Published: November 20, 2009
Kaiser Permanente Creates Outdoor Classroom Space for Preschoolers in the Watts Community
LOS ANGELES - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Inspired by the educational concept that outdoor learning and play
enriches and contributes to the well being, health, and social
development of children, Kaiser Permanente Watts
Counseling and Learning Center today unveiled and dedicated an
environmentally friendly outdoor learning space for its Preschool
Education for Parents and Children (PEPC). "This newly designed outdoor
space is a place where young bodies and minds can grow alongside trees,
vegetables and grass," said Joanne Robinson, M.Ed, executive director of
the Watts Center. "We are very pleased to be able to offer our community
preschool children an outdoor learning area that is inviting, exciting
and fun."
The outside classroom complements what the children learn by exploring
nature. For example, science lessons discussed inside would become a
hands-on experience in a living environment. The outdoor space is
interactive, giving children a place to climb, dig, and take in the
sights, sounds and scents of their park-like surroundings.
"This renovated outdoor learning space was created to be an extension of
the indoor learning environment," said Vikki Franklin, M.A., preschool
manager. "It is rich with opportunities for children to explore,
discover and interact with nature and each other." The well-designed
learning space is nearly 3,000 square feet and features scrubs and vines
such as Ginkgo Biloba, Fortnight Lilies, Heavenly Bamboo, Hibiscus
Huegeli, and Boston Ivy.
The state licensed preschool opened in 1971 and in 2005 received
accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young
Children. It is the only nationally accredited preschool in its three
surrounding zip codes. Twenty preschoolers attend the preschool located
at 1465 E 103rd St. at the corner of Success and 103rd Street.
ABOUT KAISER PERMANENTE WATTS COUNSELING AND LEARNING CENTER
For more than 40 years, the Center has offered free or low-cost
counseling, summer camps, and preschool for families living in the
greater Watts area. The families need not be members of Kaiser
Permanente to utilize the Center's services. For details about all the
Center's services, call (323) 564-7911. For more information about
Kaiser Permanente, visit www.kaiserpermanente.org.
Kaiser Permanente
Southern California Region
Marie Y. Lemelle
Office:
626-405-5384
Mobile: 818-912-0014
marie.y.lemelle@kp.org
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