These cheerful kids are enjoying the climbing and bouncing toys at the Early Childhood Family Education program Open Gym. To fund Open Gym and other parenting and childhood education programs, E.C.F.E. parents will be hosting a pancake breakfast on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 5 – 6, during Fisherman’s Picnic.
Anyone who has ever caught the action at the Early Childhood Family Education (E.C.F.E.) Open Gym events at Cook County Community Education knows that local kids have a fabulous time at this program. What is especially good news is that Open Gym is just one facet of what E.C.F.E. offers the community.
E.C.F.E. Coordinator Lynn Sheils explains that for 16 weeks of the school year, classes are held for children newborn to 5 years old and their parents. ECFE classes give children time to get together, socialize and be exposed to valuable school readiness skills. “This is also an opportunity for parents and their children to strengthen their relationships through messy play, reading books, dress-up and art, just to name a few activities,” said Sheils.
Then, while their children are being cared for, parents also get a chance to meet and discuss current parenting topics, gain parenting support and exchange ideas with each other.
On August 5 – 6 from 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the Cook County Community Center, E.C.F.E. will be hosting its annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser. The cost is $4 for children and $6 for adults. Family volunteers will be serving all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee.
Sheils said proceeds from this fundraiser will be used to supplement participation fees for Open Gym and to purchase play and learning equipment. “Please come out to the Community Center and start your Fisherman’s Picnic mornings with a hearty breakfast while you support the young families of Cook County,” she said.
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