© 2015 - Starting Strong Rapid City - Early Childhood Connections Rapid City, SD 57702
What is Starting Strong Rapid City?
Starting Strong Rapid City is a
•
Market Based
•
Voluntary
•
Parent-Driven
community scholarship program for 3- and 4-year-old children
from low income families. It provides scholarships for children so
that they may obtain high-quality early education in order to enter
school ready to learn.
Parents of eligible children can choose a quality preschool from
among approved programs that provide healthy meals and
snacks, quality learning environments and highly qualified educators.
Programs like Starting Strong provide the foundation for:
School readiness, positive attitudes towards education, less need for remedial and special
education services in schools, fewer problems with truancy and delinquency, higher
graduation rates, higher earnings and succcess later in life.
Early Education is Economic Development
Early Education pays huge dividends!
Studies show the return on investment for education is greatest during the preschool years.
More than $7 (and as much as $17) in public funds are saved for every $1 spent on high
quality programs like Starting Strong.
Research finds that when tested at ages 8, 10, and 14, children from disadvantaged backgrounds who were enrolled in
quality pre-kindergarten programs achieved at higher levels than those who weren’t. Former preschool students graduate
from high school at significantly higher rates than non-participants and they earn more in later life.
Give the Gift of Learning &
Invest in the Future!
Scholarship sponsorships are needed.
All funds raised benefit local children & our
community.
There are many ways to contribute. Call 342-6464
for more information.