Kids Discovery Factory is pleased to announce they have received a $20,000 grant from the PNC Grow Up Great Foundation. This generous funding will be instrumental in supporting museum programming and advancing the development of exhibits focused on early childhood learning.
The grant will specifically support the launch of a new preschool enrichment program called Early Explorers at Kids Discovery Factory, starting in August. This exciting program aims to provide children aged 3 to 5 with a dynamic learning environment that integrates play-based activities with science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM), all while fostering early literacy skills. The program is not a replacement for traditional preschool but will instead provide children additional learning opportunities closely aligned with the Reggio Emilia approach to learning.
"We are thrilled to receive this grant from the PNC Grow Up Great Foundation, which will enable us to further our mission of nurturing young minds through engaging educational experiences," said Emili Uden, Executive Director of Kids Discovery Factory. "With this funding, we can expand our programs to better serve the developmental needs of preschool-aged children in our community."
The Early Explorers enrichment program will be a once-a-week class, taking place over a six-week session, with classes limited to 10 children to ensure personalized attention and an optimal learning environment. Early Explorers will be led by Dawn Koch, a Museum Educator, who has many years of experience related to early childhood education, curriculum development, children’s literature, and the Reggio Emilia approach to early learning. Each class will feature hands-on activities and interactive lessons designed to stimulate curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking skills.
"We believe that early childhood education is paramount in laying the foundation for future success. We value play experiences that allow children the time, space, and opportunity to explore, investigate, innovate, and make decisions about their play," said Dawn Koch, Museum Educator at Kids Discovery Factory. "Through our new preschool enrichment program, we aim to deepen children’s learning with our hands-on exhibits, collaborative projects, and playful learning experiences- equipping them with essential skills that will serve them throughout their educational journey."
Enrollment for the preschool enrichment program will open in June, and interested parents can find more information on the Kids Discovery Factory website at www.kidsdiscoveryfactory.org/enrichment. Spaces are limited, so early registration is encouraged to secure a spot for your child.
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