Monday, April 25, 2011

Indiana Bureau of Child Care recognized for playground safety

For immediate release: Apr 25, 2011

Posted by: [FSSA]
Contact: Bridget Sullivan
Phone: (317) 234-0464
Email: bridget.sullivan@fssa.IN.gov

Indiana Bureau of Child Care Wins 2011 National Program for Playground Safety Award

INDIANAPOLIS (April 25, 2011) - The Indiana Bureau of Child Care (BCC), under Indiana Family and Social Services Administration's (FSSA) Division of Family Resources (DFR), is the 2011 recipient of the National Program for Playground Safety's (NPPS) John Preston Playground Safety Award for its efforts in improving nearly 200 playgrounds statewide.

"We are pleased to be able to support Indiana child care providers in ways that improve the health and safety of Hoosier children," said BCC Director Melanie Brizzi. "This playground project has impacted well over 10,000 young children who are now benefiting from safer, more enriching outdoor play areas."

Indiana BCC received the award for its efforts in providing American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grants of up to $5000 to licensed child care centers and homes, as well as registered ministries that have obtained their Voluntary Certification Program Recognition (VCP). These funds were used by the child care sites to improve safety and add developmentally appropriate playground equipment to help ensure that children are receiving opportunities for active outdoor play.

In 2005, Indiana FSSA was the first recipient of the John Preston Playground Safety Award. The award is in honor of John Preston, an engineer for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and tireless worker for children's safety, and is granted annually to an organization or agency that exemplifies care and concern for children by creating safe play environments.

 
Media contact: Bridget Sullivan, (317) 234-0464, bridget.sullivan@fssa.IN.gov