Minnesota Early Childhood Initiative
                    Love, Learn, Thrive
                                •Birth to Five•

Mission to Douglas County

Douglas County Building Connections, an Early Childhood Initiative Community, supports building strong connections between families, communities, businesses, and governing bodies.  This project is funded by West Central Initiative, with support from local schools, governing bodies, and local businesses. The project goals are:

1. Acknowledge and build awareness of the importance of early childhood development and education and the essential role it plays in the community.
2. Ensure that all young children have access to opportunities to grow, thrive and be ready for school.
3. Increase the availability of early childhood opportunities by promoting on-going activities and events across Douglas County while creating new opportunities for families.

• Membership to Alexandria Chamber of Commerce - 2007
• County-wide FRED events with local Early Childhood Family Education districts (spring 2007)
• "I love to read" event with district 206 Early Childhood Family Education, (February 2007)
• Tooth Talk with Early Childhood Dental Network, a regional project (February 2007)
• Penny and Pals with Osakis Early Childhood Family Education (March 2007)
• Dental Clinic with Early Childhood Dental Network, a regional project (April 2007)
• Week of the Young Child - (Spring 2006 & 2007)
• Music in the Park (Summer 2006 & 2007)
• Lakes Area Kids Day (Spring 2006 & 2007)

Lakes Area Kids Day - On May 20, 2006 the Alexandria Area Chiropractic Association along with several other organizations in Douglas County organized the 1st annual Lakes Area Kids Day. It was designed to be a spin off of the internally recognized Kids Day America, Lakes Area Kids Day is an event where parents and children can learn about children's issues including health, wellness, safety, nutrition, community and environment. There was entertainment throughout the event, which included Rick Wieber's Bicycle Stunt Show, Hide-n-Seek with Central Lakes Search and Rescue dogs, Ringo Radar from the Beetles, Giggles the Clown, the Alexandria Aces and much more. More than 1,000 people attended the event. Look for information in the spring of 2007 about the 2007 Lakes Area Kids Day.

         

Music in the Park - Throughout the month of August in 2006 every Thursday night from 6-8pm at the Band shell at City Park, Building Connections sponsored 'Music in the Park'. Local musicians and performers came to entertain children and their families. Entertainment included, DJ's, live music and storytelling. Around 100 people attended each night. Building Connections hopes to sponsor similar events in 2007.