Celebrating Collaboration: MNAFEE Honored as 2024 Community Education Partner of the Year
We are thrilled to share some exciting news: MNAFEE (Minnesota Association for Family and Early Education) has been honored with the 2024 Community Education Partner of the Year Award by the Minnesota Community Education Association (MCEA)! This prestigious award recognizes MNAFEE’s steadfast commitment to advancing Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) and supporting families, educators, and communities across Minnesota.
This achievement highlights the impactful work of MNAFEE in fostering growth, collaboration, and innovation within Community Education. Through our partnerships with educators, administrators, legislators, and families, we’ve been able to drive progress and create opportunities for families with young children to thrive in supportive and educational environments.
MNAFEE Award Acceptance
"On behalf of the Minnesota Association for Family and Early Education, our board and members, we are truly honored to receive the 2024 Minnesota Community Education Association Partner of the Year award. When we think of the word partner, we think of motivation for progress. All of us in the field of Community Education know the importance of partnering with one another and communities to recognize areas of growth, implement plans, and move organizations forward.
MNAFEE has a long history of working together on behalf of Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE), School Readiness, and other public school early learning programs in urban, suburban, and rural communities. We are grateful for the opportunity to build community by bringing families with young children together in supportive and educational programs, all within Community Education. It is a piece of the lifelong learning that we all strive for.
Through continued partnership, much can be accomplished within communities. We look forward to continuing this movement of growth and know there is much we can all accomplish when we partner together.”
Reflections from Betty Cooke
“As we all know, ECFE is celebrating our 50th anniversary this year at school districts throughout the state. I have been connected with ECFE through various roles during 47 of those 50 years, and I recall the work that my beloved colleague Lois Engstrom did in collaboration with legislators and legislative staff in the early 1980s. That effort led to ECFE moving from a 10-year pilot program in 1984 to becoming available statewide within Community Education in public schools.
We have a 40-year history of working in partnership to support Minnesota’s children and families and look forward to continuing this important collaboration in the years ahead. Thank you so very much for this special award.”
Celebrating a Legacy of Partnership
MNAFEE’s efforts have always been grounded in collaboration. From advocating for ECFE’s expansion statewide to supporting programs like School Readiness and other early learning initiatives, MNAFEE has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of early childhood education in Minnesota. This year’s recognition coincides with ECFE’s 50th anniversary, further underscoring the long-standing partnership between MNAFEE and Community Education.
This award also reflects the collective efforts of countless educators, administrators, and families who have supported MNAFEE’s mission over the years. Together, we’ve worked to build stronger communities by fostering opportunities for lifelong learning and meaningful connections among families.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate this incredible honor, we remain focused on the future. MNAFEE will continue to champion the importance of Early Childhood Family Education and other early learning programs in Minnesota. Through ongoing partnerships, innovative programs, and a shared vision for the future, we’re excited to continue making a difference in the lives of Minnesota’s families.
We extend our deepest gratitude to MCEA for this recognition and to all those who have supported MNAFEE’s mission. Here’s to many more years of partnership and progress!
This achievement highlights the impactful work of MNAFEE in fostering growth, collaboration, and innovation within Community Education. Through our partnerships with educators, administrators, legislators, and families, we’ve been able to drive progress and create opportunities for families with young children to thrive in supportive and educational environments.
MNAFEE Award Acceptance
"On behalf of the Minnesota Association for Family and Early Education, our board and members, we are truly honored to receive the 2024 Minnesota Community Education Association Partner of the Year award. When we think of the word partner, we think of motivation for progress. All of us in the field of Community Education know the importance of partnering with one another and communities to recognize areas of growth, implement plans, and move organizations forward.
MNAFEE has a long history of working together on behalf of Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE), School Readiness, and other public school early learning programs in urban, suburban, and rural communities. We are grateful for the opportunity to build community by bringing families with young children together in supportive and educational programs, all within Community Education. It is a piece of the lifelong learning that we all strive for.
Through continued partnership, much can be accomplished within communities. We look forward to continuing this movement of growth and know there is much we can all accomplish when we partner together.”
- Michelle Berscheid, former MNAFEE Board Chair
Reflections from Betty Cooke
“As we all know, ECFE is celebrating our 50th anniversary this year at school districts throughout the state. I have been connected with ECFE through various roles during 47 of those 50 years, and I recall the work that my beloved colleague Lois Engstrom did in collaboration with legislators and legislative staff in the early 1980s. That effort led to ECFE moving from a 10-year pilot program in 1984 to becoming available statewide within Community Education in public schools.
We have a 40-year history of working in partnership to support Minnesota’s children and families and look forward to continuing this important collaboration in the years ahead. Thank you so very much for this special award.”
- Betty Cooke, MNAFEE founding member and Board member
Celebrating a Legacy of Partnership
MNAFEE’s efforts have always been grounded in collaboration. From advocating for ECFE’s expansion statewide to supporting programs like School Readiness and other early learning initiatives, MNAFEE has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of early childhood education in Minnesota. This year’s recognition coincides with ECFE’s 50th anniversary, further underscoring the long-standing partnership between MNAFEE and Community Education.
This award also reflects the collective efforts of countless educators, administrators, and families who have supported MNAFEE’s mission over the years. Together, we’ve worked to build stronger communities by fostering opportunities for lifelong learning and meaningful connections among families.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate this incredible honor, we remain focused on the future. MNAFEE will continue to champion the importance of Early Childhood Family Education and other early learning programs in Minnesota. Through ongoing partnerships, innovative programs, and a shared vision for the future, we’re excited to continue making a difference in the lives of Minnesota’s families.
We extend our deepest gratitude to MCEA for this recognition and to all those who have supported MNAFEE’s mission. Here’s to many more years of partnership and progress!
MCEA Press Release
For Immediate Release
Minnesota Community Education Association Honors MNAFEE as 2024 Community Education Partner of the Year
[Duluth MN, October 24, 2024] – The Minnesota Community Education Association (MCEA) is proud to announce the Minnesota Association for Family and Early Education (MNAFEE) as the recipient of the 2024 Community Education Partner of the Year Award. This prestigious recognition highlights MNAFEE's outstanding contributions and collaboration within community education, particularly in supporting Minnesota's families and young children.
MNAFEE has been a crucial ally in advancing early childhood and family education across the state. Through innovative programming, policy advocacy, and professional development opportunities, MNAFEE has enabled numerous community education programs to thrive, bringing resources and support to educators, families, and communities alike.
“MNAFEE’s dedication to family and early education initiatives has made a lasting impact across Minnesota,” said Matt Dickhausen, Executive Director of MCEA. “Their commitment to quality, accessibility, and collaboration aligns perfectly with MCEA’s mission, and we are thrilled to recognize their contributions with this award.”
The Community Education Partner of the Year Award acknowledges organizations that demonstrate a commitment to the values and goals of community education by actively partnering with local programs and enhancing community well-being. MNAFEE’s efforts have consistently strengthened Minnesota’s early education landscape, making this recognition well-deserved.
MCEA presented the award at the 2024 MCEA Annual Conference, where education leaders and community partners from across the state gathered to celebrate achievements in community education. The conference offers a unique opportunity for professionals in the field to connect, learn, and be inspired by the incredible work happening in Minnesota's communities.
For more information about the award or the MCEA Annual Conference, please contact:
Matt Dickhausen
Executive Director, Minnesota Community Education Association
Email: [email protected]
About MCEA
The Minnesota Community Education Association is dedicated to supporting and advocating for community education across Minnesota. By providing resources, professional development, and networking opportunities, MCEA empowers community educators to impact lives and foster learning for all.
About MNAFEE
The Minnesota Association for Family and Early Education (MNAFEE) is committed to supporting the development and delivery of family and early childhood education programs throughout Minnesota. Through advocacy, training, and partnerships, MNAFEE strengthens the field and ensures that every family has access to quality early education resources.
Matt Dickhausen
Executive Director
MN Community Education Association
320-455-2407
[email protected]
www.mn-mcea.org
Minnesota Community Education Association Honors MNAFEE as 2024 Community Education Partner of the Year
[Duluth MN, October 24, 2024] – The Minnesota Community Education Association (MCEA) is proud to announce the Minnesota Association for Family and Early Education (MNAFEE) as the recipient of the 2024 Community Education Partner of the Year Award. This prestigious recognition highlights MNAFEE's outstanding contributions and collaboration within community education, particularly in supporting Minnesota's families and young children.
MNAFEE has been a crucial ally in advancing early childhood and family education across the state. Through innovative programming, policy advocacy, and professional development opportunities, MNAFEE has enabled numerous community education programs to thrive, bringing resources and support to educators, families, and communities alike.
“MNAFEE’s dedication to family and early education initiatives has made a lasting impact across Minnesota,” said Matt Dickhausen, Executive Director of MCEA. “Their commitment to quality, accessibility, and collaboration aligns perfectly with MCEA’s mission, and we are thrilled to recognize their contributions with this award.”
The Community Education Partner of the Year Award acknowledges organizations that demonstrate a commitment to the values and goals of community education by actively partnering with local programs and enhancing community well-being. MNAFEE’s efforts have consistently strengthened Minnesota’s early education landscape, making this recognition well-deserved.
MCEA presented the award at the 2024 MCEA Annual Conference, where education leaders and community partners from across the state gathered to celebrate achievements in community education. The conference offers a unique opportunity for professionals in the field to connect, learn, and be inspired by the incredible work happening in Minnesota's communities.
For more information about the award or the MCEA Annual Conference, please contact:
Matt Dickhausen
Executive Director, Minnesota Community Education Association
Email: [email protected]
About MCEA
The Minnesota Community Education Association is dedicated to supporting and advocating for community education across Minnesota. By providing resources, professional development, and networking opportunities, MCEA empowers community educators to impact lives and foster learning for all.
About MNAFEE
The Minnesota Association for Family and Early Education (MNAFEE) is committed to supporting the development and delivery of family and early childhood education programs throughout Minnesota. Through advocacy, training, and partnerships, MNAFEE strengthens the field and ensures that every family has access to quality early education resources.
Matt Dickhausen
Executive Director
MN Community Education Association
320-455-2407
[email protected]
www.mn-mcea.org