In the Spotlight

HRDC Head Start Center

Read this letter from one of our HSBS Grantees, located in the Absaroka Mountains of Montana. This nature-loving center used their HSBS grant funds to further green and naturalize their play space.

"April 12th 2011

Dear  Head Start Body Start,

I want to thank you for selecting our program for your Head Start Body Start Grant. The money was used to enhance the elements of our developing natural playground.  A waterfall, and flowing creek filled with river rock allows for exploration of physical and natural science.  The sound of running water  and the feel of water and rock is calming to the children. This new feature is a play space that allows for solitary play or group exploration.  Native plants grow along the banks of this meandering feature ending with a bridge that leads to an open space lined with mature trees that provide shade.  The children use this space for imaginative play, creating stories and acting them out in play. Our new fence with the climbing opportunity along the horizontal surface also includes an art feature, a mural  that represents the Absorakee Mountains, the mountain range that overlooks our playground.  While climbing on this new surface children explore, art, social studies, gain strength and balance.  The money your grant provided allowed us to purchase a recycled cobble stone path that once lined the trails of Yellowstone Park an area familiar to our children and families fifty miles from our center.  Along this pathway the children feed birds, grow gardens, and plant native flowers.  The greenhouse at the end of this path is filled with vegetables and flowers waiting transplanting on the playground.  The climbing hill has been planted with an abundance of native plants.  These new plants give children a sensory experience while climbing rocks and fallen trees. These opportunities are much like the camping and hiking experiences most of our families enjoy."

~Christel Chvilicek
Program Coordinator
HRDC Head Start

Archives

Bellingham Childcare & Learning Center - Take their HSBS grant outside!

Terri Braun HSBS Physical Activity Consultant - Jumping, throwing, hopping and more with 2 HSBS grantees.

The Union Township Head Start Center - Brought Mother Nature in!

Goodland Indian Head Start - With their new outdoor play space the staff and kids love "taking it outside".

Middle Kentucky Head Start Center - Their exciting play space make-over has given the center a new bounce of enery.

Sizemore Head Start Center - They have dramatically enhanced their outdoor play space by adding engaging new elements including a dirt play area, a trike path, and more! 

Mid Florida Community Services - Learn about two center's whose grant funds have helped them increase physical activity and outdoor play!

TRI CAP Head Start Center - Read about one of Bob Fitzpatrick's (HSBS Physical Activity Consultant) site visits. 

HSBS Gets Its Groove On! - Learn all about HSBS's involvement in IMIL.

Quaker Meadows Generations Center -

The Farm Head Start Center - The children and staff explore the garden everyday, watching it grow and sampling nutritious treats. Read all about their garden.

Bridgeport Child Development Center - services 100 students with 15 enthusiastic teachers and administrators, see what they have been up to!

Grant Two Cycle is Off With a Bang! - see what some of our newest grantees are doing with their funds.

Godette Child Development Center/Coastal Community Action - using science and nature to create new opportunities for physical activity.

City of Phoenix- using the Get Moving Today Activity Calendar with children and families.

Rock Island Head Start- hosted I Am Moving, I Am Learning Family Activity Night to promote physical activity and healthy eating.

Manassas City Head Start- created natural play area with the help of community partners.

Rice Lake Head Start- used natural elements to enhance play space and created a team at the center level to coordinate grant activities.

Union Baptist Head Start- strategic plan for their center, use of community partners, and implementation of a nutrition and physical activity program.

Kids Learning Place- community coming together to provide a safe and inviting outdoor play space for children to play.