Minatare Public Schools expands early childhood education with new facility – Rural Radio Network

Minatare Public Schools Expands Early Childhood Education Facilities to Support Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

On December 29, 2025, Minatare Public Schools completed the acquisition of the former Assembly of God Church located at 907 Main Street. This property will be repurposed to house the Minatare Pre-Start program, marking a significant advancement in early childhood education within the community.

Background and Partnership

Minatare Public Schools has collaborated with ESU 13 for several years to deliver Preschool and Head Start services. Despite the program’s success, limited space in the existing modular building has constrained enrollment to 17 students, resulting in waitlists and unmet demand among families.

Expansion of Capacity and Services Aligned with SDGs

The acquisition of the new facility addresses space limitations and aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

1. SDG 4: Quality Education – Enhancing access to inclusive and equitable quality early childhood education.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Providing more children the opportunity to attend school close to home.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Repurposing existing infrastructure to serve community needs.

Facility Renovations and Features

Following remodeling, the new facility will accommodate up to 40 students, more than doubling current capacity. Planned renovations include:

• Two early childhood classrooms designed for active, hands-on learning, promoting SDG 4.
• A dedicated gathering hall for student activities, family events, and community use, supporting SDG 11.
• A separate cafeteria to provide meals and daily nutrition services, contributing to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
• Administrative offices and dedicated ESU 13 provider rooms that will also serve as community meeting spaces, fostering inclusive community engagement.

This expansion not only increases student capacity but also enhances service quality and accessibility for families, supporting the holistic development of children.

Community Engagement and Enrollment

Minatare Public Schools invites families and community members to participate in a tour of the new facility, review remodeling plans, and initiate the enrollment process for the 2026–2027 school year.

Event Details

• Date and Time: Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 4:00–7:00 p.m.
• Location: 907 Main Street, Minatare, NE (New Preschool Facility)
• Required Documents: Child’s birth certificate and immunization records

Conclusion

The District is actively managing the transition to the new facility and anticipates welcoming families to this enhanced educational environment. This initiative exemplifies a commitment to sustainable development by improving educational infrastructure and community well-being through strategic resource utilization and inclusive planning.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 4: Quality Education – The article focuses on expanding early childhood education services, increasing enrollment capacity, and improving learning environments.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The mention of immunization records and daily nutrition services relates to child health and well-being.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The facility serves as a community hub with gathering halls and meeting spaces, promoting inclusive community development.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 4 Targets:
   • Target 4.2: Ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care, and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education.
   • Target 4.a: Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all.
2. SDG 3 Targets:
   • Target 3.2: End preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age.
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
3. SDG 11 Targets:
   • Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, particularly for children and older persons.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 4 Indicators:
   • Enrollment rates in pre-primary education (Indicator 4.2.2)
   • Number and quality of early childhood education facilities (related to Target 4.a)
2. SDG 3 Indicators:
   • Immunization coverage among children (Indicator 3.b.1)
   • Access to nutrition services in early childhood programs
3. SDG 11 Indicators:
   • Availability of community spaces accessible to children and families
   • Use of public spaces for community activities (implied by the gathering hall and meeting spaces)

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: ruralradio.com