JCC Denver’s Early Learning School (ELS) will unveil a new, purpose-built outdoor playground for infants and toddlers on May 21. Spanning 750 square feet, this thoughtfully designed space offers a safe and stimulating environment where the youngest learners can explore, grow, and thrive. Currently under construction, the playground promises to enrich the ELS experience by supporting both physical and cognitive development.

For years, educators like Michaela Kerley, ELS Pedagogical Leader, and Jude Jeans, ELS Educator, envisioned a dedicated outdoor space for the school’s youngest children. “It has always felt important that our infants have a place where they are not only safe but also feel like they truly belong,” Michaela explains. That vision is now becoming reality thanks to the dedication of ELS staff and the generosity of donors. The project gained momentum through a matching Staenberg Anything Grant from JEWISHcolorado, followed by a heartfelt donation from the Hereford and Dukakis families in memory of their daughter, Jobie—a cherished Camp Shai counselor and ELS teacher. Their contributions have ensured that the new playground will positively impact generations of children to come.

Designed with infants’ and toddlers’ developmental needs in mind, the playground will include age-appropriate structures for climbing and standing, as well as soft surfaces ideal for early crawlers and walkers. According to Michaela, the space will act as an outdoor extension of the classroom, aligning with ELS’s educational philosophy by promoting sensory exploration and motor skill development. “Every element of the space encourages safe exploration, sensory experiences, and the development of both fine and gross motor skills,” she says.

Beyond physical growth, the playground will also support social and cognitive development. “Outdoor play provides challenges children don’t typically encounter indoors—from navigating uneven terrain to engaging with natural materials,” Michaela notes. These experiences foster problem-solving, critical thinking, and physical coordination. “A lot happens through shared learning and play,” she adds, emphasizing that the new space will encourage both individual growth and collaborative exploration.