Jackson County Central
Early Childhood
Family Education

A Program of Jackson County Central Community Education
                                                                    Riverside  Elementary
                                                         Jackson, MN    56143     874-5868 www.jccschools.com

"BUILDING STRONG FAMILIES"

What is Early Childhood Family Education?

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) is a program of Jackson County Central community Education offering classes and programs for families with young children from birth to kindergarten entrance. ECFE recognized that parents are a child's first and most important teachers. Our programs emphasize parent involvement and family education.

A TYPICAL 1-1/2 HOUR ECFE CLASS INCLUDES:

Children's Activity Time ... Parent/Child Activity Time ... is
a variety of activities and material for chance for the child and parent to play,
children are available, as well as a learn, to discover and enjoy each other
a chance to develop social skills through without the distraction of home.
interaction with other children.  
  Child Care... is provided for sibling of
Parent Education Time ... provides the child who is attending class. Please
support to parent in their very important tell us when you register how many
job of child rearing, information on child children you will be bringing for child
development, and discussion of parenting care. Sibling care is available for children
techniques. through first grade only.

Classes are offered during day and evening hours for a variety of age groupings:

Infants (0-24 months)
1's & 2's (12-24 months)
2's & 3's (24-48 months)
4 & 5 year olds
Family Class (2 - 5 years)

Class enrollment is limited to insure a safe, productive environment. Maximum of 12 per class

To Register for ECFE classes ...

The Jackson ECFE office is located at Riverside Elementary School, 820 Park Street. You may register in person or by phone, 847-5868. Please use your child's age on Sept. 1 to enroll your child in our class.. Use the age ranges given to register for the infant class. Children generally stay in the same class for the whole year. Please ask if you're unsure about which class to enroll in.

All children are required to be properly immunized. Please bring immunization records to the first class.

Everyone is welcome at ECFE! If the class fee is a problem for your family, call us -- we can help!

* * * * * * * * * *
Special Events   Toy Library
Parent Resource Library Discovery Place Preschool
Newsletter Early Childhood Screening

Special Events ... Are held during the year and they include Dad's Nights, Grandparent's Night, Swim Nights at the Jackson Pool, Holiday and Spring Workshops, Pumpkin Patch visit and special speakers.

Toy Library ... Are you looking for a new puzzle or game to enjoy with your child? Visit the ECFE Toy Library to choose building toys, animal families, puzzles for all ages, games, flannel board stories or large muscle activities. Toys can be checked out for two week at a time.

Parent Resource Library ... A wide selection of parenting books available to help parents answer questions on child development, parenting issues, health and behavior.

Discovery Place Preschool ... If you are the parent of a child age 3 to 5 and already participate in Early Childhood Family Education parent-child classes, you may also enroll your child in Discovery Place Preschool. Classes meet weekly throughout the school year to provide extra enrichment opportunities in an age-appropriate curriculum. Discovery Place is funded through a Learning Readiness grant. Transportation can be arranged for a small weekly fee.

4 & 5 Year Olds 3  Year Olds
The M-W-F afternoon session is The Tuesday Morning session is
for children who are at least 4 years old designed for children who are 3
by Sept. 1. Children who are 5 but not years old by Sept. 1. This class introduces
attending kindergarten are also welcome children to cooperative play,
in this class. As the children grow and sitting for a story, and following
learn in this class, more school readiness simple directions. Art, science, math
activities are offered. Children are and reading activities, music, large
introduced to school routines and activities. muscle play and dramatic play are all
Field trips are an extra opportunity for children available during preschool.
to learn about their world.  

Newsletters ... Families in the Jackson County Central school district who have children age birth to kindergarten entrance receive an ECFE newsletter. This newsletter includes class and special event information. If you don't receive the newsletter, please call our office, 847-5868.

Early Childhood Screening ... Is required of all children in Minnesota before they enter kindergarten. General health, hearing, vision, coordination, speech, and learning development are checked and then reviewed with the parent. Screening results will help identify needs that may required special attention before your child enters school. Parent can discuss their concerns and find out about resources in the school and community. Children should be screened at age 3. For more information, call Anita Whisney at 847-5868.

For more information check out the State websites at:

http://www.education.state.mn.us/htm/intro_early_learning.htm