Childcare Centers Receive NEA Grant

May 25, 2011

Thanks to a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), children and teachers at Northampton Community College's Reibman and Hannig children's centers will soon be exploring the unexpected elements in art that spur imagination and challenge artistic thinking.

The $25,000 Learning Through the Arts grant will support two artists-in-residence, as well as guest artists who will provide additional opportunities for children to experience exemplary works of art in live form. Professional development will increase the artistic knowledge and skills of classroom teachers so that they are able to effectively support and stretch children's artistic skills and abilities. The grant period covers the 2011-2012 academic year.

An independent agency of the federal government, the NEA advances artistic excellence, creativity, and innovation for the benefit of individuals and communities. 

NCC's children's centers focus on art through their Art as a Way of Learning curriculum. Developed by NCC in conjunction with Crayola, Art as a Way of Learning fosters children's development by building from their natural languages, including visual arts, drama, music, dance, movement and storytelling. This curriculum has been adopted by many schools and child care centers locally and across the country.