ECFE Fun Facts

Sauk Rapids-Rice Early Childhood Programs has been designated an "exemplary program" by the Doris Duke Foundation and the Center for the Study of Social Policy in Washington, DC. The only early childhood program in Minnesota to receive this award, Sauk Rapids-Rice is one of 21 programs throughout the nation that was honored by this distinction.

Many of the School Readiness Preschool classes are integrated with Early Childhood Special Education. Typically developing children have the opportunity to be part of classed that include children with a variety of abilities.

Early Childhood programs work collaboratively with many agencies and programs in our community and schools, including Adult Basic Education, Benton County Human Services, IEIC (Interagency Early Intervention Committee), Reach Up/ Head Start, Early Childhood Special Education, United Way and the Benton County Children's Mental Health Collaborative.

Homevisits are available for families in special circumstances.

Funding comes from state aid and a local levy. Tuition fees and additional funding from a variety of grants and collaborations maintain the program.

Groups are offered everyday and Monday through Thursday evenings to meet the needs of busy young families.

Curriculum is based on developmentally appropriate practice for children and individualized for each parent group.

All teachers must hold a license in early childhood and/or parent education, with a minimum of a 4 year degree.

Registration information is mailed to all district residents in the Community Education Brochure each quarter. Fall registration begins in late April or early May.

For more information about Early Childhood Family Programs visit the Minnesota Department of Education website.