Invest in Early Learning. Invest in Our Community.
From parents and caregivers to childcare providers and school-age educators, ECC gives every adult the knowledge, tools, and support they need to help children thrive in our community.
Your donation helps provide:
Starting Strong Rapid City
Expanded access to high-quality early learning for low-income families
Parent Resources & Education
Support for families during their child’s most important developmental years
Childcare Provider Professional Development
Resources & training for childcare and school-age providers
Community Education
American Red Cross CPR/AED/First Aid courses, Babysitting training, and our hands-on outdoor classroom
Supporting high-quality early education is one of the most powerful & cost-effective ways to strengthen our community.
Our Impact in 2025
47
communities served
1,013
teachers engaged in professional development
278
classes provided
570
people trained in CPR
944
car seats distributed
Quality early education reduces academic failure, dropout rates, crime, and poverty, and lays the foundation for a more prosperous future for us all.
A donation to ECC supports the long-term success of local children, families, and our community.
“For some families, Starting Strong is the difference between being able to afford groceries or preschool.”
— Pam, Director
“Starting Strong made it possible to keep my daughter in school with her friends so I could continue to work.”
-Sadie, Parent
Help provide quality preschool
According to the National Institute for Early Childhood Research, almost half of all 3-year-olds and a third of all 4-year-olds in the United States are not in preschool because many parents can’t afford it.
Studies show preschool can help reduce behavior problems in elementary and middle school. It also makes it more likely that students will graduate from high school and go to college.
Support the Starting Strong scholarship campaign and help us provide quality preschool to low-income children.
Other generous donors to our Starting Strong scholarship fund include the city of Rapid City, the United Way of the Black Hills, Gwendolyn Stearns Foundation, and the John T. Vucurevich Foundation.
Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.