Rutland County Head Start (RCHS) and Wonderfeet Kids’ Museum, two of the Rutland area’s leading play-based early childhood education organizations, announced a new partnership to enhance learning opportunities for the youngest Rutlanders.
The new partnership will include free monthly playdates for the community with children under the age of 5 and Wonderfeet memberships for all currently enrolled Head Start and Early Head Start families.
“One of Wonderfeet’s core values is community partnership, and we are so excited to partner with Rutland County Head Start,” said Liv Cadena, Guest Services Coordinator for Wonderfeet Kids’ Museum. “This is an opportunity for us to provide support for children and families in ways that support is most needed. RCHS families can come play with their kids at Wonderfeet, connect with other families, and have fun — as families, and as a community.”
“We believe this innovative collaboration will benefit the whole community in fun and new ways,” said Donna Barrow, Director of Rutland County Head Start. “In addition to hosting the playdates at the museum each month, we will also be providing annual Wonderfeet memberships to all of our student families so they can regularly enjoy the museum and take part in the other wonderful activities offered there.”
Kristen Nugent, Family Services Manager with Rutland County Head Start, will spearhead the partnership with Wonderfeet Children’s Museum as part of her focus on engagement initiatives with the local community and expanding services for Head Start students.
The Family Services department of RCHS currently hosts weekly “Coffee and Chats” and “Tea Time” for parents and caregivers with children enrolled in RCHS classes and playgroups at its two school locations. Starting Wednesday, Dec.11, Wonderfeet and RCHS will begin hosting free monthly play dates at Wonderfeet Kids’ Museum for any families in the community with children under age 5. Play dates will be held from 2:30-4:00 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every month through June.
“Cultivating Partnerships is paramount to the foundation of Rutland County Head Start,” said Nugent. “Wonderfeet Museum provides high-quality play and social experiences for children and parents, and we are grateful to be able to coordinate as providers so our families and those throughout the broader community can directly benefit. This partnership will allow families to actively participate in the Wonderfeet activities, which further connects them and RCHS to the community as a whole. We are grateful to have forged this alliance as we all build the village it takes together.”
Barrow, Nugent, and Cadena are also exploring additional opportunities, such as the creation of “Parent Night Out.”
For more information on the monthly play dates or community partnership opportunities, contact: Rutland County Head Start Family Services Manager Kristen Nugent at (802) 775-8225 or email her at knugent@rmhsccn.org.
