The purpose of Eaton Rapids Early Childhood Advocates, in conjunction with Early Childhood Connections and Michigan's Great Start initiative, is to create, locate, and make available resources and activities in our own community that are useful and appropriate for families with young children. Toddler Time is one of our main programs. Toddler time is a literacy based story hour filled with books, music, crafts and is theme related.  ERECA also has several Family Fun activities a year. Family Fun Event themes vary and are designed to be hands-on school readiness activities that parents and children can enjoy together.  Our committee also sponsors an activity booth at other community events such as Hometown Family Christmas and the 4th of July Event.

The Eaton Rapids Early Childhood Advocates began on October 28th, 2003 and is made up of local volunteers. We welcome the input of our community at our meetings. We also value volunteerism and donations (time, talents, funding) to help us continue to provide all activities to parents and children free of charge. Eaton Rapids Area Family Resource Committee's focus is primarily for families with young children 0-5 years old, however, older siblings are welcome at any of our events. Volunteerism of High School Aged youth is a valuable asset to help meet the needs of our growing community. Volunteerism is needed by ERECA to man Family Fun Events.

Times of Operation: Eaton Rapids Early Childhood Advocates meets monthly.  Please call Angela at 663-3128 for current meeting location.

• Toddler Time meets Fridays at First United Methodist Church Room 221, Session one at 10:00-11:00 a.m. and Session two 11:30a.m.-12:30 p.m. For more information call Kim at 663-7795
• Family Fun Events occur several times a year and are advertised in local papers, the library, child care centers and day care homes.

Restrictions and Fees: There are no fees involved with any of our activities and are open to all members of the community.

Participation Requirements: All activities are designed for parents and children to enjoy together. Permission may be asked of participants for pictures from our activities to be published in the paper.