Special to the Transcript
For Kids Only Afterschool (FKO) is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a grant from the Winthrop Cultural Council to enhance its community playgroup initiative.
The community playgroup, named Rise and Shine, provides a welcoming space for parents, caregivers, infants, and toddlers. Taking place Monday through Friday, between 9:30 am and 11:30 am, FKO Winthrop’s program space transforms into an interactive environment specifically designed for children aged 0 through 5. Children and their caretakers can engage in a variety of activities, including sensory play, gross motor activities in the gymnasium, learning stations in the early education classroom, and creative play in a multipurpose space. Since September, over 1,000 sign-ups for Rise & Shine have occurred, fostering connections among nearly 200 families of various backgrounds.
With the awarded grant funding, FKO aims to enrich the community playgroup experience by incorporating materials that celebrate the variety of cultures present in the community. This includes the acquisition of books with diverse representation, bilingual audio/visual materials, instruments from different cultures, and a range of creative play toys.
“In alignment with our mission, For Kids Only Afterschool is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and positive environment for all children to thrive,” said Deborah Kneeland Keegan, Executive Director at FKO. “The grant from Winthrop Cultural Council will play a crucial role in allowing us to expand our resources and further enhance the cultural proficiency within ’Rise & Shine’”.
One attendee, Erin Thompson, shared their heartfelt experience: “Community Playgroup has been essential to our daily life. As a grandparent and caregiver, knowing that I can take my grandchildren to a place where they get enrichment through activities and toys selected by the caring staff makes our days so much happier. We look forward to the monthly special event, whether it’s entertainment or a seasonal party; it is always a great time. I hope the program continues well into the future.”
If you are interested or would like more information about FKO’s Rise and Shine programming, please contact Ashley Asquith at [email protected], or visit www.fkoafterschool.org/rise-and-shine.
For Kids Only Afterschool (FKO) is a leading provider of high-quality afterschool north of Boston. With nearly forty years of experience, FKO programs offer safe and nurturing environments where children can learn, grow, and thrive beyond regular school hours.