ECFE helps you and your child feel happier and more confident in school. We focus on play-based learning that is hands-on and mind-on. All classes include parent and child-led play and a circle time with stories and songs. There is also a time for the parents to discuss parenting topics with a licensed parent educator. During parent group, the children are guided in their learning by a licensed early childhood teacher.Our program supports you to: Understand your child’s development Enhance parenting strategies Provide opportunities to develop social and emotional awareness Develop problem-solving skills with your child Learn techniques to guide child behavior Gain friendships with other families Build your connection with the school district Access to community resources

A donation helps provide financial assistance to participants experiencing financial hardship, ensuring cost is not a barrier to access and participation and supplies used in Early Childhood. 

Explore Early Childhood programs that are built to nurture the growth and development of your young learner as well as provide support to families.

We value and prioritize providing the best learning environment for your child. It's important that your child's growth and development during early childhood is started right way. Our teachers have a four-year degree, minimum in early childhood. We provide curriculum that is age appropriate and tracks the children's progress. To ensure every child is receiving what they need, we have individualized instruction respecting different learning styles and abilities. We offer support services like speech to provide each child with help where it is needed. We encourage parent involvement and offer frequent communication through newsletters and conferences. Our open atmosphere invites parents to visit and observe their child's journey. We also have licensed parent educators for parents with a minimum four-year degree. Building Bright Futures—One Child at a TimeOur early learning programs are designed to support your child’s growth in every way—academically, socially, and emotionally—within a warm and encouraging environment. Preschool at Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools Features Nine months of two, three or five half-days of preschool. An integrated classroom experience with ECSE (Early Childhood Special Education). Both social and academic learning experiences two years before kindergarten. Sliding fee scales, based on family income with nine monthly payments. We offer preschool for 3-5-year-olds. Families who meet eligibility guidelines may qualify for free programming or scholarships.The $50.00 registration fee will be processed upon approval of your child's enrollment.

Preschool Kids Club is a safe, structured, childcare program for children entering preschool at Hillside Early Childhood Center and is sponsored by Sauk Rapids-Rice Community Education. Your child will grow, spend time with friends and experience unique opportunities to explore, create and participate in a variety of activities such as language arts, science, math, technology, arts, social-emotional learning, fine and gross motor skills, physical activities, and special projects. Our goal is to help children learn about themselves and the world around them in a safe, structured, inclusive environment regardless of their ability.

Preschool Kids Club is a safe, structured, childcare program for children entering preschool at Hillside Early Childhood Center and is sponsored by Sauk Rapids-Rice Community Education. Your child will grow, spend time with friends and experience unique opportunities to explore, create and participate in a variety of activities such as language arts, science, math, technology, arts, social-emotional learning, fine and gross motor skills, physical activities, and special projects. Our goal is to help children learn about themselves and the world around them in a safe, structured, inclusive environment regardless of their ability.