Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)

Early Childhood Family Education is a program for all Minnesota families with children between the ages of birth to third grade. ECFE is based on the idea that the family provides a child's first and most significant learning environment and parents are a child's first and most important teachers. The goal of ECFE is to enhance the ability of all parents to provide the best possible environment for their child's learning and growth.

Each class was a perfect balance of learning, encouragement, and connection. I looked forward to it every week, and so did my baby! It’s clear that (Lynnea) cares deeply about the families she works with, and it shows in everything she does. Thanks to her, I feel more confident, connected, and supported as a parent. I will definitely be registering for classes again. I’m already looking forward to it.

Spring 2026 Classes

All classes take place in the Early Childhood wing of Goodview School unless otherwise specificed. A non-separating class means you and your child will remain together for the entire class, which may include a parent discussion in the same room as your child. A separating class means parents/caregivers spend half of the class time together with their child and half in parenting education while the child stays with an Early Childhood teacher.

Non-Separating Classes

Baby & Me (Wednesday mornings)

This weekly gathering time is for babies (up to 12 months old) and their caregivers. It offers time to connect, share questions and insights, and enjoy conversations with other parents of little ones. A parent educator will be present to visit with families and facilitate a circle time during the last part of the session. There is no cost for this drop-in class.

*Parents can request sibling care for children 12 months through kindergarten 72 hours in advance by calling (507) 494-0913.

MORE INFO

Drop-In Playgroup (Wednesday mornings)

ECFE Around Town (Thursday mornings)

ECFE Around Town is an exciting extension of our Early Childhood Family Education program, designed for families, caregivers, and children from birth to age 5 across the district. Like our traditional ECFE classes, it offers fun, age-appropriate activities, opportunities to connect with other families, discussion time focused on parenting and child development, and access to helpful community resources.

The home base is Wesley Church, but locations vary—watch our “Winona ECFE” Facebook page for updates. We also offer fun “POP UP” events throughout the year. There is no registration required.

Days: Thursday mornings
Times: 10-11:30 a.m.

MORE INFO

Mini Minds in Motion (Thursday afternoons)

Step into a world of wonder with our Mini Minds in Motion class! Together, you’ll mix, build and explore-turning every-day moments into magical discoveries of math and science. With a caring Early Childhood Teacher as your guide, you and your little one will learn, laugh, and adventure-indoors and under the open sky!

Days: Thursday afternoons
Times: 3:30-5 p.m.

Dad & Me: Move and Play! (Thursday evenings)

Let’s play, build and move together! This action-packed class gives children and their dads (or favorite grown up guy) a chance to run, jump, explore, and create side by side. From big gym adventures to playful building projects, every moment is designed for fun, connection and unforgettable memories!

Days: Thursday evenings in March
Times: 5-6:30 p.m.

Artventures in Storyland - Quarter 3 (Friday mornings)

Separating Classes

Early Explorers (Monday mornings)

Join us for a unique class designed to inspire hands-on exploration from your child’s perspective. Sessions begin with parent-child interaction and playful learning, followed by circle time with music, movement, and discovery.
While children continue activities, adults join a separate parenting discussion guided by the Parent Education Curriculum Framework, with resources including Good Inside, Parenting from the Inside Out and expert-led podcasts and blogs.

Days: Monday mornings
Times: 8:30-10:30 a.m.

Music and Me (Quarter 3 only, Wednesday afternoon)

Join us for a class that highlights learning and bonding through music. Class will begin with parent and child interaction time, with the opportunity to partake in developmentally appropriate activities. Together we will enjoy a playful, extended circle time that includes music and movement. This class will have 45 minutes to 1 hour of parent child time. Parents will then separate for a guided parent discussion on the parenting topics that matter to YOU!

Days: Wednesday Afternoons
Times: noon to 2 p.m.
Quarter 3 only

Little Inventors (Quarter 4 only, Wednesday afternoons)

Let curiosity lead the way! Tinker, splash, build and explore as you and your child discover the magic of math and science in everyday moments. You and your little one will learn, laugh, and adventure-indoors and under the open sky! Parents and children will spend 45-60 minutes together after which parents will move to a separate space for a guided discussion on topics that matter to YOU! Class will take place indoors and out; please dress accordingly.

Days: Wednesday afternoons
Times: 12-2 p.m.

Rooted in Connection: Nurturing Yourself & Your Child (Wednesday evenings)

This class is all about growing confidence-one playful step at a time. Families begin together with hands-on activities, songs, and stories after which parents separate. It’s the perfect mix of together time and “I can do it!”

As part of this trauma-informed parenting class during separation time we offer parents/care- givers education and support to understand the effects of trauma on parents and children while developing strategies for healing and building secure relationships. We’ll explore how connection and self-awareness help create calm, nurturing relationships at home. Learn practical tools to care for yourself, respond with empathy and strengthen your family’s roots of trust & understanding.

Days: Wednesday evenings
Times: 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Mixed Ages (Thursday mornings)

Start your day with stories, songs, and smiles! Join us for a playful morning filled with hands-on activities, art and learning together. Upon parent separation, parent discussion will focus on the parenting topics that matter to YOU. These discussions are guided by the Parent Education Core Curriculum Framework, and supported by research-based curricula and materials, in addition to podcasts, blogs, and video channels run by top child development specialists.

Days: Thursday mornings
Times: 8-10 a.m.

Hunt, Gather, Parent (Thursday evenings in April)

Step into a joyful world of play, discovery, and connection! In this lively early childhood class, children and parents explore hands-on activities together-then parents gather for meaningful discussion while little ones keep the fun going with their teacher through songs, stories and creative play. It’s a wonderful blend of learning, laughter and community!
Upon separation parents will enter into discussions that will be informed and inspired by the book Hunt, Gather, Parent by Michaeleen Doucleff. No reading required!

*PLEASE NOTE: This class is a a shortened series unlike our normal ECFE classes that run 8 weeks or more. Due to this when selecting your sliding fee scale please cut your number in half so you will be charged properly for length of the class. For example: If your income is 80,000-89,999 and you would normally pay $81 per class, please choose the 40,000-49,999 option and pay $37 for this class. If you fall on the lower end of the pay scale please pay what you can. If you have concerns about payment reach out to our office at 507-494-0913.

Days: Thursday evenings in April
Times: 5-7 p.m.

Managing Technology in Your Family (Thursday evenings in May)

Giggles, growth and great conversations await! Parents and children start the class side by side, diving into playful, developmentally rich activities. Parents then step away to connect and chat while children keep exploring and creating with their teacher. It’s a time for everyone to learn and shine!

During the separation time parents will engage in focused discussions around technology use in the home- including impacts, strategies,
and best practices.

ECFE Newsletter

Are you ready for summer? We have some tips

There’s no one right way to parent — and that’s the point

How we can talk with our kids about bodies, consent and trust

Let them climb just a bit higher: The case for risky — not hazardous — play

Fighting the urge to 'fix' sibling conflict when it happens

Loving your child the way they need to be loved

Screens are everywhere, so let's talk about healthy use

On board with chores: The benefits of having your kids pitch in

Building reward systems that work for your family

You have permission to seize your own holiday

Stay engaged, stay curious: Tips for understanding developmental milestones

'Drink it while it's hot': Remember to care for yourself, too

Sugar rush: Striking a balance with holiday treats

Hello! We are Heather and Lynnea, and we are here to help

Early Childhood Special Education

Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) services are designed for children from birth until kindergarten enrollment who have been identified with a delay in development. Evaluations and services are provided at no cost to the parents.

Early Intervention Services for children birth through age two are provided in their natural environments through the public school system. A variety of service providers which may include an early childhood special education teacher, physical therapist, occupational therapist or speech/language clinician may provide direct services or consult with your child's team based on the family and child's identified needs.
Preschool Special Education services for students age three to Kindergarten entrance are typically provided in early learning environments. Specialized services such as speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, developmental adaptive physical education (DAPE), early childhood special education, and busing are provided based on the student's needs within their learning environment.

If you have concerns about a child in either of these age group, please make a referral in through one of the available options listed. Someone from the district will contact you to follow up with your concerns.

Birth to Age 5 Referral Printable Form
Birth to Age 5 Referral Electronic Form
Call 507-494-0842 to make a referral by phone.

If you would like more information about early childhood development or to make a referral through the Minnesota Help Me Grow system, visit the Help Me Grow website at http://helpmegrowmn.org/HMG/index.htm .

Class Fees

How do I determine class fees?

The class fee is determined by your family income (see sliding fee schedule)
The fee is per child with a family maximum
No family will be turned away due to inability to pay
Pay for your ECFE class with a credit card OR pay in person by cash or check.
Please make checks payable to: ECFE

Family's Yearly Gross Income	Fee per child per class	Max per family per class
90,000 +	$95	$190
80,000-89,999	$81	$162
70,000 -79,999	$71	$142
60,000-69,999	$59	$118
50,000-59,999	$45	$90
40,000-49,999	$37	$74
30,000-39,999	$32	$64
20,000-29,999	$26	$52
Under 19,999	$11	$22

May We Hold Space For You?

"May We Hold Space For You" is a bi-monthly newsletter full of parenting tips, resources and community that have become the trademark of Winona Early Childhood Family Education classes over the last four decades.

Sugar rush: Striking a balance with holiday treats

Stay engaged, stay curious: Tips for understanding developmental milestones

You have permission to seize your own holiday

Building reward systems that work for your family