Once an ECFE Baby, Now an ECFE Parent!
As you know, ECFE (Early Childhood Family Education) has been a cornerstone of family and early childhood support since it began in 1974. Over the years, it has become much more than just an educational program—it’s been a lifeline for families and a place for connection.
In the December issue of the Early Learning Services Newsletter, a touching story was shared that truly highlights the lasting impact of ECFE across generations. It features Elisabeth Fondell, who attended ECFE as a child in Dawson, MN, and is now attending ECFE in Marshall, MN with her own son. This full-circle experience is a beautiful reminder of how ECFE shapes the lives of families over time.
Elisabeth recalls, "I attended ECFE as a four-year-old. Our family had just moved to Dawson, and I know it was a great way for my parents to meet people. I remember playing with the other kids in the preschool room, the new toys and books, and especially the circle time. I can still remember (and my mother reminds me) the song we'd sing every time: 'Elisabeth's here today. Elisabeth's here today. Yay Elisabeth!'"
When Elisabeth and her husband moved to Marshall in 2022, she immediately enrolled her 8-month-old son in ECFE. "I was especially excited for the music and circle time, in addition to the educator-led parent discussion time," she explains. "I can’t tell you how many different things I've learned from other parents during open discussions—everything from sleep training approaches to creating a routine for your child and gentle discipline techniques."
Elisabeth has made ECFE a part of each session with her son, ensuring a spot as soon as the classes open. "Our son loves his teachers and can't wait to go to ECFE every week," she adds.
As MNAFEE members and professionals dedicated to supporting Early Childhood Family Education, we all play a role in these meaningful, multigenerational connections. How has ECFE shaped your own story or the families you work with? We’d love to hear more about your experiences and the journeys that families take as they continue to benefit from the program’s impact, just like Elisabeth’s family.
Let’s continue celebrating and supporting the families who make ECFE a vibrant and essential part of their lives!
In the December issue of the Early Learning Services Newsletter, a touching story was shared that truly highlights the lasting impact of ECFE across generations. It features Elisabeth Fondell, who attended ECFE as a child in Dawson, MN, and is now attending ECFE in Marshall, MN with her own son. This full-circle experience is a beautiful reminder of how ECFE shapes the lives of families over time.
Elisabeth recalls, "I attended ECFE as a four-year-old. Our family had just moved to Dawson, and I know it was a great way for my parents to meet people. I remember playing with the other kids in the preschool room, the new toys and books, and especially the circle time. I can still remember (and my mother reminds me) the song we'd sing every time: 'Elisabeth's here today. Elisabeth's here today. Yay Elisabeth!'"
When Elisabeth and her husband moved to Marshall in 2022, she immediately enrolled her 8-month-old son in ECFE. "I was especially excited for the music and circle time, in addition to the educator-led parent discussion time," she explains. "I can’t tell you how many different things I've learned from other parents during open discussions—everything from sleep training approaches to creating a routine for your child and gentle discipline techniques."
Elisabeth has made ECFE a part of each session with her son, ensuring a spot as soon as the classes open. "Our son loves his teachers and can't wait to go to ECFE every week," she adds.
As MNAFEE members and professionals dedicated to supporting Early Childhood Family Education, we all play a role in these meaningful, multigenerational connections. How has ECFE shaped your own story or the families you work with? We’d love to hear more about your experiences and the journeys that families take as they continue to benefit from the program’s impact, just like Elisabeth’s family.
Let’s continue celebrating and supporting the families who make ECFE a vibrant and essential part of their lives!