Parent Educator

                       
Marietta Rice M.A.
Phone: 952.431.8340
Voicemail: 651.683.6969 Ext. 98422
Buildings: Grace Church, Apple Valley and
Woodland Elementary, Eagan

About Me
I enjoy teaching Family School, a family literacy program that is a collaboration between ECFE and Adult Basic Education at both Apple Valley and Eagan locations. I also love teaching “topic” classes at night and meeting families at the Thursday evening Family Playtime at the ECLC. Coordinating the outreach for Early Childhood Family Education and School Readiness is another fun part of my work (this includes the ECFE catalog and this Web site).

My BA is in child psychology and my M.A. is in education, both from the University of Minnesota. For more than 20 years, I have been a parent educator with District 196 ECFE. Recently I was program coordinator for the Community Engaged Parent Education grant with the University of Minnesota. I have also taught courses, at the University of Minnesota, for teachers working on their parent educator license. Previously, I taught ECFE parent education in White Bear Lake and Minneapolis.

Philosophy
My educational philosophy is to build on strengths, both children and parents! By focusing on what we want children to do (not what we don’t want them to do) we will teach children in a positive, supportive manner. Parents are their children’s first and most important teachers. It’s an awesome joy and responsibility, and ECFE can provide both strategies and support to all parents with young children.

Favorite Authors

These authors are all Minnesotans who have become nationally known and respected speakers and consultants! We are one of the few states to have an Early Childhood Family Education program for all families.

Mary Sheedy Kurcinka (former ECFE Coordinator here in District 196). Mary has written, "Raising Your Spirited Child';  'Kids, Parents and Power Struggles";  and "Sleepless in America: Is Your Child Misbehaving or Missing Sleep"? She has a gift for telling real-life stories from which we learn parenting strategies. Her wisdom is practical and easy to understand. Contact Mary at http://www.parentchildhelp.com

William Doherty (professor and mentor in Community Engaged Parent Education) is the author of "The Intentional Family, Putting Family First" and "Take Back Your Kids: Confident Parenting in Turbulent Times". Dr. Doherty offers new perspectives on family concerns. He has practical ideas for all ages. http://www.drbilldoherty.org

Jean Illsley Clarke (parent educator, consultant and director of the Self-Esteem Center). She has written "How Much Is Enough?";  "Time-In: When Time-Out Doesn’t Work"; "Growing Up Again: Parenting Ourselves, Parenting Our Children"; and "Self-Esteem A Family Affair".  These books address parenting issues and present strategies that really work. http://www.parentingpress.com/a_clarke.html

David Walsh (professor and founder of the National Institute on Media and the Family). Dr. Walsh first wrote "WHY Do They Act That Way? A Survival Guide to the Adolescent Brain for You and Your Teen". His research into how the human brain functions and how we learn led him to create MediaWise, a national institute. Visit www.mediafamily.org for more information. Dr. Walsh’s latest book is "NO: Why Kids—of All Ages—Need to Hear It and Ways Parents Can Say It", an important book for all parents to read.

Topics to Grow On

"Good Job!": Alternatives for Tiny Toddlers

Setting Limits for Tiny Toddlers (12 to 24 Months)

Promoting Reading in the Home

Benefits of Playing Outdoors

Classroom Connection