PHYSICAL SPACE: We have a large outdoor area known in the community as the New Creation Memorial Park. Over the years many donations have created this space that we simply call our “playground.” It has served as an extension of our indoor classroom even before the pandemic. We spend time outside in most kinds of weather believing that a connection to nature is essential to a whole early childhood experience! It is enclosed by a fence with play structures, climbing logs, benches, water play, a permanent open air pavilion and many trees. The ground cover under play structures is KDHE approved pea gravel (rather than sand or plastic) and the majority of our space is grass. The playground and shelter are fully accessible via sidewalk.

LEARNING: The New Creation Preschool environment (indoors and out) is carefully prepared for each child to move at their own pace, always encouraging growth. To better facilitate outdoor learning during the pandemic and thanks to a generous donor, a pavilion was installed in 2021. The majority of any onsite learning outdoors including Circle Time, Project Time, Snack Time, etc. can easily be moved outdoors.

CLOTHING: Given our year-round outdoor learning, it is essential that children have weather appropriate clothing. Children are encouraged to monitor their own clothing if they get too warm or too cold (shoes and jackets, etc) within reason. There are many services we can access to help provide clothing should you need that. Outerwear suggestions:

light jacket/sweatshirt/sweater
rain jacket
water friendly shoes/boots
winter boots
coat
hats/mittens/scarves
sun hat/sunglasses

HEALTH AND SAFETY: We maintain compliance with all regulations according to K.A.R. 28-4-437 including:

Staff is equipped with a megaphone, cell phones and a first aid kit while outdoors
Children have access to water bottles at all times
During times of high transmission rates, masks may be worn when physical distancing can’t be maintained between households
We shelter indoors during extreme temperatures or lightning/storms in the area
The fence gates are monitored at all times by teaching staff
Children are accompanied to the indoor bathroom as needed by Ms Kristin or Ms Brenda
Outdoor hand washing is available for use anytime and will be monitored before children eat snack
Each child is provided with their own School Box for snack or project time.

TO FACILITATE OUTDOOR LEARNING, FAMILIES ARE ASKED TO DO THE FOLLOWING:

Label everything with your child’s name
Bring a water bottle (disposable also available from preschool)
Bring a backpack or bag big enough to hold extra clothes/shoes
Dress your child in weather appropriate clothes and layers (bring a jacket “just in case”)
Dress your child in shoes/boots they can take on and off by themselves
Apply sunscreen and bug spray before they arrive

New Creation Preschool • updated August 2022