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already behind, this puts them at a tremendous learning disadvantage. They are unable to keep up withtheir schoolwork, feel frustration, and it is very
<br />difficult to catch up with their peers Rion other neighborhoods. Exhibit A
<br />Furthermore, the surrounding neighborhoods where KidWorks' preschool is located are among the densest in the country and families lack safe
<br />outdoor spaces to spend time with their children In these dense and park -poor communities, there is little rospite for children who desire open space
<br />and access to nature. Young people are In dire need of safe, positive interactions with natural elements, now more than ever. A growing body of
<br />research indicates that nature -based activities serve as preventive measures against anxiety, depression, and loneliness, (Source: National Association
<br />of Hart Therapy)
<br />KidWorks hopes to transform its old and outdated playground into an outdoor, nature -based classroom. KidWorks' outdoor classroom will allow
<br />preschool children to explore in a nature -rich environment. These experiences will help children gain awareness, knowledge, and appreciation for the
<br />natural envirenmont. Children willlearnhow to care for their environment through planting, watering, mid weeding the garden. Through observation
<br />and research ofthe soil and the insects that inhabit the outdoor spaces children will learn about the relationship betwoon living organisms. The outdoor
<br />classroom will increase awareness and understanding about energy, water, and conservation of natural resources which prepare children to effectively
<br />address these issues throughout their lives. The interactions children have with nature in this new environment will encourage an interest in science
<br />and math, build skills for taking care of the envhnrmient, and gain a stronger understanding of the world in which they live.
<br />4. Collaboration
<br />KidWorks' preschool program partners directly with First 5 Orange County for school -readiness nurses; Orange County Department of Education for
<br />quality improvement training, coaching; and assessments, and PBS SoCal for literacy promotion. KidWorks also partners closely with parents and
<br />community volunteers to put on its many special events for the preschoolers throughout the yew, including a Thanksgiving Feast, Lunar New Year
<br />Celebration, Tea Party, and National Reading Week.
<br />In. partnership with Community Action Partnership of Orange County and the Orange County Food Bank, KidWorks hosts "Clementine" which Is a
<br />mobile food trolley stationed in various at -risk neighborhoods throughout Orange County. This provides KidWorks the opportunity to serve an
<br />average of 50 families each month with healthy food and supplies, including fresh meats, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. All preschool families
<br />are invited to participate in these food distribution activities.
<br />Through a collaboration with the Community Health initiative of Orange County (CHIOC), KidWorks promotes healthcare coverage and other social
<br />services outreach and enrollment. CHIOC's health cue navigators provide group and on"n-one education and enrollment services for families to
<br />help them access eligible health and social services benefits and programs.
<br />Lastly, Families Together of (range County has become a new partner with KidWorks throughout the COVID-I9 pandemic. This community health
<br />center has provided health information, COVID-19 testing, and vaccination services to the families at Kid Works. In addition, KidWorks has been able
<br />to refer families to the health center for their medical, dental, vision, and behavioral health needs.
<br />5. Innovation
<br />Outdoor play spaces are important for promoting chtldwWs wellbeing and development. Particularly at a time when the pandemic has resulted to
<br />increased anxiety and depression, spending more time outside and in nature has been proven to improve mental health and increase quality of life.
<br />Researchers have observed that children with access to outdoor spaces to play have improved socialization, problem -solving, focus, self -regulation,
<br />creativity and self-confidence, and reduced stress, boredom and injury. (Source: Mariana Bmssond Takuro Ishikawa, Sara Brunelle, Susan Herrington,
<br />Landscapes for play: Effects of an intervention to promote nature -bawd risky play to early childhood centres, Journal of Environmental Psychology,
<br />20M
<br />While nature -based preschools have emerged as an Innovative alternative to mote traditional acndemios-fooused presohools, they have been mostly
<br />popularized in higher -income communities (local examples include the Environmental Nature Center's Pmschool in Newport Beach, Consonantly
<br />Seedlings Preschool in Laguna Niguel, and St. Paul's Preschool in Tustin). KidWorks is requesting this funding opportunity as a chance to invest in
<br />high -quality, field-tested, and research -based design principles to develop a nature -based outdoor classroom for preschool students in central Santa
<br />Ana. By investing in this design and development that encourages dynamic, nature -based play and learning, children living in under-resowcod
<br />neighborhoods will have joyful, multi -sensory experiences that help them thrive.
<br />KidWorks' preschool is currently rated by the Orange County Department of Education's Quality Ruling and Improvement System (QRIS) with an
<br />overall ranking of four out of five stars, signifying that it is a "high quality" early education program. Since 2015, KidWorks' preschool has been an.
<br />active participant in the QRIS Pilot for improving die quality of early learning. KidWorks' participation in QRIS includes additional assessments,
<br />training, and coaching that demonstrates a commitment to a levelof quality above and beyond what the state of California requires for early childhood
<br />education licensing.
<br />What makes KidWorks unique is that after children graduate from the preschool program, they are invited to stay connected with KidWorks and enroll
<br />in the after -school program for K-12th grade students. KidWorks also offers the college success initiative that helps high school students prepare for
<br />college and supports college students to finish their degrees. KidWorks pledges to walk alongside children and families ftom the time they unroll in
<br />preschool to when they finish their college education, "from Pre-K to B.A.".
<br />Lastly, KidWorks' is highly engaged with the parents of students enrolled in its programs. Throughout the school you there are Kindergarten
<br />Readiness workshops offered to the parents of preschool students. These educational sessions include topics such as early childhood literacy, dental
<br />hygiene, nutrition, child brain development, and Kindergarten options, Between six and eight workshops are offered to the preschool parents
<br />throughout the school you. On average, 15.30 parents participate in each workshop.
<br />Kid Works also invites preschool parents to its general parent meetings that occur on a monthly basis to inform all preschool and After School Program
<br />parents of current and upcoming programming, activities, and conimunity events. Speakers from the community also use this opportunity to share
<br />information about services and resources they provide. Depending on the monOr and speaker, an average of 100 parents attend these meetings.
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