Seed Site

This is where your text starts. You can click here to start typing. Illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo.

Seed Grant Sites work closely with Demonstration Sites to naturalize and improve their outdoor spaces. Each awarded Seed Grant Site will receive $5,000 towards the installation of a naturalized outdoor learning environment and technical assistance to aid in naturalizing their outdoor learning environments. Through a competitive process, Seed Grant Sites are selected as follows: a) 25 sites were selected in Spring 2018; b) at least 25 sites will be selected in Spring 2019.

ECHO Seed Grant Sites are open to for-profit and non-profit licensed child care centers or preschools serving children under the age of five that meet the following minimum criteria:

  • A minimum Colorado Shines Level 1 rating. The license must be in good standing with the State of Colorado.
  • Commit to naturalizing the outdoor learning environment, including conducting gardening on-site.

Preference is given to programs that serve vulnerable families and children, which can be demonstrated by meeting any of the following criteria:

  • Demonstration of economic need for population served (e.g., percent of families eligible for need-based child care subsidies in the county, level of participation in Colorado Child Care Assistance Program [CCCAP], number of low-income families that may be experiencing housing or food insecurity)
  • Serving a diverse population, including a high percentage of ethnic and racial diversity
  • Serving children who are English language learners
  • Serving children with disabilities or special health care needs

Required commitments for seed grant sites:

  • Attend full-day Interactive Design Workshop led by ECHO partners.
  • Encouraged participation in the annual ECHO Summit.
  • Be available for consultation from the ECHO Design Team (e.g., measurements, pictures, etc.).
  • Identify community representative(s) (e.g., coach, child care health consultant) to participate in a Technical Assistance Provider Workshop.
  • Identify one individual to receive sponsored registration for the "Outdoor Learning Environments for Young Children" online certificate program.
  • Participate in evaluation in partnership with ECHO Partners.
  • Send representative(s) to at least one training at a local or regional Demonstration Site.

Publicly accessible sites that serve or attract families with young children are also eligible to become ECHO Seed Sites. Criteria are outlined below.