This week Kat sits down with Sarah Fritsch, who is the Early Childhood Coordinator for the Big Lake School District.
This fun conversation is full of great information and tidbits. As the Early Childhood Coordinator, Sarah has a unique perspective on families with young children, and this episode is a great way to learn not only about early childhood programs, but also some great information about young children.
ECFE is Early Childhood Family Education. ECSE is early childhood special education. While the two acronyms are often confused, they both envelope very different and special programming. ECSE if for children ages 0-5 who can use some extra help before heading into Kindergarten. ECFE on the other hand, is for any child ages 0 to 8, and is a support system for those children and their families.
ECFE is open for any family of young children, it’s not income or needs based and you don’t have to reside in the district.
Early Childhood screening is for ages 3-5, and isn’t just for Kindergarten, it’s intended to identify any issues early to get kids the help they need before starting Kindergarten. This service can be found at your local school district.
Sarah provides some great tips for the early childhood screening at 20:30, as this screening can sometimes cause unnecessary stress for families and kids.
Discussion on nature based classrooms at approx 29:00
Big Lake’s family literacy class is open for everyone, but designed for English language learning families as a space space for families learning English.
Big Lake ECFE also provides a drop in service for childcare providers, because childcare providers are such an important resource to families.
Family Fun Fest is happening October 6, from 5:00-7:00. Family fun fest is a family resource fair full of fun, free family activities!
At the end of the episode, Kat and Sarah talk about Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. Sarah is a huge proponent of DPIL, and 47% of eligible kids in the Big Lake area are enrolled in the program! Imagination Library is helping to build a culture of reading and learning in families by providing free, high quality literature to all families. SCAUW is an affiliate and provides the program in our area, where over 1600 kids are currently enrolled.
Find Big Lake ECFE online:
https://www.facebook.com/biglakecommunityed
https://www.facebook.com/groups/BigLakeECFE
Find SCAUW online:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sherburneunitedway
Instagram: @scauw
