Barrington nursery school benefiting from grants

In October 2007 owner Michelle Nickerson received a $20,000 Outdoor Play Space grant, which she used to build a larger playground including a new fence, gazebo with deck, picnic table, ride-on toys, gardens.

In April, 2008 she received a Program Enhancement Grant for $7500 which she used for a new water table and water toys, furniture, games and manipulatives, dramatic play materials, blocks, science materials and books.

The grants, which will be awarded over the next 10 years, are provided through the Early Learning and Child Care Plan.

Nickerson says she plans on applying for more grants as they become available.

“It’s in the third year. I’m watching the website daily,” she said.

When asked if the funds have significantly helped her part day nursery, which was established in September 1994, she replied:

“Are you kidding? After 13 or 14 years sometimes things become a regular routine and this added extra excitement for the staff, children and I. It was exciting everyday.”

Nickerson says “Rosella”, the owner of another preschool in the area, has also received an outdoor playspace grant.

Children don’t necessarily need toys to play, says Nickerson.

“What they wanted us to do was create some sun/shade areas. They wanted a lot of different textures so we are planting grass seed and adding hostas and flowers. It’s a more natural setting for the children to explore and find bugs.

“With the new addition it’s just been great. There was no tree for shade and for climbing about. There was no deck for the ride-on toys, and no gazebo for sun/shade and conducting circle and music time. We’re able to do more things outside now and even if it’s damp we can come outside for a while.”

A total of 49 children aged two to five stay one or two days each week at Michelle’s Nursery School, either from 9 – 11:30 or from 1 – 3:30 p.m.