echo press | Wednesday, March 29, 2023
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Celebrate the Week of the Young Child April 1-7
Support for young families is close to home By April Larson Parent educator, Early Education Center ecoming a parent is a life change like no other. It is filled with new emotions, joys, challenges, roles and routines. Parents successfully adjust to a new lifestyle over time with simple strategies. Research suggests parents will positively navigate the transition into parenthood with a few evidence-based strategies, including taking tender care of themselves, validating the myriad of new emotions in themselves as well as their co-parent, accepting practical support and maintaining emotional connection to others. The good news is that parents do not need to make this adjustment alone. Support
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is in place for parents to sail new waters feeling confident, empowered and connected – at all stages of their child’s early years. One such support is through the Early Childhood Family Education program. This parenting education program is offered through Minnesota public school districts for families with children from birth to school age. The goal of ECFE is to support parents as their child’s first and most enduring teachers. It is built on the understanding that parents provide their child’s first and most significant learning environment. Licensed program educators are trained to support families with evidence-based tools to support healthy early childhood development based on current brain science.
Families can ask questions, connect with other parents and learn more about supporting their children with a strong developmental start. Everyone with young children is invited to participate in ECFE classes. Whether you have one child or six; whether you are parenting biological children or adopted; whether you are a custodial grandparent, parent or hired caregiver, ECFE might be a great fit to support you as you support the growth of the young children in your life. You can learn more about your neighborhood ECFE program by calling your local school district. Alexandria Public Schools residents can find a list of class opportunities at alexandria. ce.eleyo.com.
Week of the Young Child is a fun-filled week celebrating early learning, young children, their teachers, families and communities. It is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The purpose of the Week of the Young Child is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs.
Making time at the family table is important. Elden’s has you covered! OPEN 6 AM - 10 PM, 7 DAYS A WEEK!
320-763-3446 • www.ELDENS.com • Corner of 3rd & Nokomis, Alexandria Check out our new weekly digital ad on the Elden’s App
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