| Parenting Your Way |
The Value of ECFE
by Maura Steblay, MS ed.
by Maura Steblay, MS ed.
The term parent education was used in this country as early as the 1920s. Now the term parent education includes a variety of experiences
to assist those already parents to be more effective in their roles as well as to educate individuals who plan to be parents in the near or
distant future.
My local Early Childhood Family Education Center (ECFE) mission is to strengthen families through the education and support of parents in
providing the best possible environment for the health growth and development of their children. Classes offered at a variety of times and
locations reach families early and provide recognition of and prevention of, potential future problems and challenges. Classes are open to and
benefit all income levels.
In 1974, the Minnesota legislature established six pilot ECFE programs for children, aged birth to five and their parents. Many parents join
for the child’s benefit and stay for themselves. Minnesota’s program is still the largest and oldest in the country.
The advantages, of such early education for the children, are clear according to Dr. Craig Ramey, University of Alabama Child Development
Researcher.
• fine motor coordination
• social competence and development
• cognitive development
• language development
Infants and preschoolers learn by playing and interacting with people and objects around them. ECFE provides a complete educational
opportunity. Oftentimes classes are held within school district buildings, another underlying gain providing parents with familiarity of what is
to come in their child’s educational future.
ECFE parents report.
1. Increased feelings of support and confidence in their role.
2. Increased knowledge of how children develop.
3. Changed expectations for themselves and their children.
4. Increased parenting behavior.
Kindergarten teachers say ECFE kids are better equipped to succeed in school. “It is not only children who are served by preschool.
Although parents are naturally reluctant to think of themselves as needing support, connections and education, these are important
findings.” A parent’s needs helpful preparation, training and information, for parenting just as in their paid position. Information and
empathy are critical to helping parents be the best they can be.
ECFE helps parents with their most important job; parenting. The hope is they will leave a legacy for Minnesota’s future. I think anytime is
the right time for ECFE!
Maura Steblay has a Masters degree in Education and is the president of Parenting Unlimited. She is mother to two daughters ages 10 and
13. She has worked in both corporate America and in Early Childhood Family Education. She is a volunteer at Children's Hospital answering
the Parent Warmline, is a board member on the Foundation for Eden Prairie Schools and the West Suburban Teen Clinic.
to assist those already parents to be more effective in their roles as well as to educate individuals who plan to be parents in the near or
distant future.
My local Early Childhood Family Education Center (ECFE) mission is to strengthen families through the education and support of parents in
providing the best possible environment for the health growth and development of their children. Classes offered at a variety of times and
locations reach families early and provide recognition of and prevention of, potential future problems and challenges. Classes are open to and
benefit all income levels.
In 1974, the Minnesota legislature established six pilot ECFE programs for children, aged birth to five and their parents. Many parents join
for the child’s benefit and stay for themselves. Minnesota’s program is still the largest and oldest in the country.
The advantages, of such early education for the children, are clear according to Dr. Craig Ramey, University of Alabama Child Development
Researcher.
• fine motor coordination
• social competence and development
• cognitive development
• language development
Infants and preschoolers learn by playing and interacting with people and objects around them. ECFE provides a complete educational
opportunity. Oftentimes classes are held within school district buildings, another underlying gain providing parents with familiarity of what is
to come in their child’s educational future.
ECFE parents report.
1. Increased feelings of support and confidence in their role.
2. Increased knowledge of how children develop.
3. Changed expectations for themselves and their children.
4. Increased parenting behavior.
Kindergarten teachers say ECFE kids are better equipped to succeed in school. “It is not only children who are served by preschool.
Although parents are naturally reluctant to think of themselves as needing support, connections and education, these are important
findings.” A parent’s needs helpful preparation, training and information, for parenting just as in their paid position. Information and
empathy are critical to helping parents be the best they can be.
ECFE helps parents with their most important job; parenting. The hope is they will leave a legacy for Minnesota’s future. I think anytime is
the right time for ECFE!
Maura Steblay has a Masters degree in Education and is the president of Parenting Unlimited. She is mother to two daughters ages 10 and
13. She has worked in both corporate America and in Early Childhood Family Education. She is a volunteer at Children's Hospital answering
the Parent Warmline, is a board member on the Foundation for Eden Prairie Schools and the West Suburban Teen Clinic.
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