Newport County YMCA (Twice as Nice Preschool)

LISC has a relationship with the Newport County YMCA that goes back to 2016. Several years ago, Preschool Development Grant (PDG) planning funds were used to conduct planning for a renovation and expansion of the YMCA’s Twice as Nice Preschool, and ECCE Capital Fund dollars made it possible. Despite significant increases in construction costs during the process, value engineering helped reduce the construction costs by nearly $1 million, allowing the number of spots to remain the same. The project includes 29 brand-new infant/toddler spots as part of the 44-spot expansion that allowed the hiring of 12 new full-time staff members. Thoughtful design elements—like dishwashers in the infant rooms, large interior windows to promote natural light and interaction, and a multipurpose space in the lobby—support staff and parents throughout the day, and there is direct and easy access to outside spaces.