Incorporating STEAM Into Play Environment to Help Increase Enrollment

The Challenge

Kiddie Academy in Mount Prospect, IL, faced the challenge of standing out in a competitive market for child care services. They needed a unique and educational play environment that would attract more enrollments and provide a distinctive advantage over other local child care centers.

The Solution

Kiddie Academy turned to Grounds For Play, a company specializing in innovative play environments that integrate educational elements. Grounds For Play custom-designed a play area incorporating STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) components to extend classroom learning outdoors. Key features included the Tot-Trek™, Double To-Fro Glider, shaded play structure, musical instruments, an engineering center, and a science and discovery center. According to Design Consultant Lauren Harrigan, "The engineering center and science and discovery center are unique features that make Kiddie Academy stand out from the other child care centers in the area." Children and parents quickly embraced the new space, which became a crucial selling point for finalizing enrollments.

The Results

The new play environment designed by Grounds For Play resulted in a significant increase in enrollments at Kiddie Academy. The outdoor area now serves as a creative teaching space for teachers and a favorite play area for children, enhancing the overall educational experience. As Lauren Harrigan stated, "Children and parents love the space. It has been a large selling tool for Kiddie Academy as they worked to finalize enrollment before and after opening." By integrating STEAM elements into the play environment, Kiddie Academy not only attracted more families but also provided a richer, more engaging educational experience for children aged 6-23 months and 2-12 years.