Amy Baskin

Director of Community Education and Communications

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) is 40 years old this year in the state of Minnesota, and we are celebrating across the state. ECFE is a program for all Minnesota families with children between the ages of birth to kindergarten offered through Minnesota public school districts. We recognize that parents are their child’s first and most important teachers. ECFE’s mission is to strengthen families through the education and support of all parents/guardians to provide the best possible environment for the healthy growth and development of their children.

ECFE provides active, 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 education parents are looking for. Together, parents and children participate in activities and experiences that foster children’s social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and language skills.

In celebration of our 40th anniversary we are hosting a birthday party. The party will be at the Community Learning Center on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. We will have magic shows at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m., birthday games, art projects, a photo booth, face painting, book walk, free play and of course birthday cake. A vehicle fair will be held with trucks, buses and other vehicles to climb on and explore. The Rotary Club of Austin is partnering with us to provide books and activities around literacy.

We invite current and past ECFE families and staff to come and join us to share your ECFE memories and to reconnect with old friends. We invite all members of the community to come and celebrate with us to enjoy some family fun and meet new friends. New thoughts and fond memories can be shared on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AustinECFE.

Governor Mark Dayton will be issuing a proclamation for the week of Oct. 20 through 25 as Early Childhood Family Education Week, and Mayor Tom Stiehm will be issuing a similar proclamation for the city of Austin.

ECFE is proud to have served the Austin community for many years. We have worked with thousands of children and parents during our years of service, and we hope to see many of you at our birthday party on Saturday, Oct. 25.