The Early Learning Coalition of Osceola County (ELC ) opened a new Early Learning Hub last week, with a ribbon cutting ceremony at Park Place Behavioral Health Care in Kissimmee.
This hub, a free interactive play space where children learn through the power of play, will be the 14th in Osceola County.
“The Early Learning Coalition started this initiative two years ago to bring play spaces to families who wouldn’t access it in certain areas,” said Natalie Snodgrass, Community Partnerships Coordinator for ELC, “Osceola County does not have a children’s museum so there was no free play space learning throughout the county. So, we started in places like laundromats, doctor’s offices, and now we’re in the library, we’re in some churches, and now we get to be here in Park Place, which we are so excited about.
“Families, as they are waiting, are not waiting in a small room with just a chair and a couple things, they now get to have a quiet place where the children can decompress before going into therapy.”
The Hub features cozy, child friendly furniture, engaging toys, colorful floor mats for movement, and a book tree with free books for families to take and enjoy at home.
“We were so thrilled when ELC reached out and asked if we would be willing to partner for this 14th early learning hub, recognizing what it means for the families we work with and serve each and every day in our community,” said Dr. Garrett Griffin, CEO of Park Place Behavioral Health Care.
Park Place Behavioral Health Care serves upwards of 1,000 people each month, providing services for all ages with mental health as well as substance use treatment. Services include traditional counselling, psychiatric medication management, case management, and peer support. They also offer in-patient for those in crisis, both voluntary and involuntary for mental and substance.
“When I think about today and this opportunity with the Early Learning Coalition, it really speaks to the value and the special relationship and special community we have here in Osceola County,” Griffin said. “ I’ve been here 22 years and I can tell you that I’ve been always been impressed with the way that we’ve come together as a network of community providers— hospitals, schools, libraries—I look around the room and I see so many familiar faces that we’re partnering with and it warms my heart, and I appreciate that.”
Director of Outpatient Services Dr. Odette Escobar Santiago emphasized the importance of play for everyone, not just children.
“I want to highlight not just the importance of creating this space for children to learn and play, but also for us adults, to learn and play together, across generations,” she said.
Amanda Kelkenberg, CEO of the ELC for Osceola County, who had to miss the ribbon cutting due to illness, said, “This is our time to come together as a community and find innovative ways to deliver early education services to our families. It’s strong partnerships like this that truly make a difference.”
