Grants Pass School District 7 is marking a significant milestone in its Early Learning Program with the completion of a brand-new accessible playground. To celebrate, the district will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 11:30 AM, officially opening the playground for its youngest learners.
The Early Learning Program was launched in the fall of 2023 as an initiative to provide preschool-aged children with a strong educational foundation before they enter kindergarten. Unlike K-12 education, early learning programs do not receive state funding, so this initiative is entirely supported by grants and donations from community partners and educational organizations.
The program began during the 2023-24 school year with free parent-child playgroups, offering families an opportunity to engage in structured learning activities together. Building on its success, the program expanded in its second year to include a free preschool, as well as parenting workshops, kindergarten readiness classes, and preventative health screenings.
This year, the preschool has welcomed 36 children in its inaugural class, providing an inclusive environment where children with and without disabilities learn and play together. The program’s goal is to ensure all children, regardless of their abilities or background, receive early educational support to prepare them for a successful transition into kindergarten and beyond.
One of the biggest additions to the program is the new ADA-accessible playground, designed to provide a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate outdoor space for preschool-aged children. The playground features an ADA-compliant rubber mat surface, ensuring that all children, including those with mobility challenges, can participate in outdoor activities safely and comfortably.
Outdoor play is a crucial component of early childhood development, promoting not only physical activity but also social interaction, creativity, and problem-solving skills. With this new playground, children in the Early Learning Program will have equal access to play, exploration, and movement, fostering both physical and cognitive development in a supportive setting.
The successful completion of the playground underscores the importance of community involvement in early childhood education. Since its inception, the Early Learning Program has relied on the generosity of local donors, grants, and partnerships to provide vital services at no cost to families. The district remains committed to expanding and enhancing the program, ensuring that more children and families in Grants Pass can benefit from these early learning opportunities.
As the program grows, so does the need for continued community support. Future goals include expanding class sizes, adding more enrichment activities, and providing additional resources for parents and caregivers. The playground is just one of many steps toward making early education more accessible and impactful for young learners in the district.
The community is invited to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 20, 2025, at 11:30 AM to celebrate this exciting achievement. The event will feature remarks from district officials, program staff, and community supporters who helped make the playground a reality.
With this new playground in place, Grants Pass School District 7 is reaffirming its commitment to creating an inclusive, engaging, and supportive early learning environment, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn and grow from the very beginning.
