2019 marked the establishment of Fern and Feather Preschool! Felix Neck kicked the year off by obtaining our preschool license through the Early Education and Care (EEC) Massachusetts. The EEC preschool license allows us to accept up to 20 students 2.9-5 years old, though we are limiting enrollment to twelve students a day. Two community open houses showcased the school and introduced the staff to interested families. The waitlist continues to grow with 85-plus families looking to send their child to our preschool. Two full-time preschool staff were hired, one a past Fern and Feather Day Camp staff, and a part-time teacher joined the Felix Neck preschool team. On September 3, 2019 Fern and Feather Preschool opened its doors at full capacity! Felix Neck welcomed 20 families to our program for 2-, 3-, or 5-days, with extended day options. Tuition support was provided to four families (25% of the student body) and we are able to accept childcare subsidy grants from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development FY19 Community Development Building Grants (CDBG) program. A top priority for Felix Neck is to continue to obtain financial aid funds to support the needs of our year-round community. Felix Neck has begun enrolling students for the 2020 school year, many of whom need tuition assistance. Before the preschool launched, Felix Neck had another great summer of Fern and Feather Day Camp with over 400 campers (ages 4-13) and 14 Leaders-in-Training and camp staff (age 14-25). Financial aid was provided to 16 campers and all requests were able to be accommodated. With four months of nature preschool under our belt and 54 years of nature camp, we have learned a lot and work to improve and adapt as our community requires. We are proud of our accomplishments and grateful to MVYouth for helping us provide services, joy, inspiration, and lifelong learning to the Island community.