WELCOME TO NORTHFIELD ECFE!

We are so glad you are here! Below you will find everything you need to know about our program.

Still have questions? Call/text Ellen @ 507-301-7369.

What is ECFE?

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) is an inclusive, supportive and welcoming program for parents and caregivers of children birth to kindergarten entrance.

Classes are designed for children's development and to support parents, grandparents, and caregivers. Each class is planned and staffed by licensed teachers. And while no programs are exactly the same, these elements are in every program:

Individual attention time with parents/caregivers and their children to help strengthen bonds
Playful learning time to help children with their next phase while minimizing separation anxiety
Supportive discussion time for parents and caregivers to talk about their parenting goals and concerns

CLASSES: CLICK TO VIEW

ECFE 2026-2027

FREquently asked Questions

When are ECFE Classes? We offer 4 sessions each year: Fall, Winter, Spring & Summer.

How do I register? Registration window times vary, but you can view all of our classes here year round. Registration opens early August, December, February, and April.

I missed the registration window...can I still join? Maybe! Contact us to find out what openings we might have.

Who can sign up? Anyone who cares for children! We welcome moms, dads, grandparents, and nannies.

How much do classes cost? Class fees are on a sliding scale according to your income. We also offer partial and full scholarships. No one is turned away from ECFE!

How does sibling care work? Sibling care is onsite child care for parents wishing to attend class with one child. Siblings have their own classroom and fun activities. Most of our classes offer sibling care, and we need at least two children to register for sibling care in order to provide it. We do everything we can to ensure everyone gets into a class.

Our Classrooms

INfant & Toddler ROom

Children stay with caregivers for the entire class in this room.

Preschool/Explorers Room

Children spend half of the class in this room with an early childhood teacher and 1-2 educational assistants. Adults go to the Parent Room for discussion.

Parent Room

Adults relax with tea or coffee to discuss all things parenting!

Photos from Last Year

Outdoor classroom

Meet our staff

Ms. Libby—Children’s Teacher

I grew up in Northfield and moved back about two years ago to raise my boys, Owen (10th grade) and Isaac (3rd). We love to go out for ice cream, go for walks and bike rides, and swim at grandma + grandpa’s. I also enjoy reading and doing puzzles in my spare time.

I received my undergrad from Minnesota State University, Mankato and my Master's from Concordia University, St. Paul. I have been teaching for 21 years, with most of my experience in 3-year-old preschool. However, teaching ECFE has won over my heart because I love seeing our families learn, play, and connect with each other.

Ms. Ellen—Family Teacher

Brian and I have been married for 24 years. Emily is a junior at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter studying Public Health & Psychology. Matthew is freshman at Iowa State studying Aerospace Engineering. I love to travel, garden, go camping, and sing in a Northfield's chamber choirs. I’m also always listening to one book and reading another. We live in the country with our husky/shepherd Luna.

I received my a K-8 teaching degree from Concordia University, St. Paul. But after going to ECFE with my own kids and absolutely loving it, I went back for an additional license in Family Education at the University of Minnesota. This is my 16th year of teaching, and I absolutely love being a part of families growing and learning together.

Ms. Brianna—Educational Assistant

My husband James and I have been married for 13 years. We have two daughters; Emilia is a 5th grader and Savannah is a 3rd grader at Bridgewater. I enjoy gardening + hanging out with my chickens, thrift shopping and reading in my spare time.

I have a Bachelor's in psychology from the University of Northern Iowa and my Masters in Human Resource Management from Concordia University. My career plans pivoted when I became a stay at home mom. After enjoying ECFE classes with my youngest, I decided to join this wonderful staff! This is my fifth year, and I have really enjoyed getting to know all the sweet kiddos and parents.

Ms. Sarah—Educational Assistant/Sibling Care

My husband, Derek and I have been married for 14 years. Our daughter, Anna, is in 2nd grade. I love the outdoors, spending time with family and friends, and reading.

I have a Bachelor's Degree in Family Social Sciences from the University of Minnesota and a Master's degree in higher education from Oklahoma State University--Tulsa. After my daughter was born, I became a stay at home parent and participated in ECFE. I saw how much my daughter loved going, how much I was learning, and how grateful I felt to be a part of such a supportive community. As I thought about my next steps, I knew supporting children and families was where I wanted to be. I love ECFE! This will be my 3rd year with our incredible team. I'm so excited to connect with you and your children this year.

Ms. Tori—Educational Assistant/Sibling Care

My husband Travis and I have been married for 12 years. We have five kids: Scarlett (10), Evelyn (8), Amelia (6), Myles (4), and TJ (2.5). We love to be outside riding bikes and going to parks around Northfield. In the wintertime we spend a lot of time at the library and the zoo!

I was a stay at home mom for 8 years, but I recently started at Normandale pursuing an early childhood/elementary education degree. I loved bringing my own kids to ECFE since my second was born and I am excited to start my third year here! I look forward to getting to know all of you and your kids!

Established in 1974 and unique to Minnesota, ECFE is the largest and oldest program of its kind in the country and has been cited as a national model for parent education and family support.

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