We are happy to announce the selection of our 2019 Shape Collaborative members. All five sites have selected outdoor learning environments as a focus of work.

The collaborative will meet four times over the next year to complete self-assessments, create action plans and outdoor designs, and engage in professional development.

The first collaborative meeting will be held at Verner Child Development Center East, the county’s Shape NC Demonstration Site. Participants will receive a Rainbow in My Tummy meal, tour the Outdoor Learning Environment and Veg, and set goals for the coming year.

Shape Specialist Natasha Bowden will provide the following support to collaborative members:

• Create individualized plans & trainings for each site
• Offer monthly technical assistance on center projects
• Offer plans, timelines, & trainings in a timely manner to meet collaborative and center goals
• Name & acknowledge center in media outreach
• Help with fundraising, grant writing, and finding free/low cost resources for projects

The grand finale will be a public tour of Shape Collaborative child care centers in June 2020.