Eastsound, WA (June 9, 2022) – Kaleidoscope, a non-profit preschool and childcare center on Orcas Island, was recently awarded a $700,000 grant by the Washington State Department of Commerce Early Learning Facilities grant program. The grant will bring critical financial resources into our community and support Kaleidoscope in funding the expansion and continuation of nature-based early childhood education on Orcas Island on land purchased in 2021. The grant process was competitive, with over 143 applicants. 69 facilities were awarded a total of $43.2 million across the state.

Now named “The Kaleidoscope Forest” the organization purchased the 7.4 acres of forested land at the corner of Orcas and Sunderland Roads last year to secure expanded access and permanent space for early childhood outdoor education programming which has previously occurred on leased or borrowed land.

Eventually, Kaleidoscope intends to host three Outdoor Nature Based (ONB) programs of 18 children each, plus additional after school programming at the new location. All will comply with Department of Children, Youth and Families ONB standards and meet licensing requirements. The first phase of the project, which is now underway, includes construction of a driveway and parking, secure fencing along the property, and primitive, rustic structures for storage, composting toilets, and classroom programming. The next phase will involve bringing in utilities and construction of a building to provide necessary supply storage, shelter, and facilities.

In 2019, Kaleidoscope’s Forest School became the first fully licensed, full-time offsite outdoor preschool program in the United States. Since the onset of the pandemic, the already popular Forest School program has been in even higher demand. Kaleidoscope also offers more traditional infant and toddler programs in its building in Eastsound, as well as a blended preschool model combining traditional preschool with outdoor education experiences. Kaleidoscope currently serves approximately 70 Orcas Island families, many of which receive Working Connection Child Care (WCCC), Early Childhood Education Initiative (ECEI), or Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) funding assistance.

The Kaleidoscope Board of Directors continues to develop its long-term vision and strategy for the property, including a fundraising campaign to fully realize the potential for creating sustainable and accessible nature immersive experiences for young children on the island for generations to come.– Kaleidoscope, a non-profit preschool and child care center on Orcas Island, recently purchased 7.4 acres of forested land to secure expanded access and permanent space for early childhood outdoor education programming.

In 2019, Kaleidoscope’s Forest School became Washington State's first fully licensed, full-time offsite outdoor preschool program. Since the onset of the pandemic, the already popular Forest School program has been in even higher demand. Kaleidoscope also offers more traditional infant and toddler programs in its building in Eastsound, as well as a hybrid preschool model combining traditional preschool with outdoor education experiences. Kaleidoscope currently serves approximately 70 Orcas Island families, 50% of which receive Working Connection, Early Childhood Education Initiative, or ECEAP funding assistance.

“After such a challenging year for our community, one bright light has been our ability to provide continued accessible and safe outdoor education to more than 42 preschoolers. We are so grateful to be in a position to ensure continuity of our programs with this purchase and to expand these opportunities to even more island kids,” shared Amber Paulsen, Executive Director of Kaleidoscope.

“Accessible early childhood education is paramount to a healthy workforce,” added Madden Surbaugh, Kaleidoscope Board President. “Our outdoor education program’s flexibility and safety during the pandemic has provided working families with the childcare they need as well as the education and life experience every child deserves. At a time of such uncertainty, we are seeing our students gaining invaluable confidence and resiliency through their outdoor experiences. Ensuring the longevity of this program while expanding its access is one of the top priorities of the Board.”

Plans are underway to construct a driveway and parking area on the new land along with primitive, temporary structures for hosting Forest School programs beginning in early 2022. The land purchase was made possible by utilizing a combination of the organization’s reserves, grant funding, and a private lender. The Board of Directors is assembling a committee to develop a long-term vision and strategy for the property, including a fundraising campaign to fully realize the potential for creating sustainable and accessible nature immersive experiences for young children on the island for generations to come.