For parents and their child/children ages 1-5.

The goal of Early Childhood Family Education is to support parents in their child-raising efforts, offer information about child development and alternative parenting techniques, help parents and their children communicate better, give children opportunities to discover and learn, promote positive parental attitudes, and provide information on community resources available to parents and children.

What happens when we come to ECFE parent-child activities?
The ECFE Staff will greet you and the room will be set up with activities. Usually, there are three parts to the session:
Time together for parents and children
Parent discussion time (in some classes)
Children's activity/exploration time

What are the rooms like?
The ECFE rooms are set up for young children with child-sized furniture, toys, and materials that are appealing to kids! We have a room for parents to gather, with a two-way window for parents to observe their children at play.

Where is ECFE located?
ECFE's site is located in the Melrose Schools, with an entrance through Door 4.

Who will be at ECFE?
Other parents with their kids - just like you! Many families have developed friendships through ECFE activities. All parents with children age 1-5 are welcome.

What will the activities be like?
Activities will be set up in the room, You and your child can choose what you want to try. Some activities, like painting, become favorites. We encourage you to "take your child's lead" and enjoy the special times together.

Will I feel "silly" doing kid things?
It may seem silly at first, but most moms and dads find it's fun to be a little silly and the kids love it! Activities are easy to participate in and you can participate as much as you feel comfortable.

What happens during Parent Discussion Time ? (not available in Stop and Play classes)
While your child participates in the children's time in the ECFE classroom with the Early Childhood Educator, you'll meet with the parents and the Parent Facilitator. Parent discussion will be in the parent room, It's a comfortable environment where you'll be able to talk about the joys and concerns of being a parent. You'll be able to take time to look at and consider many ideas. Research tells us that getting information and support for our role as parents is one of the most important things we can do for ourselves and our children!

What happens during the Children's Time? (not available in Stop and Play classes)
The children participate in activities in the classroom while moms and dads participate in the parent discussion in an adjoining room.. The Early Childhood Educator prepares the room and activities gauged for the children's ages. Both teacher led and child initiated activities are planned. It provides an opportunity to observe your child interacting with peers and the Early Childhood Educator through the two-way window. (You see into the classroom, the children see a mirror on their side.)