Kids International
Over the years, the Outdoor Classroom has provided space for the children to explore. This year, we were fortunate enough to add some new items to our outdoor play areas. New canopies were installed in the playground and a new sandbox was installed in the Outdoor Classroom. The back porch was recently painted and is in the process of being remodeled to add a storage for outdoor materials, such as boots for
all of the children.
Our Parent Advisory Board supports our efforts in the Outdoor Classroom. Each year, they plan a silent auction. The auction is held at our annual family picnic. The proceeds of the auction are used to purchase items for our outdoor spaces. This year a new sandbox was added along with new trucks and digging toys.
Our Outdoor Classroom and other spaces are a draw for new families looking for care. Families share that the space and the time that the children spend outside are a benefit, and are a primary reason for choosing our center for their children. This creates more interest in our program in general, and has helped enrollment.
The children’s garden was very successful this year. The children grew tomatoes, cucumber (which were used to make pickles), basil, thyme, watermelon and green peppers. The children enjoyed eating the vegetables.
The harvest was also shared with families. More than one parent shared stories of how their child ate their first cucumber or green pepper from our garden.
