have positively impacted the lives of the families and children who attend our programs.
Donations to the ECFE Foundation will be used to expand and support the number of classes and programs offered by ECFE. Offset program expenditures such as playground equipment and classroom supplies. Support special projects and events. Support children and families in need.
If you are looking for a way to contribute to the mission of ECFE please consider a donation to the ECFE Foundation Fund.
Thank you from the staff, both past and present, and the ECFE PAC/PTA!


Share the wonders of Nature with your children this fall.
*Take a walk and talk about the color of the leaves, how do they sound when you walk in them, how do they smell?
* Share a happy fall memory about the season that comes to mind from your childhood.
*Talk about how the animals are getting ready for winter
– watch the squirrels gathering nuts
- watch for groups of birds that are flying together
-visit Rieck's Lake Park and observe the Tundra Swan migration beginning in mid October through late November
*Visit one or more of the many wonderful orchards, state parks and preserves in our area. Enjoy Fall!

Two Red Apples
Way up high in a tree.
Two red apples smiled at me
So I shook that tree as hard as I could!
Down came the apples
mm mm mm were they good!

Here is a Leaf
Here is a leaf, it is yellow and brown (use your hands)
Here is a leaf that (use your child's name ) found.
Put them together and you have two
One for me (point to self)
and one for you! (point to child)