Logan County Board of Developmental Disabilities received good news at their May meeting regarding the Discovery Center preschool.
The Discovery Center passed its state licensure and received gold status, which is the highest status available, for Step Up To Quality.
The Step Up To Quality program recognizes and promotes learning and development programs that meet quality program standards that exceed licensing health and safety regulations.
The Discovery Center Preschool also recently hosted its Spring Fling, which included several local agencies that were available for families to ask questions and get information. The preschoolers enjoyed several carnival games where they could win prizes.
Superintendent, Krista Oldiges also said the HVAC project that was scheduled to be completed over the summer at the Discovery Center has been pushed back to September. Rise Mechanical, who is installing the new HVAC systems, will complete the project over the weekends so that the preschool can remain open for classes.
The Board received additional grant funding from the Keeping Families Together Grant. This funding will be used to assist multi-system youths who are eligible for services through LCBDD.
Additional grant funding has become available through ARPA and has been applied for. If the board’s request is accepted, this funding will be used toward the purchase of a new curriculum for Discovery Center Preschool and the HVAC repairs.
Superintendent Oldiges also reviewed one contract and two polices with the board. The 2024–25 Discovery Center Preschool calendar was also reviewed.
The meeting began with a presentation from an agency provider, Downsize Farm, as part of the annual required training for board members. Bobbi McKee, Lacie Lookabaugh and Andrew Angles discussed all the services that DF provides, which include day habilitation and vocational habilitations services as well as employment and residential services for people with developmental disabilities in Champaign, Clark, Logan and Union counties.
DF’s mission is to enrich the quality of life of each participant through a personalized and structured schedule that is well balanced. DF is certified by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities.
The Spotted Cow Coffeehouse in Urbana is run by DF and is used as a vocational program to assist people with developmental disabilities with job skills that can open the doors to other job opportunities. They also have a cleaning and lawn care crew. Individuals who attend day habilitation at the farm location can participate in crafts and gardening, as well as baking and cooking activities. They also get to help take care of different animals on the farm.
In personnel, Cara Kauffman was hired to fill the administrative assistant position at the Discovery Center. Currently, the board is interviewing applicants for the open teacher position.
Oldiges provided updates with community involvement and Special Olympics. Kelli Bader, community first facilitator, is working on advocacy training for teens for this summer.
Several Special Olympic Athletes have started to learn bocce ball, pickleball and disc golf. The Vacation Club is planning a trip to Kings Island and Hocking Hills. A training about supportive technology, remote support and financial literacy was April 29.
Board meetings are typically conducted the first Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at 1973 W. State Route 47, Bellefontaine.
The next meeting of the board is 5:30 p.m. June 6. For further information on services, contact (937) 592-0015.
The Discovery Center preschool staff is pictured for the 2023-24 school year. (LCBDD PHOTO)