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already behind,this puts them at a tremendous learning disadvantage.They are unable to keep up with their schoolwork,feel frustration,and it is very
<br /> difficult to catch up with their peers from 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 respite 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 Hort 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 KidWorks hopes to transform its old and outdated playground into an outdoor,nature-based classroom.KidWorks'outdoor classroom will allow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 environment.Children will learn how to care for their environment through planting,watering,and weeding the garden.Through observation
<br /> and research of the soil and the insects that inhabit the outdoor spaces children will learn about the relationship between 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 environment,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 year,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 care navigators provide group and one-on-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 Orange County has become a new partner with KidWorks throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.This community health
<br /> center has provided health information,COVID-19 testing,and vaccination services to the families at KidWorks.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 children's 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 Brussoni,Takuro Ishikawa,Sara Brunelle,Susan Herrington,
<br /> Landscapes for play:Effects of an intervention to promote nature-based risky play in early childhood centres,Journal of Environmental Psychology,
<br /> 2017)
<br /> While nature-based preschools have emerged as an innovative alternative to more traditional academics-focused preschools,they have been mostly
<br /> popularized in higher-income communities(local examples include the Environmental Nature Center's Preschool in Newport Beach,Community
<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-resourced
<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 Rating 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 the quality of early learning.KidWorks'participation in QRIS includes additional assessments,
<br /> training,and coaching that demonstrates a commitment to a level of 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 from the time they enroll 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 year 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 year.On average, 15-30 parents participate in each workshop.
<br /> KidWorks 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 community events.Speakers from the community also use this opportunity to share
<br /> information about services and resources they provide.Depending on the month and speaker,an average of 100 parents attend these meetings.
<br /> City Council 21 26 — 240 5/3/2022
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