Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: The Bruce Harter Learning Pavilion, Inc.
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: The Learning Pavilion
Mailing Address: 3519 Easter Stanley Court
City: Tallahassee
State: FL
Postal Code: 32308
Main Phone: 850-921-5437
Main Fax: N/A
Organization Website: http://www.thelearningpavilion.org
Employer ID Number: 59-1553555
Organization Tax Status: 501c3 (nonprofit)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: March 28, 2025
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Developmentally Disabled Support of Arts and STEM Programs
Project Description:

The Bruce Harter Learning Pavilion (BHLP), formerly Dick Howser Center for Childhood Services, is a renowned early childhood learning center in Tallahassee, Florida, serving over 240 children annually. With an inclusive, play-based curriculum for infants through pre-K (ages 6 weeks to 5 years), BHLP focuses on intervention strategies for children with developmental delays. Currently, 40% of students receive therapy services, and 46% come from ALICE families (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), demonstrating our commitment to supporting vulnerable populations.

Tallahassee is home to over 15,000 preschool-aged children, yet fewer than 15% of childcare facilities meet the standards of a true early learning center. Among these, BHLP is one of only two centers specializing in early intervention for children with developmental disabilities, with the other primarily serving severe cases. This distinction makes BHLP an indispensable resource for families seeking comprehensive developmental care. Our programs prepare children for kindergarten success and long-term growth, offering families a supportive network as they navigate disabilities. On-site therapeutic services—including occupational, behavioral, speech, music, and physical therapies—are tailored to each child’s needs, fostering confidence, independence, and essential life skills.

Research confirms that hands-on, play-based learning enhances social, motor, language, and cognitive skills. BHLP’s daily schedule balances learning and care, featuring warm-up activities, rotations through specialized rooms (Sensory, STEM, Art), group learning, meals, naps, and outdoor play. Our "plan-do-review" approach promotes stability, creativity, and consistent development.

We are requesting $10,000 to improve our specialty rooms with additional STEM/Art supplies and organizational equipment. These enhancements will elevate our project-based curriculum, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and developmental milestones for all students, including those with delays. By supporting BHLP, you contribute to a brighter, more inclusive future for children in our community.

Total Project Budget: $2,480,588

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Registration/Tuition Fees – $1,665,602 – Committed; In Kind Professional Therapy Services (multiple) – $478,564 – Committed; Early Learning Coalition – $174,568 – Committed; Department of Health – $75,667 – Committed; Leon County CHSPG – $22,457 – Committed; United Way of the Big Beng – $67,800 – Potential; Goodwill Industries of the Big Bend – $6700 – Committed

Project Duration: 07/01/2025 – 06/30/2026
Geographical Area Served: North Florida Big Bend Area: Counties of Leon, Gadsden, Jefferson, and Wakulla
Age Group To Be Served: Ages 3 to 5 years

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Jamie
Contact Last Name: Singleton
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 850-570-9514
Contact Email: jsingleton@thelearningpavilion.org