Update on the Outdoor Play Interventions Pilot Project (OPIPP)
In December we selected three very different sites to participate in our outdoor pilot project focusing on increasing play value with small investments, volunteers, and thoughtful design (see our original RFP to learn more about the project here). Site visits were conducted this month with the design team and ideas are starting to flow. We are excited to introduce the following three participants at their “before” stage and hope you continue to follow the project throughout the spring!
Children’s Friend – Hartford Avenue:
This Providence-based center is passionate about gardening but is fenced-in with only asphalt surfacing, some planter boxes, and undesignated open space for free play.
Jamestown Early Learning Center:
This center, located in Jamestown, has already rectified a number of safety hazards by eliminating large climbing equipment and removing years of degraded mulch. They would love to focus more on a natural play but need help better utilizing the newly acquired open space.
Westbay Children’s Center:
While there is plenty of space for the new toddler program at this Warwick center, there is a limited variety of play and materials for the children.
While these three sites are very unique they share equally in the need to offer more valuable play opportunities for Rhode Island’s children. We appreciate their enthusiastic commitment and we hope as this project continues you are also inspired to make some quality changes to your space!
In This Issue
Infant/Toddler Corner
What’s New in Health and Safety – Proposed Changes to the Child Care Center and School Age Program Regulations for Licensure
Building a Better Business – Small Scale Fundraising