Spirit At Play Inc

Programs: Spirit at play (sap) early child program, established in 1991, serves children from ages 3 to 6 (2. 5 if toilet trained) during the school term and children up to age 9 in the summer program. This non-profit educational program for children has an extended license with the state of montanas department of public health & human services. Participating in the stars to quality incentives program with the state of montana, sap holds a star level 3 out of 5 respective levels. The school strives to follow the national association for the education of young childrens (naeyc) guidelines for early childhood programs. Naeycs developmentally appropriate practice, howard gardners multiple intelligences theory, reggio emilia philosophy and the project approach are blended and utilized as educational systems for the children enrolled in the program. Spirit at play is continually working toward being sustainable and the children are being taught sustainable ways to work within the school and the local community to utilize its resources. The school is committed to providing early childhood education to the whole community and does not participate in any form of discrimination based on race, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, or age. Some of the unique activities that the staff make available to children and families enrolled in the school are: swimming, gymnastics, ice skating, sign language, exposure to other languages and cultures, music and theatre. During our fiscal year ended 8-31-17, we served 58 different children throughout the year, including our summer program. The school was awarded a grant for $2,500. 00 to remove our crumb rubber mulch in the front yard of the school and replace it with engineered wood fiber mulch. Now the children can play on a safe and natural ground covering. The school was honored by the missoula job service employers council with the 2017 jsec employer of choice award in the small business category. Spirit at play was selected because of our inclusive organizational culture and solid benefit package. The committee was also impressed with our commitment to employee development and training. Former director kelly clouse and two other board members were honored at a special luncheon where the award was presented in february. Local winners are submitted to the montana state employers council for consideration of the montana 2017 employer of choice award. Spirit at play received the top award in the small business category for montana! Reaching star level three in the best beginnings stars to quality, voluntary program, was achieved with the hard work and dedication of the entire teaching team in april, 2017! This level allows us to receive a higher reimbursement rate for all best beginnings state assisted children and the school benefits through quarterly incentive checks.