Kaleidoscope awarded grant to fund outdoor nature based program expansion

||| FROM AMBER PAULSEN for KALEIDOSCOPE |||

Kaleidoscope, a non-profit preschool and childcare center on Orcas Island, was recently awarded a $700,000 grant by the Washington State Department of Commerce Early Learning Facilities grant program. The grant will bring critical financial resources into our community and support Kaleidoscope in funding the expansion and continuation of nature-based early childhood education on Orcas Island on land purchased in 2021.

The grant process was competitive, with over 143 applicants. 69 facilities were awarded a total of $43.2 million across the state.

Now named “The Kaleidoscope Forest” the organization purchased the 7.4 acres of forested land at the corner of Orcas and Sunderland Roads last year to secure expanded access and permanent space for early childhood outdoor education programming which has previously occurred on leased or borrowed land.

Eventually, Kaleidoscope intends to host three Outdoor Nature Based (ONB) programs of 18 children each, plus additional after school programming at the new location. All will comply with Department of Children, Youth and Families ONB standards and meet licensing requirements. The first phase of the project, which is now underway, includes construction of a driveway and parking, secure fencing along the property, and primitive, rustic structures for storage, composting toilets, and classroom programming. The next phase will involve bringing in utilities and construction of a building to provide necessary supply storage, shelter, and facilities.

In 2019, Kaleidoscope’s Forest School became the first fully licensed, full-time offsite outdoor preschool program in the United States. Since the onset of the pandemic, the already popular Forest School program has been in even higher demand. Kaleidoscope also offers more traditional infant and toddler programs in its building in Eastsound, as well as a blended preschool model combining traditional preschool with outdoor education experiences. Kaleidoscope currently serves approximately 70 Orcas Island families, many of which receive Working Connection Child Care (WCCC), Early Childhood Education Initiative (ECEI), or Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) funding
assistance.

The Kaleidoscope Board of Directors continues to develop its long-term vision and strategy for the property, including a fundraising campaign to fully realize the potential for creating sustainable and accessible nature immersive experiences for young children on the island for generations to come.

About Kaleidoscope Preschool and Child Care Center

The Mission of Kaleidoscope is to provide safe, affordable, high-quality, consistent preschool and childcare services while supporting the families of Orcas Island. In 1991, Kaleidoscope evolved from a grassroots effort in the Orcas Island community to fulfill a critical need for childcare. Kaleidoscope values diversity in our community by welcoming all and a positive attitude toward nature, creativity, and the learning process. Learn more about employment and enrollment opportunities and ways to support Kaleidoscope at www.ourkaleidoscopekids.com.