News from the Rhode Island Child Care and Early Learning Facilities Fund
|
|
Application Now Open!
Outdoor Play Interventions Program Year 3
|
|
We are excited to announce that we will be offering a third year of our
Outdoor Play Interventions Program, a strategy to aid in the development of low-cost, high-value, simple design interventions for outdoor spaces utilizing architectural design, LISC technical assistance, fundraising, and volunteer coordination. Applications are now officially open!
Interventions could include the addition of unique sand and water play, art elements, loose parts play, natural elements, or simple cosmetic changes to the space. The program 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. As a participant in this program you will receive, at no cost to your center, a conceptual design plan and up to $5,000 to implement small scale strategies on your play space. As part of this project you will receive:
- A site visit and brainstorming meeting with the center director and other key staff for input on needs and concerns for outdoor space.
- Photographic documentation, rough field measurements, and a sketch of the play space’s existing conditions.
- A conceptual plan of the play space to include the proposed design “interventions” by one of the RICCELFF’s consulting designers.
- A private grant in the range of $1,000 to $5,000 to help build out proposed “interventions”.
- On-going on-site technical assistance to develop a plan and process for completing interventions, including potential volunteer “days of service” and/or assistance in coordinating volunteer “days of service”.
- Assistance in developing a fundraising plan for any financial needs that exceed the grant award.
- Public recognition of your participation in the project to other funders and state leaders.
Are you interested in participating in this project, but want to learn more? Here is a quick chart that helps identify if this might be the right fit your child care center:
|
|
Unlike previous years, this application does not have a specific due date and will be open throughout the year. To be most competitive, it is recommended applications be received in early spring. Awards are limited and will be provided to centers meeting all criteria.
|
|
What Does Architecture Have to do with Child Development Anyway?
|
|
Around the world the question of the importance of space in child care is of great concern. The article,
"What does architecture have to do with child development anyway?", based out of Southern Asia in Dhaka, Bangladesh, explores just how critical spaces for young children are.
|
|
News from our Partners:
State-Funded Pre-K Request for Proposals is Now Open!
|
|
Applicants must provide RIDE with a recruitment plan to ensure outreach focuses on high-need populations, such as low-income families, children with disabilities, and English learners. Applicants must also provide 18 to 20 seats per classroom, participate in the BrightStars quality rating system, and provide developmental screening, as well as have a high-quality early learning curriculum, among other requirements.
Eligible organizations or entities include licensed child care providers, Head Start programs, public schools, and non-public schools able to operate a classroom in Rhode Island communities. The award of grant funds is contingent upon inclusion of the proposed universal pre-K dollars in the FY2020 state budget.
Questions concerning this solicitation may be sent to Zoe McGrath at RIDE at
zoe.mcgrath@ride.ri.gov no later than noon on March 7. Questions should be sent in a Microsoft Word format, and the RFP should be referenced in the correspondence subject line. Questions received will be posted and answered on the RIDE website as an addendum to this solicitation by March 11.
Final proposals are due and must be delivered by 4:30 p.m. on March 28, and programs will be selected and announced in late April.
|
|
If you are thinking about applying and you have space-related questions or concerns, we would like to help! Our technical assistance includes guidance on the following:
- Navigating physical space challenges related to licensing and quality improvement, including the CECE regulations required by state pre-K classrooms;
- Creating financing and fundraising plans to turn project dreams into realities;
- Assessing the feasibility of proposed construction and renovation projects; and
- Obtaining playground audits and priority improvement plans.
|
|
Workshop Opportunity:
Growing Up WILD!
Exploring Nature with Young Children
|
|
Growing Up Wild!
STEAM program for ages 3-7
Date: May 17, 2019
Time: 8:30am to 12:30pm
Location: United Way of Rhode Island - 50 Valley St, Providence, RI 02909Conference Center
Cost: $10 (non-members) $5 (members)
This workshop is to train front of the line staff in outdoor STEM curriculum for ages 3 to 7.
Growing Up Wild!
is a national curriculum out of the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Educators learn how to facilitate the lessons, go through the curriculum guide, and use the resources. During the workshop participants will model a lesson in front of peers so they are ready to facilitate this fun curriculum with youth after.
Use code: Wild!
|
|
Have you missed any of our previous eNEWS or want to reference something you saw in an article from the past?
Our entire eNEWS catalog is available on our website.
|
|
About RICCELFF
The Rhode Island Child Care and Early Learning Facilities Fund (RICCELFF) is an innovative public-private partnership dedicated to expanding access to quality child care and early education opportunities throughout Rhode Island. The RICCELFF provides the capital and technical expertise that child care and early learning centers need to improve the quality and capacity of their physical space. The RICCELFF provides a combination of training, technical assistance, grant funding and flexible, affordable financing for a wide range of indoor and outdoor projects including minor renovations or construction of new, state-of-the art facilities and playground spaces.
Click here
to learn more about what the RICCELFF can offer your program.
|
|
LISC Rhode Island Child Care & Early Learning Facilities Fund | 146 Clifford Street
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
