The first 5 years of a child’s life are the most important for their development.
Dassel-Cokato Early Childhood is here to help guide parents/caregivers of young children during these critical years by supporting families and giving children opportunities to discover and learn along with their parents/caregivers.
• EARLY CHILDHOOD FAMILY EDUCATION offers a variety of classes where parent and child (ages birth-5) will grow and learn together.
• EARLY CHILDHOOD SCREENINGis a quick and simple check on how children ages 3-5 are developing. Screening is best done close to 3, but is required before kindergarten.
• INDIVIDUALIZED PARENT EDUCATION gives parents/caregivers an opportunity to visit with a parent educator about any parenting questions that you may have.
Have you had a baby, adopted a child, or recently moved to the community?
It is important for us to maintain accurate and up-to-date census information to better serve the residents of our Dassel-Cokato community. Please take a moment to complete the online Dassel-Cokato Census Information Form, https://bit.ly/DCcensus, for all children ages Birth-6 living in your home. This will ensure that you will receive timely school information and aid in proper planning for your school district.
• You will be notified of Early Childhood Screening • You will be provided with preschool and kindergarten enrollment information. • The elementary school will be anticipating your child when it is time for kindergarten. • The district will have accurate information for planning and projections of growth at D-C Schools. • Our school district will receive proper funding from the state government for early childhood programs, such as Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) and Play and Learn Preschool.
Early Childhood Family Education
At Dassel-Cokato ECFE you and your child...
Will spend time Growing Together, Growing Independently, Growing Confidently, Growing Creatively and Cognitively!
At ECFE we understand the importance of the early years in a child’s development. Right from birth you shape your child’s development and set the stage for future learning and growth. This is why we offer a variety of classes that provide information, encouragement, and support for you and your child. All ECFE classes are led by licensed teachers who help children discover and learn through activities and play using art, science, movement, games, and stories. Our teachers create a learning environment where children thrive and parents/caregivers receive information, friendship, and support.
ECFE Classes Include
Parent & Child Time: During approximately the first 30 minutes of class parents/caregivers and children explore and play with activities that are intentionally designed to foster your child’s social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and language development.
Circle Time: Everyone joins together to enjoy music, movement activities, and stories.
Parent Discussion Time: Our parenting educator leads discussions on the many joys and challenges of parenting. Discussions are centered around child development and parent selected topics.
Child Time: While the parents/caregivers are in discussion time, children enjoy snack and activities with their peers and licensed early childhood teacher and/or paraprofessional.
Sibling Care: Childcare for class participant’s sibling is provided by our sibling care provider for an additional fee. Register for sibling care with your ECFE class registration. (Note: only available during classes where indicated)
Types of ECFE Classes Offered
Non-Separating Classes
Parents/caregivers and children remain the Early Childhood classroom the entire class time. Parent discussion takes place in the room while the children play.
Separating Classes
During Parent Discussion parents move to a nearby room with the parent educator while the children remain with the early childhood teacher and paraprofessional in the Early Childhood classroom.
Parent Discussion Only Classes
Parents/caregivers will engage in parenting discussions facilitated by a parenting educator while the children remain with a paraprofessional in the classroom.
Personalized Parent Education
Personalized parenting visits are FREE for families with children ages birth to 5 (not yet in kindergarten). Talk with our parent educator about your questions regarding your infant, toddler or preschooler. She can meet with you at your home, at the Early Childhood Center, over the phone, on the playground...wherever works for you!
Topics may include, but are not limited to:
How Children Grow * Parenting Support * Community Resources * Problem-Solving * Challenging Behaviors * Family Goal Setting * Learning through Play * Toileting * Sleep
