Two Hamilton County child care facilities join state environmental program

Kids Korner of Noblesville and the Tot Spot of Fishers earn membership

HAMILTON COUNTY, IN - Kids Korner, LLC, of Noblesville and the Tot Spot, LLC of Fishers have been admitted into the Indiana Department of Environmental Management's (IDEM's) Five Star Environmental Recognition Program for Child Care Providers.

IDEM's Five Star program recognizes child care facilities that go above and beyond environmental regulations and demonstrate environmental stewardship. Facilities earn one, three or five stars based on their voluntary measures. IDEM assists facilities in implementing environmental plans and conducts site visits before granting membership.

Both Hamilton County organizations have implemented recycling into their daily operations. "We've all become educated about recycling and are learning how to clean and sort recyclables into the proper bins," said Kids Korner owner Jaime Jones. "It's been a fun, hands-on way to learn more about the environment."

The Tot Spot owner and director Alisha Ramsey discovered that recycling is cost-effective.

"We started a recycling program and have gone from two overflowing trash cans of garbage, or about 12 bags every two weeks to two bags of nonrecyclable garbage every two weeks," said Ramsey. "It really shows what a difference recycling can make, and we had no idea how inexpensive it is to recycle."

Ramsey said that families are also benefiting from the added emphasis on the environment.

"Most parents have also commented on their appreciation for the environmental awareness that is now included in the students' curriculum and included in our monthly newsletter," said Ramsey.

IDEM Commissioner Thomas Easterly said, "Any family considering their child care options should definitely look at facilities that exceed minimum requirements in search of environmental excellence. Kids Korner and Tot Spot are such organizations."

There are currently 69 child care providers participating in the Five Star program making their facilities safer for 4,000 Hoosier children. The other Hamilton County Five Star member is International Bilingual Learning, Carmel.

Additional information about the IDEM Five Star Child Care program can be obtained by calling Karen Teliha, Community Environmental Health & Education coordinator, at (800) 988-7901 or by visiting www.idem.IN.gov/4180.htm.

About IDEM
IDEM (www.idem.IN.gov) implements federal and state regulations regarding the environment. Through compliance assistance, incentive programs and educational outreach, the agency encourages and aids businesses and citizens in protecting Hoosiers and our environment.