At MNAFEE (Minnesota Association for Family and Early Education), we believe strong families build strong communities. For more than two decades, MNAFEE has supported parent education, Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE), and early childhood programming in Minnesota’s public schools through professional development, connection, and advocacy.
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Thank you for a great conference! MNAFEE's 40th Annual Conference Making an Impact Together: Shaping Early Childhood Culture
Save the Date 2027 MNAFEE Annual Conference April 14–16, 2027 St. Cloud River’s Edge Convention Center |
Each year, we take time to recognize and celebrate the importance of early childhood during the Week of the Young Child — a national initiative that highlights the needs of young children and their families while recognizing the programs and professionals who support them.
Early childhood is a time of rapid brain development, when the foundations for lifelong learning, behavior, and health are built. The experiences children have in these early years shape not only their individual futures, but also the strength and well-being of our communities across Minnesota.
Throughout this week, we honor the incredible work of early childhood educators, family educators, caregivers, and program leaders who create nurturing environments where children can learn, grow, and thrive. We also recognize the vital role families play as children’s first and most important teachers.
The Minnesota Association for Family and Early Education (MNAFEE) is proud to support and advocate for the professionals and programs that make high-quality early childhood and family education accessible across our state.
We are also pleased to share that Governor Tim Walz has officially proclaimed April 11–17 as the Week of the Young Child in Minnesota, reinforcing the importance of continued investment in early learning and family support.
👉 View the proclamation: [link]
As we celebrate this week, we invite you to reflect on the impact of early childhood education and join us in supporting strong, connected communities where every child and family can thrive.
Early childhood is a time of rapid brain development, when the foundations for lifelong learning, behavior, and health are built. The experiences children have in these early years shape not only their individual futures, but also the strength and well-being of our communities across Minnesota.
Throughout this week, we honor the incredible work of early childhood educators, family educators, caregivers, and program leaders who create nurturing environments where children can learn, grow, and thrive. We also recognize the vital role families play as children’s first and most important teachers.
The Minnesota Association for Family and Early Education (MNAFEE) is proud to support and advocate for the professionals and programs that make high-quality early childhood and family education accessible across our state.
We are also pleased to share that Governor Tim Walz has officially proclaimed April 11–17 as the Week of the Young Child in Minnesota, reinforcing the importance of continued investment in early learning and family support.
👉 View the proclamation: [link]
As we celebrate this week, we invite you to reflect on the impact of early childhood education and join us in supporting strong, connected communities where every child and family can thrive.
Providing practical and accessible professional resources to strengthen the leadership skills of members
The MNAFEE membership year runs from April 1 - March 31.
- Professional Development - Support your professional advancement with relevant and practical training options.
- Advocacy - The voice for children, families, and staff.
- Networking Support - Groups for Early Childhood Administrators organized by regions.
- Employment Support - Free online listing of open positions across the state related to parent and early childhood education and administration.
- Parent Education Core Curriculum Framework - Comprehensive guide to planning curriculum for parent education programs.
- Marketing Toolkit - Free tools including logos, marketing templates, and multi-language promotional posters.
MNAFEE provides the opportunity to become a member as a school district or as an individual. Our goal is to have at least one MNAFEE member from every school district in the state. Learn more.
Honoring a Pioneer: Sue Stoner's Legacy of Leadership
Since 1986, Sue Stoner has been the guiding force behind MNAFEE's annual conference and a pioneering leader in Minnesota's early childhood education community. For nearly four decades, her passion, mentorship, and unwavering commitment have shaped professional development opportunities for countless educators across our state. From her hands-on presence at every conference to her visionary leadership on the board and planning committee, Sue has created lasting change in how we support young children and their families. Join us in celebrating an extraordinary career dedicated to building a stronger village for Minnesota's earliest learners.
Read the full story.
A Statement from MNAFEE
MNAFEE acknowledges the emotional load being carried by early childhood and family education professionals, children, and families across Minnesota.
Schools and early learning environments must be places of safety, stability, and belonging. When fear enters the spaces where children learn and grow, it affects development, relationships, and trust - the foundations of healthy communities.
Early childhood and family educators understand the lasting impact of trauma, especially on young children. Many of the families we serve already carry generational trauma. Fear and instability in schools and neighborhoods deepen that burden and risk being carried forward.
We teach children kindness, gentleness, and care for others. We support families through trusted relationships and community connection. These values guide our work and our advocacy.
Fear cannot be normalized.
Violence cannot be accepted.
Shared humanity must remain at the center of our work.
No child, family, or educator should live in fear simply because they exist.
MNAFEE remains committed to supporting safe, inclusive early childhood and family education programs in public schools and to advocating for the well-being of all families.
Read the entire statement.
MNAFEE acknowledges the emotional load being carried by early childhood and family education professionals, children, and families across Minnesota.
Schools and early learning environments must be places of safety, stability, and belonging. When fear enters the spaces where children learn and grow, it affects development, relationships, and trust - the foundations of healthy communities.
Early childhood and family educators understand the lasting impact of trauma, especially on young children. Many of the families we serve already carry generational trauma. Fear and instability in schools and neighborhoods deepen that burden and risk being carried forward.
We teach children kindness, gentleness, and care for others. We support families through trusted relationships and community connection. These values guide our work and our advocacy.
Fear cannot be normalized.
Violence cannot be accepted.
Shared humanity must remain at the center of our work.
No child, family, or educator should live in fear simply because they exist.
MNAFEE remains committed to supporting safe, inclusive early childhood and family education programs in public schools and to advocating for the well-being of all families.
Read the entire statement.
The Parent Education Core Curriculum Framework (PECCF) is now available! This comprehensive resource, developed by MNAFEE, offers parent educators a structured approach to curriculum planning and implementation. The framework provides essential guidance for creating meaningful, effective parent education programs that respond to diverse family needs.
Visit our professional resources page to download your copy of the PECCF and begin enhancing your parent education initiatives today!
The Parent Education Core Curriculum Framework (PECCF) is now available! This comprehensive resource, developed by MNAFEE, offers parent educators a structured approach to curriculum planning and implementation. The framework provides essential guidance for creating meaningful, effective parent education programs that respond to diverse family needs.
Visit our professional resources page to download your copy of the PECCF and begin enhancing your parent education initiatives today!
Did you know that volunteers are vital to supporting MNAFEE's shared vision for our profession now and in the future?
The work of MNAFEE doesn't just happen. There are a number of committees working behind the scenes.
There’s no better time than now to join MNAFEE as a volunteer! Whether you are a MNAFEE member, early childhood or parent education student, current, or retired professional - all are welcome. As a volunteer, you can use your time and talents when you can, and have FUN! As a volunteer, no commitment is too small.
Learn how you can help and support the mission and vision of MNAFEE through working on a committee.
The work of MNAFEE doesn't just happen. There are a number of committees working behind the scenes.
There’s no better time than now to join MNAFEE as a volunteer! Whether you are a MNAFEE member, early childhood or parent education student, current, or retired professional - all are welcome. As a volunteer, you can use your time and talents when you can, and have FUN! As a volunteer, no commitment is too small.
Learn how you can help and support the mission and vision of MNAFEE through working on a committee.
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MNAFEE Calendar of Events
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