Here Comes the Sun
The benefits of a well-designed outdoor play space are endless. For children participating in child care programs the time spent outside while at those programs may constitute the majority of their outdoor time each week. Thus, child care facilities play a critical role in offering play environments that support children’s learning, promote active play, and provide exposure to an array of natural elements. Research has shown that even small interventions that add natural elements, sensory variety, and open ended play to children’s environments can have an important impact on child development.
At this time the RICCELFF is seeking three to four licensed child care centers from across Rhode Island to participate in a pilot project to help develop, design, and implement small scale outdoor play components that increase the value of outdoor play. These components are also viewed as design “interventions” and could include changes such as adding unique sand and water play, art elements, loose parts play, natural elements, or simple cosmetic changes to the space. It will also focus on strategic space planning to promote increased and enhanced interaction between children, children and their teachers, and children and their physical environment. We hope to use the pilot sites as case studies and to create a resource that will give Rhode Island child care centers access to proven strategies to improve their outdoor environments in incremental, achievable steps. As a participant in this program you will receive, at no cost to your center, conceptual design, intensive support, and up to $5,000 to implement these small scale strategies on your play space. All proposals will be due November 15th!
For more information about how to apply, please the button below.
In This Issue
Center Spotlight – Cornerstone School
Changes to Our eNews
Infant/Toddler Corner
What’s New in Health and Safety?
Building a Better Business