The Pella School Board approved rates related to expanded offerings for young children in the district’s new Viersen Early Learning Center.

Director of Early Childhood Education Sarah Kuennen says the new facility east of Madison Elementary will be open for registration in March and for preschool and daycare this fall. Kuennen says the first 2,000 days of a child’s life are a critical time for learning, and the services they are adding to traditional preschool aim to provide structure and enhance growth during that time.

Beyond the free half-day four year old preschool required by law, the Little Dutch Academy at the Viersen Early Learning Center will have three-year old preschool and a wide range of childcare options for over 11 hours daily during the work week, with a range of options to fit the schedules of families.

Those who want to learn more about those programs are encouraged to attend an Early Childhood Meeting on Thursday, February 22nd at Madison Elementary.