The Dart Foundation, a charity started by the founders of the Dart Container Corporation, selected the Clarke County Early Learning Collaborative as the nonprofit organization to award a grant up to $50,000. The grant was to pay for a project that would enhance the Pre-K program at Quitman Lower Elementary and Manuel Goff Headstart. With the grant, Quitman Lower Elementary chose to build an outdoor learning center and Manuel Goff Headstart chose to add some outdoor sensory equipment.

We believe that experiencing outdoor learning will strengthen our students socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively. Encouraging outside play allows children to experience new things that will benefit their intellectual development and boost their creativity. Outdoor play is part of the foundation for a child’s healthy development.

Mississippi First partnered with Clarke County Early Learning Collaborative to complete the project. We appreciate the Dart Foundation and Mississippi First for taking an interest in helping us provide a learning experience that will help develop student’s skills.