Easton Children's Museum, Inc.
. . .helping children and families become life-long learners"
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Hands-on STEM Learning for Kids
The Museum has created STEM Learning for Kids as a program to promote hands-on STEM/science learning for all children aged 3-8, especially disadvantaged children.
Its five key areas are: 1. involving young children, age 3-8, in effective hands-on early STEM/science-centered learning both here in The Museum with interactive exhibits and programs, and through continuing outreach programs presented in pre-schools and childhood learning centers, public schools, libraries, and other community venues; 2. developing early childhood science education curricula, learning materials, teacher training curricula/manuals; 3. training teachers and early childhood educators to provide science education; 4. developing and expanding long-term capacity to promote and deliver early science learning; and 5. building institutional and community awareness and commitment to STEM education.
Family Autism Program
Specially reserved hours where discounted admission is offered exclusively to families with children aged 10 and under on the Autism Spectrum. They have a chance to explore the Museum's hands-on exhibits in a less overwhelming atmosphere.
The Wild Place
The Children’s Museum in Easton‘s “Wild Place” opened in 2006 and in the ensuing years has become a hallmark exhibit and learning space for our members, visitors and guests.
Open every year between mid-April and late October, it is a wild and wonderful place where kids can play, explore, and learn about the natural world. There is ample space to run, jump or rest; many different activity areas; and a variety of plant life and small insects that never cease to amaze children.
Certified Nature Explore Classrooms are dynamic, nature-based play and learning spaces. Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom Designs apply research-based, field-tested design principles to create nature-rich outdoor spaces that can be located anywhere: a school, child care center, park, or other community site.
Our certification, earned each year through a rigorous review process, has been in place continuously since 2013 and comes from the ‘Nature Explore’ an early learning program from Nature Explore Dimensions Educational Research Foundation and the Arbor Day Foundation. It provides a naturally rich, safe and engaging learning environment for children and parents alike and captivates all who go there to explore.
The MakerSpace
In 2015, The Children’s Museum in Easton initiated our new and exciting MakerSpace program!
MakerSpace gives children of all ages a chance to “think with their hands” by combining Science, Technology Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM). On their own, these fields make for an interesting, fun and rewarding exploration. When you mix them all together, children can express their ideas in a meaningful and exciting new way. Mentally and physically investigating the way different tools work gives children a deeper understanding into a new world of possibilities.
The MakerSpace program allows children to take on the role of designer, engineer and scientists so that children can choose for themselves which role they like best. When faced with challenges in STEAM, children receive a message of competence and confidence. Engaging in the learning process in the MakerSpace is a rewarding way for children to gain knowledge and have fun!
Children are naturally curious, playful and imaginative. The MakerSpace allows these characteristics to flourish and for children to express themselves, while learning about the world around them. Fostering these skills also gives kids a chance to explore their own interests, opening up many different opportunities for the future. The experiences that children gain from designing and building has a large impact because it is hands-on. Making mistakes and asking questions along the way, helps make the learning more personal while developing new insights and understandings. Solving real challenges will help children find a career they will really love in the future!
Where we work
External reviews
Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
Our key issues for the coming year – three years, actually, as we track progress on our Board-approved strategic initiatives – are:
Fundraising – increased effectiveness across all development areas: special events, individual giving, public, corporate and private grants, and local and regional business support and sponsorship.
Increasing earned revenue by expanding our audience to increase attendance and participation in programming and activities.
Refreshing and expanding existing exhibit space and themes; creating new exhibits or attractions.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
Our Strategies to address the above issues are detailed here:
Fundraising – more transparent donor recognition; strengthen Development Committee representation and involvement; continue Legacy Giving program (long term initiative); strive to identify internal/Museum-friend champions for grants; continue to expand local/regional business sponsorship prospects; move aggressively to identify additional special event prospects; continue to expand on-line giving opportunities as well as strengthening our overall individual giving.
Earned revenue – increase distribution of print collateral though pediatric/young parent practitioners and business places; update all print documents – and branded materials – continue to foster community partnerships with other businesses catering to similar populations; increase appropriate data capture; survey visitors more frequently and publish results/"ratings".
Exhibit space refreshment-revitalizing – update all spaces vis a vis paint, surface repairs, replacement of loose/missing fasteners, etc.; refresh and renew a minimum of two exhibit areas annually; explore the addition of new outdoor exhibits in The Wild Place and continually upgrade the existing outdoor exhibits .
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
With our recently expanded Board of Directors, a revamped and revitalized Board of Advisors and specific outreach to community partners and local businesses, our capabilities are stronger than they have been in some years. Additionally, with a full 3-year strategic plan in place, our operational approaches to these strategic goals will have more comprehensive and timely attention.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
One major accomplishment is a recent review of the revamped Strategic Plan – and the process that led to it. The Board of Directors and Board of Advisors have both been expanded. Initial work on Corporate and Community Development, Fundraising, Revenue Enhancement and repairing / refurbishing / replacing exhibits and visitor spaces is already underway.
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
Easton Children's Museum, Inc.
Board of directorsas of 01/03/2018
Nora Yousif
RBC Wealth Management
Meri Schreiber
Retired educator/Easton Public Schools
Thomas Caron
North Easton Savings Bank
Janice Narsasian Narsasian
Easton Public Schools
Sharon Collins Beals
Independent financial consultant
Richard Kerr
K & L Gates, LLP
John McDonald
Bank of America
Karen Rodgers
Easton Public School
Elizabeth Belanger
consultant
Karen Francioso-Howe
Karen Francioso-Howe & Associates
Christopher Gemmiti
Sentien Biotechnologies
Mark Hausman, MD
Alan Bulotsky & Associates
Jason Hebert
JBH Ventures
Alan Huffenus
retired Executive Chair/Precision Engineered Products
Marie Kelly
Stonehill College
Mahsa Khanbabai
Khanbabai Immigration Law
Christine Santoro
Open Source Election Technology Institute