Ridgefield Early Learning Center to offer more services

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The Ridgefield School District’s Early Learning Center will offer more preschool options during the upcoming school year. 

The learning center has partnered with Educational Opportunities for Children and Families (EOCF) to access more services through the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP), according to a news release.

The center will now have additional spots for local children ages 3 to 5, specifically for those “experiencing developmental or environmental factors or whose families meet income eligibility requirements,” stated the release.

“Ridgefield School District is committed to providing opportunities for children and families," said Erika Muir, early learning coordinator. "This partnership is an important step toward ensuring high-quality early childhood education opportunities for our community.”

Children facing a developmental delay, disability or special need could qualify for ECEAP, stated the release. Other factors could include homelessness or living in foster care.

Staff at ECEAP programs work to build relationships with the children and families to support the child’s overall health and wellness, states the release.

Research shows that children who take advantage of early learning opportunities have a higher chance of going into kindergarten with “enhanced” math, language and social skills, stated the release.



“Research has also proven that children who receive high quality early learning services are less likely to be in special education or repeat a grade in school, less likely to become pregnant as a teen or become involved in a crime, are more likely to graduate from high school and go on to college, and more likely to be employed and to earn more as adults,” stated the release.

The Early Learning Center was established in 2019 to serve local children. EOCF has provided services to Clark, Pacific and Cowlitz counties for about 28 years.

“Early learning opportunities help children reach their full potential,” said Nathan McCann, Ridgefield School District superintendent. “We are pleased to have this opportunity to expand access to early learning to more children and families in our community.”

For questions pertaining to the Ridgefield School District Early Learning Center, contact Erika Muir at 360-619-1333 or by email at erika.muir@ridgefieldsd.org.

For more information about the EOCF or ECEAP, reach out to Andi Greear at 360-567-2720 or by email at andi.greear@eocfwa.org.

To register and view frequently asked questions, visit www.eocfwa.org.