The McNabb Center is excited to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the playground for its Therapeutic Preschool in Chattanooga. The Therapeutic Preschool program provides early intervention services to children ages four-six who have been abused or neglected, or who have experienced trauma of any kind. The program helps children learn to manage difficult feelings and make safe choices.
“We are grateful for the addition of this playground to the Therapeutic Preschool program,” said Gayle Lodato, McNabb Center vice president.
“The playground will provide extra enrichment for the children and gives them an outlet to stay active and return to healthy development.”
Children enrolled in the Therapeutic Preschool will attend three and a half hours per day, four days per week for 10-12 weeks. During this time, the children will learn to identify emotions and how to effectively express them in everyday situations. The children will also learn how to identify safe adults to utilize in a time of crisis. The program mirrors a regular preschool or daycare setting in order to provide the best treatment environment possible, which includes time playing outside.
Funding for Chattanooga’s Therapeutic Preschool program and playground was made possible by the Helen Ross McNabb Foundation, Chattanooga Community Foundation, Martin Family Foundation, Pete Frederick, UNUM, McKee Food Fund, Robert Findley Stone Foundation and Schillhahn-Huskey Foundation.