Educators and psychologists contend that it is vital for early childhood programs to assist parents in their role as primary educators of their children. Involving families prior to kindergarten enrollment encourages parents to play an active role in their children's learning in the elementary years and beyond. This job requires skills which can be learned. Changes in society underscore the need for Early Childhood Family Education. For example, the high divorce rate creates a growing number of single parent and stepparent families.
Economic pressures result in more families in which both parents are employed.
The general complexity of modern life combines with these factors to create intense stress on families of all income levels. Finally, a growing percentage of children and families are living in poverty which makes meeting even basic needs a daily struggle. Early Childhood Family Education was developed through a series of pilot programs funded by the Minnesota Legislature and coordinated by the Minnesota Council on Quality Education from 1974 to 1983. In 1984, the legislature made it possible for any school district with a Community Education program to establish an Early Childhood Family Education program. Families typically participate two hours a week throughout the school year.