Early in 2026, members noted that WJCC Schools was starting new construction at Five Forks for Bright Beginnings. KCCC Director Jim Simpson asked the Board if he could see if there was an opportunity to support something in the new schools (being constructed in Williamsburg and Norge). The Williamsburg location is being construct next to Clara Byrd Baker Elementary School where KCCC tutors. Contact was made with Deanna Nelson, the Bright Beginnings Principal. As it turned out, there was a project. During the design of the schools, WJCC had allocated about 300 sqft in each facility for Information Technology. That space was no longer needed for that purpose and could be reprogrammed. Bright Beginnings decided to build comfort rooms to be named Otter Cove. Otter Cove will be a dedicated regulation and movement space designed to support the social, emotional, sensory, and physical development of students at Bright Beginnings Preschool. Otter Cove is intentionally designed as a whole-child regulation environment where children can develop the skills needed to manage their bodies, emotions, and attention.
Otter Cove will include a variety of areas and materials designed to support different types of regulation needs:
- Calming and Quiet Spaces
Soft seating, low lighting, and calming visual elements will provide children with opportunities to slow down and regulate when they feel overwhelmed. - Vestibular and Movement Opportunities
Balancing and climbing structures will allow children to experience controlled movement that supports balance, body awareness, and nervous system regulation. - Proprioceptive (“Heavy Work”) Activities
Crash pads, climbing surfaces, and opportunities to push, pull, carry, or jump provide deep pressure and muscle input. Research shows this type of input can help children regulate their energy levels and improve attention. - Sensory Exploration
Tactile materials, LED lighting, and other sensory tools will help children explore and organize sensory input in ways that support focus and body awareness. - Music and Rhythm
Access to music and rhythmic movement supports emotional regulation and can help children transition between high-energy and calm states.
The idea, turned into a design, which was translated into a proposal presented at a Club meeting in late spring of 2026. Subsequently, the Board of Directors decided to explore how to fund the project. KCCC membership was polled to determine if the project was of interest. Support was overwhelmingly positive. The Board then decided to reach out the other local Kiwanis Clubs who expressed interest in the project. The Board of Directors then voted to set aside all the funds needed to fund the project. Subsequently, a meeting was held with the Bright Beginnings and the Chief Financial Officer of WJCC Schools to determine how KCCC could formally support the project. A Letter of Intent was signed by KCCC and Bright Beginnings on September 29, 2026.
The expected cost of the project is $56,004. The Colonial Capital Williamsburg Kiwanis Foundation has set aside the monies required to fund the project. The Kiwanis Club of Toano will contribute $8,000. A grant for $2,500 was received from the Peninsula Community Foundation in support of the project.