Wondering what to look for in a quality Early Childhood program?
We have:
- teachers licensed in early childhood (4 year degree, minimum)
- curriculum that is age appropriate
- a link to kindergarten
- tracking of children’s progress
- frequent communication with parents through newsletters and conferences
- an open atmosphere that welcomes parents to visit and observe
- large muscle time in gym and playground choices for children
- individualized instruction respecting different learning styles and abilities
- support services (speech, etc.)
- parent involvement
- licensed parent educators for parents (4 year degree, minimum)
Parent Resources
Minnesota Department of Education/Early Learning Services
Imagination Library
Reach-Up, Inc.
Minnesota Thrive Initiative
Special Services at Sauk Rapids-Rice
Early Childhood Indicators of Progress (State Standards)
Fun Facts About Us
Sauk Rapids-Rice Early Childhood Programs is a 4-Star Parent Aware rated program. Four stars is the highest ranking a program can receive.
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.
Our School Readiness Preschool classes are integrated with Early Childhood Special Education. Typically developing children have the opportunity to be part of classes including children with a variety of abilities.
Home visits are available for families in special circumstances.
Groups are offered every morning, Monday through Thursday evenings to meet the needs of busy young families.
Curriculum is based on developmentally appropriate practices for children and Minnesota state standards for Early Childhood. Parent education curriculum is 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.
Funding comes from state aid and a local levy. Tuition fees and additional funding from a variety of grants and collaborations maintain the program.
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.
For more information about Early Childhood Family Programs visit the Minnesota Department of Education website.
