RPS Expands Early Childhood Opportunities as Enrollment Grows
Parkside Early Childhood Center classrooms are full as more Rockford families seek early learning
opportunities.
ROCKFORD, Mich. — Rockford Public Schools continues to deliver on its commitment to expanding early
childhood opportunities for families. As demand for early learning programs grows, the district has
expanded Developmental Kindergarten, filled all eight full-day preschool classrooms at Parkside Early
Childhood Center and continues to see strong interest from families seeking high-quality early childhood
education.
“We had such a positive experience with our oldest son at Parkside, so we knew we wanted that same
experience for our younger children,” said RPS parent Taylor Porrett. “Our second child is at Parkside
now, and we already plan to send our third when the time comes. It has been a wonderful place for our
kids to learn, grow and become excited about school.”
Full-day preschool enrollment for 3- and 4-year-olds has increased from 76 students in 2024-25 to 134
students in 2025-26 and 141 students this school year—an increase of more than 85% in two years. All
eight full-day preschool classrooms at Parkside are currently full, with additional families remaining on a
waitlist.
Developmental Kindergarten at Parkside has also grown. RPS expanded the program from two
classrooms serving 33 students last year to three classrooms serving 56 students this year, an increase of
nearly 70%.
The growth in Developmental Kindergarten extends district-wide. Enrollment increased from 178
students in September 2025 to 216 students this fall, an increase of more than 21%.
Today, Parkside Early Childhood Center serves 256 students through a range of early childhood
programs and services, including full-day preschool, Developmental Kindergarten and Early Childhood
Special Education.
Beyond Parkside, RPS has also expanded its role in the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP), Michigan’s
state-funded preschool program for eligible 4-year-olds. This school year, RPS oversees two GSRP
classrooms serving 34 students. RPS employs the classroom staff and implements the HighScope
curriculum used across district early childhood programs, creating greater consistency and connection
across early learning experiences.
Parkside also provides programs and services for children ages 3 through 5 who qualify for special
education. These include two Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) classrooms, as well as the
Supported Independent Program (SIP) and Supported Speech Group (SSG). Together, these programs
provide specialized instruction and support based on individual student needs.
“We made a commitment to expand early childhood opportunities for families in Rockford, and it is
encouraging to see families embracing those opportunities,” said Superintendent Dr. Steve Matthews.
“These early years are an important part of a child’s development, and we want to provide high-quality
learning experiences that help prepare children for continued success.”
At Parkside, the focus extends beyond preparing children academically for kindergarten. Through
learning, play and relationships, students are developing confidence, independence and social-
emotional skills that will support them as they continue through school.
“At Parkside, we want every child to feel known, supported and excited to learn,” said Parkside Early
Childhood Center Principal/Director Melissa Cochrill. “Our staff is intentional about creating high-quality
learning experiences that help children build confidence, develop relationships and grow socially,
emotionally and academically. We’re laying the foundation for them to continue learning and
succeeding as they move through Rockford Public Schools.”
That work supports the district’s RAMS XII strategic plan and its focus on providing high-quality learning
opportunities, supporting the whole child and preparing students for future success.
With full classrooms, growing enrollment and families continuing to seek early childhood opportunities,
RPS will continue evaluating community needs and ways to provide young learners with a strong start.
More information about early childhood programs and services at Rockford Public Schools is available at:
