Raising Riley

Raising Riley originated in 1999 from the vision of two great friends of children and supporters of this community: Dr. Russ Frey, a KSU professor, veterinarian, and Riley County Commissioner; and Senator Roger Reitz, a physician and Manhattan City Commissioner. Were it not for their efforts and persistence, Raising Riley would not have come to fruition. Accomplishments are highlighted below. 

Raising Riley is funded with Tobacco Settlement Dollars from an Early Childhood Block Grant through the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund.  Our local program goal aligns with the Cabinet’s Blueprint for Early Education to build a strong foundation for children and families in Riley County through shared vision, community collaboration and public-private partnerships 

Raising Riley Program components include:

  • Child care subsidies to help parents pay for quality child care
  • Child Developmental Screening and Assessments 
  • Child Care Program Assessments
  • Early Literacy Education through facility-based storytime visits
  • Family Engagement Activities
  • Parent Education classes
  • Professional development opportunities and consultations for community providers provided by early childhood professionals 
  • Collaboration with USD383 Early Learning Programs 
  • Summer Camp Kindergarten for children entering kindergarten in the fall
  • StoryWalk® around the Riley County Health Department Campus

Detailed information about Raising Riley’s programs as well as links to enrollment and application information are available at www.raisingriley.com

Many other early childhood assistance programs are housed at the Family and Child Resource Center at 2101 Claflin Road including Parents as Teachers, a toy and book lending library, free community playgroups, WIC, Family Connections, M&I, Healthy Start, and Child Care Licensing.

2020 Raising Riley Scholarship Application (pdf)

Kid on slide. early childhood