South Washington County Schools’ Early Childhood Family Education

Margie Hafer gives herself extra time to run errands around Woodbury; she always needs a few minutes to chat with families around town. Hafer has been an Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) teacher for South Washington County Schools for more than 20 years and has gotten to know countless kids during her long career. “I’ve seen change in Woodbury,” Hafer says, “but one thing that’s stayed the same is that parents always want what’s best for their children, and they seek that out.” Cindy Saarela, the district’s ECFE program coordinator, says that Hafer, who has worked primarily with infants and toddlers for the past decade, is “an institution. One of her strengths is relationship-building,” she says. Amy Scoggins, whose three kids attended class with Hafer, echoes that sentiment. “I think Margie was put on this earth to be a teacher for young kids,” Scoggins says.Hafer and her husband, John, raised their own kids, daughter Teri and son Derek, in Woodbury. They are now grandparents to three little ones ages 8, 6 and 2, with number four on the way, which is especially rewarding as Hafer is certified in infant massage; one of her favorite tasks is visiting newborns at Woodwinds Health Campus or at home to teach families about massage techniques for their babies. “I love seeing the way [babies] change each month and even each week,” she says.ECFE classes are open to kids from birth to age 5, and they focus on age-appropriate learning, social interaction and play. Parents also attend class with a parent educator to learn about topics from infant sleep schedules to kindergarten readiness.