As the school year nears its close, director Amber Paulsen says Kaleidoscope Preschool and Childcare center’s two new classrooms are almost completed.

“Kaleidoscope’s building expansion is right on track financially, and close to the finish line constructively,” said Paulsen. “They have successfully stuck to their budget… The community has done an amazing job helping to get to this point, and all they need is one more big push to open two new classrooms and public office space for Orcas Family Connections, the Family Resource Center for Orcas Island.”

Kaleidoscope already serves children ages two-and-a-half to 12; the expansion will allow them to begin caring for children as young as four weeks. It is the only center offering childcare five days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. year-round.

“It’s reassuring when the parents within our local community are able to work to make ends meet, and it’s about to become a more likely reality for many,” said Paulsen. “Located within walking distance of Eastsound, Kaleidoscope has been a necessity to our local families and businesses for over 20 years… [We] provide safe, affordable, high-quality and consistent preschool and child care services… meaning families with children of all ages can have working parents who have the comfort of knowing their children are in a safe, nurturing, developmentally appropriate environment.”

Paulsen said help is needed in order to finish the expansion: financial donations will help purchase cribs, high chairs, a rocking chair, rugs, shelving, cubbies, art supplies, activity stations, storage tubs, books, toys and more  that will be used by hundreds of island children. Kaleidoscope also can use direct donations of fire extinguishers, first aid kits, signage, a small refrigerator, baby blankets/clothes, a compact music player and other kid friendly items.

For more information, visit OurKaleidoscopeKids.org, email kaleidoscope@centurytel.net, call 376-2484 or mail to PO Box 1476, Eastsound, Wash., 98245.