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Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) classes are for parents and their children aged birth to 5 years old (before kindergarten). Classes help strengthen family relationships and provide information and resources to parents in their journey to help their children grow and develop to their maximum potential. We strive to build a strong foundation for families by forming a partnership between home and school. 

ECFE is a public school program staffed by licensed educators with classes offered mornings, afternoons, and evenings. ECFE classes have a sliding fee scale for all parents and children. No one is denied participation for inability to pay.

Main Contacts

ECFE Enrollment Office

Gladstone Community Center
1945 Manton St,
Maplewood, MN 55109

English 651-748-7280

Español 651-788-3664

Fax: 651-748-7271

Tracy Tessier

Tracy Tessier

Early Childhood Program Coordinator
Gladstone Community Education Center
Brenda Gilbert

Brenda Gilbert

Early Childhood Program Clerk
Gladstone Community Education Center

Three Components of Early Childhood Family Education

Parent-Child Time

You and your child spend time together enjoying activities designed to enhance their learning. You will leave with new ideas for things to do together at home.

Parent Time

Meet with other parents and a licensed parent educator to discuss topics such as development, temperament, discipline and getting ready for school. The parent time takes place in a separate room or in a designated area of the children’s classroom for non-separating classes.

Children's Classroom

While you and other parents participate in parent time, children learn through play in the classroom with a licensed early childhood teacher and a paraprofessional. Children will enjoy music, art, stories, large and small motor activities as they interact with other children.

Our Parents Tell Us

It’s good for children.

Your child will:

  • Experience a safe place to learn and get ready for preschool, kindergarten, and beyond
  • Have an opportunity to socialize with other children and develop relationships with new adults
  • Participate in activities and challenges that contribute to healthy social, emotional, and physical development

It benefits parents and children.

Together you will:

  • Learn skills and routines that can easily be adapted for use at home
  • Have special and meaningful time focused on each other
  • Experience a successful transition into kindergarten

It’s helpful for parents.

Parents will:

  • Make connections with other parents in your community, gain support from one another and benefit from the understanding that “I am not the only one going through this” in an environment where parents can be candid and honest about parenting challenges
  • Learn how they can better help their children now and in the future
  • Understand the school system and how the educational system works here. It prepares parents to be involved in their child’s education beginning in the early years, which helps children do better in school. 

How to Register

Online

All registrations need to be completed online. You will need to create an account profile for all registrations.

Register Online

Calendar

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Sunday, September 29
Monday, September 30
Tuesday, October 1
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Saturday, October 12
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Monday, October 14
Tuesday, October 15
Wednesday, October 16
Saturday, October 19
Sunday, October 20
Monday, October 21
Tuesday, October 22
Wednesday, October 23
Thursday, October 24
Friday, October 25
Saturday, October 26
Sunday, October 27
Monday, October 28
Tuesday, October 29
Wednesday, October 30
Thursday, October 31
Friday, November 1
Saturday, November 2

Calendar & Category Legend:

  • ECFE

Locations

Gladstone Education Center