Teaching Tree receives $255k grant for expansion project

FORT COLLINS — The Buell Foundation has awarded a $255,000 grant to Teaching Tree Early Childhood Learning Center to support the expansion of its child care center in Fort Collins.

Since 1970, Teaching Tree has been providing early child care to middle- and low-income Larimer County families. It is also considered one of the top providers in the state, with a Level 4 Colorado Shines rating.

“This grant from Buell Foundation brings us 67 percent of the way to our fundraising goal for the capital expansion project, which is estimated to cost $2.1 million,” Anne Lance, executive director of Teaching Tree, said in a prepared statement. “We appreciate the Foundation’s ongoing support of our program, and we’re excited that this grant will help us realize our vision to increase our licensed capacity from 101 to 215 children.”

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With the grant, Teaching Tree plans to add six new classrooms for kids from the age of 6 weeks to 5 years and two natural playgrounds. These outdoor learning environments will be for growing curiosity, exploration and increasing physical activity.

“Situated so close to the Poudre River and Poudre River Trail, Teaching Tree has an ideal setting for creating natural playgrounds, which, the research shows, are so effective at engaging children in outdoor learning and play,” said Lance. “We’re excited that we’ll be able to offer our kiddos both conventional and natural playgrounds for their outdoor learning, play, and physical activity.”

The Buell Foundation is a professional philanthropic organization founded in 1962 that partners with programs ensuring a quality place for children to be valued, healthy and thriving.