OECC Projects

• Outdoor Playscape: A collection of outdoor structures designed to enhance interaction and learning.

• Transition Project: A study of work welfare impact on low income families.

Playscape

Oberlin Early Childhood Center sits on 3 ½ acres of land. The outdoor play area has been transformed through a collaboration of center families, staff, corporations and community into a stimulating outdoor learning environment. We like to say it's “not your father’s playground.” The site has an outdoor amphitheater, musical fences, renovated caboose, train station, nature trail and an arts center.

Phase I

Grants from The Nordson Corporation Foundation, the Community Foundation of Greater Lorain County, The Stocker Foundation, and The St. Ann Foundation spurred the development of this phase. The C & O caboose was renovated with the assistance of the Oberlin Historical and Improvement Organization, Ohio C & O Historical Society, and the Black River Railroad Museum. The train station that is located in the same area serves as a place for young children to have a dramatic play experience with a railroad theme.

The nature trail is complete with a vegetable garden, fruit trees, butterfly garden, herb garden, woodland and pine area. Children use the small farmhouse to store their tools and set up a vegetable stand. The Audubon Society of Lorain County has place bluebird houses and feeders throughout the property.

Phase II

Grants from the Nordson Corporation Foundation, The Stocker Foundation Challenge Grant, The Richard Hallock Foundation and private donors provided the funds for the outdoor Arts Center that consists of three small studios for clay, painting and drawing, and sculpture. Trellises at the sides and over the patios provide a framework for vines and flowers, which will form a background of natural beauty for the children’s creative exploration.

Phase III

The center has three smaller fenced in sand yards that classrooms have direct access. A grant from The Community Foundation of Greater Lorain County has made possible the renovation of this area with raised sandboxes, water tables, pavilions, and learning stations.

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Transition Project

The Transition Project is a seven-year funded grant from the Nord Family Foundation to look at the impact of low-income families as they transition to the new welfare work rules. The grant supports families through funds for tuition assistance, a project study, and a mental health therapist.

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