EVERETT — Kelly Davidson is feeling pretty fortunate these days.
When the director of the recently renovated Early Learning Center at Everett Community College looks at the expanded building and play areas, she sees an opportunity to help more young children learn while their moms or dads attend classes to improve their lives.
“I feel very lucky to be a part of this program, and excited to see the program able to reach more children and families,” Davidson said.
“There is just more room for kids and more room for kids to do creative things,” she added.
A dedication ceremony celebrating the $3.5 million project is set for 11 a.m. Tuesday at the center, 820 Waverly Ave.
The construction work included remodeling the 8,000-square-foot center and building a 3,300-square-foot addition. It includes three new classrooms — one for toddlers and two for preschool students — along with a remodeled activity room with bathroom access, an upgraded kitchen, a staff workroom, a family resource room and improved outdoor play spaces.
The center serves 72 children each quarter, and that number is expected to grow to as many as 116 with the expansion.
More than 90 percent of the toddlers and preschool students — ages 1 to 5 — are children of EvCC students. The rest are children of faculty and staff.
The project also adds three ateliers, special rooms for long-term art projects and other creative outlets, Davidson said.
Other improvements are fine touches that might seem minor, but melded together make the center more welcoming to children and adults, she said.
Interior colors and lighting give a more natural and warmer feel. There are love seats in each classroom for parents to come and visit. A kid-friendly counter in the kitchen lets children help on cooking projects. Logs on the playground invite play in a more nature-oriented setting.
“They just love those logs,” Davidson said.
“By giving children experiences in small and large groups, and by creating spaces and time to experiment, as well as soft, cozy spaces to retreat, and to explore a natural setting, our hope is that this new environment will increase children’s opportunities to build their knowledge and curiosity about the world, as well as their creativity, confidence and compassion,” Davidson said.
Reporter Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446 or stevick@heraldnet.com.
Dedication ceremony Tuesday
A dedication ceremony for the recently renovated Early Learning Center at Everett Community College is set for 11 a.m. Tuesday at the center, 820 Waverly Ave.
The center serves 72 children of EvCC students and faculty each quarter and that number is expected to grow with the expansion.
As a part of the ceremony, the center is kicking off a book drive. Mike Gregoire, an Everett native and husband of Gov. Chris Gregoire, will read to the children and donate the book “Brown Bear, Brown Bear , What Do You See?” by Eric Carle. Early language and literacy is a focus in parenting classes and workshops this quarter.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
