LCDC annual report.pdf

Annual Report
“Where families discover a new way to learn and play”
Centrally located in the heart of Hammond, LA
113 N. Cypress St. Hammond, LA 70404
www.lcdcofhammond.org
(985) 340-9150

What’s Inside?
Who We Are… 3
About Us 4
LCDC History 5
Exhibits and Attractions 6
Educational Programs 11
Our Board of Directors 13
Our Board Committees 14
Visitor Demographics 15
Partnerships, Sponsors, and Pledges 18
Future of the LCDC 22
About our Playologists 24
LCDC Hours of Operation:
Mondays: Closed
Tuesdays-Fridays: 10 am – 5 pm
Saturdays: 10 am—6 pm
Sundays: 1 pm—5 pm
2

Who we are
The Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center (LCDC) is a 501 C3 Non- Profit
Children’s Museum located in the heart of Hammond, Louisiana. It is the only
open and operating Children’s Museum in the Northshore area. We serve over
25 different parishes, 5 counties, 20 States and over 252,000 children and their
families.
The LCDC is an affiliate of the
Association of Children’s
Museums. We are more than
just a conventional Children’s
Museum. We are a premiere
center that offers over 35
different engaging interactive
hands- on exhibits and
programs, making the LCDC
an excellent educational
resource for the entire
community. Moreover, it is a
great place where toddlers,
children and teenagers can
learn at their own pace while
having fun and playing
interactively with their peers.
Finally, with each exhibit, we
offer a variety of meaningful instructional activities that are extremely useful to
Early Childhood education Students, classroom teachers, students, parents, and
grandparents who bring their children explore and discover new ways to learn
while playing.
3

Mission Statement
To provide an exceptional environment where play & learning inspire children to
embrace their world.
Vision Statement
The Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center aims to be a unique, interactive resource which
offers creative opportunities for families and children to learn, play, discover and grow
together.
Value Statement
1. Learning is fun!
2. Innovate, initiate & create
3. Accept others & their ideas.
4. Do the right thing.
5. Teach optimism by example!
6. Empower staff & volunteers to create an extraordinary visit for our guests.
Goals
1. Develop and offer innovative learning experiences
2. Strive for always having exhibits which reflect the changing needs of our
community
3. Help preserve the history of our region
4. Be a resource to our community to enhance learning through play
5. Become a financially independent facility
6. Be an innovative, leading children’s museum
Tagline
Where families discover a new way to learn and play.
4

Why open a Children’s Museum in Hammond?
The demand was coming from every direction, and people in the community where looking for:
A place where families with young children could feel save, A place where teenagers could
grow and be mentored by other peers,
A place where teachers could find educational resources,
A place where future leaders where shaped and could learn from the power of play,
A place where education came first,
A place where learning was fun,
A place where been yourself wasn’t judged and acceptance was a rule,
A place where color, gender, disability, culture, religion, language, education, economic or
social background wasn’t a barrier,
A place where the imagination did not had an end.
A place where multi ‐ generation interaction could inspire children of all ages to learn and grow
together,
A place where innovation, creativity, development of opinions and ideas was promoted
A place where teaching the right thing, leading by example, caring for others could empower
the staff and volunteers
A place where everyone felt welcomed
The Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center was born out of the dream of concerned citizens who believed
Tangipahoa Parish deserved better. They wanted to have a place that could help families stay in this
community and could attract young families to this region. They wanted a place they could be proud of,
support and see it grow.
After many years of planning today the community has The Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center which
has been in operation since October 2010, serving a diverse group of people from different economic,
social, cultural, racial backgrounds and with disabilities, as well breaking the intergeneration bridge by
providing jobs and volunteer opportunities to a diverse group of people from retirees to students and
veterans.
With over 250,000 visitors from 25 different parishes, 20 different states and several countries, the funding
received has allowed us to provide monthly educational programs and over 26 specific educational
programs, serving 9200 school field trips, 108 Outreach Programs, 23 School Systems and the local
university.
We provide educational interactive opportunities for toddlers; children, teenagers, parents, teachers and
future educators building a strong relationship with students from Southeastern Louisiana University by
providing a platform were they perform their required direct teaching hours, observation hours and
curriculum development.
The one-on-one interaction and the Personal touch the staff and volunteers are giving is what sets us
apart, that is what we do, we provide a place “Where families discover a new way to learn and play” and a
place “Where children discover the power of falling in love with education.
5

Exhibits and Attractions
Old Cypress Tree
Half of Louisiana is timbered with an
abundance of varied and beautiful trees,
however the Cypress was designated a
state tree in 1963. The Cypress grows in
many areas of the state, particularly
swampy areas. The base of the tree and its
raised platform house many interesting
facts and discoveries for the little visitors.
This exhibit encourages quiet interaction
Middendorf's Restaurant
A child can work at Middendorf's
Restaurant. Learn healthy eating habits
and good nutrition. Learn about money
by working with a real cash register,
scanner and actual products on shelves.
Learn how to wait tables.
Rock Wall
Climbing is truly a sport for all ages. This
climbing wall for children is perfect for schools
as most kids have remarkable strength-toweight
ratios, making them amazing natural
climbers. Climbing at a young age helps
bolster confidence and gives kids a way to stay
fit while still having fun. Unlike many other
competitive activities, climbing unites all
participants, regardless of their skill level or
experience.
Vet Clinic
This exhibit demonstrates a whole new
way to view wellness! There are plenty
of jobs to go around for our little
caretakers. Use animal puppets to talk
about feelings and creative ways to
manage anger, frustration or loss in the
Vet Clinic. See fascinating views of
hair, bugs and skin under the
microscope. Kids can pull on scrubs and
role play with play animals.
6

Discover Me
This exhibit area showcases the
Balance Skateboard, Vertical Leap,
Hang Time, Nutrition Café, Human
Torso & Human Skeleton. Guests can
test, measure and record their results
so they can set goals for future
improvement. You will leave this
exhibit energized, motivated &
inspired to live a healthy lifestyle!
Crane Command
Filled with fine and gross motor activities that
build coordination and self-confidence, this
open framed multi-level crane invites kids to
collect and transport foam “bricks” around the
construction site using wheelbarrows, raise
them to the top floor with a pulley and basket,
or dump them down the demolition chute to a
bin below. Children can slide down a slide,
crawl under the floor and hide out, talk to
other kids through PVC plumbing in the walls,
turn on an oversized light switch or ring the
warning alarm.
Tactile Tunnel
Explore a multi-sensory, magical garden that’s
designed just for our youngest visitors. Babies
and toddlers can crawl into the peeper’s nest,
scramble over roots, follow the glass river,
crawl through the silo and enjoy the sounds
and textures of falling leaves alongside the
Bayou. Its features encourage children to
explore different environments, tactile and
sensory spaces and gross motor skills.
Milking Cow & Strawberry
This exhibit has been specifically
designed to promote the knowledge
and understanding of hand milking a
cow for all ages. The strawberry field
is designed to encourage kids to plant
and pick strawberries along with other
fruits and vegetables. A scarecrow with
interchangeable outfits watches over
the garden.
7

Construction Zone
Build a skyscraper as tall as you are or a
chair on which you can sit. Use your
imagination to conceive an idea… then
make it real. Children and adults alike
will become architects, physicists,
mathematicians and problem solvers in
a gallery filled with foam blocks!
Musical Aerobic Alley
This musical dance floor is a colorful,
projected interactive floor that allows
visitors to move with the light
movements. As the visitor moves over
the floor, it reacts with light and
sound. The more aerobic you are, the
more active the show becomes.
Ambulance
“It takes a special person to save another one
and that call starts really early in life”
The Hammond Emergency Medical Services
Ambulance educates visitors about
emergency ambulance service to the City of
Hammond. When someone calls 911 for a
pretend medical emergency, the Hammond
EMS role play ambulance sounds its siren
and lights up for transporting the patient. The
fully-loaded back end will fascinate all ages.
Bubble Stations
A variety of bubble-making components,
from bubble wands to giant bubble
machines, engage children in open-ended
exploration and experimentation. The
most effective sources of early learning
are immediate, meaningful and involve
children’s discovery and choice.
Presented in a carnival-like setting,
bubble stations offer children a chance to
explore the science of bubbles.
8

Construction House
“When I say an artist I mean the man who is
building things…some with a brush, some
with a shovel”
The construction house allows children to
see the process of building a house, from the
roof, walls, pipes, the isolation system and
the floor. This unfinished house furnished
with building tools allows the children to
discover their architectural and engineering
skills.
Creation Station
You don’t have to be Picasso to enter the
creation station however you will leave thinking
you are! Each day a different craft is presented
and the children are allowed to take their
imagination to another level.
This versatile art center has plenty of workspace
for the young artist and the colorful design
provides instant inspiration! Perfect for all kinds
of creative activities, the creation station has
crayon and brush bins right at hand and ample
storage for supplies. The long window acts as
the perfect easel for painting on glass.
Pedestrians will enjoy the sidewalk art show.
Donor Wall
This exhibit encourages interaction for
children. It is playful, whimsical, fun
and interesting to watch. There are
many different levels of opportunity to
be a gear sponsor.
Music Factory
Immigrants from a variety of nations have
added their music traditions to Louisiana’s
rich cultural blend. It is no exaggeration to
say that Louisiana is one of America’s
richest sources of traditional ethnic music.
This signature exhibit showcases the sounds
of Louisiana by encouraging visitors to
dance along to their selected song.
9

The Waterfront
Shrimp, Shrimp, Shrimp! They are boiled,
fried, stuffed, stewed in Creole Sauce and
added to Louisiana gumbo and jambalaya.
Shrimping has a long history in Louisiana.
This kid-sized working pier and shrimp
boat are sure to keep them busy working
the day’s catch.
Theatre
While dress up play is an incredibly fun activity
for kids (and adults), it’s also a very important
one, helping your little one build confidence and
explore their imagination. Performing arts gives
them a creative outlet to unwind and focus on a
section of their brain that does not get used often
enough in a structured academic setting. The
grand, vintage theater is the centerpiece of the
performance gallery. The theater includes a
center stage with working lights and curtains,
backstage make-up room and seating for the
crowds. Lights, camera, action!
Hot Air Balloon
If you simply want to enjoy the
experience of flying, there’s nothing quite
like it. Many people describe flying in a
hot air balloon as one of the most serene,
enjoyable activities they’ve ever
experienced. This exhibit will give the
illusion of flying without leaving the
ground.
Toddler Area
“Growth starts on the womb, discovery,
since the day we open our eyes.”-
unknown
Early Childhood development is crucial
in the Development of a child. Children
taught at an early age demonstrate better
social skills, less or no need for special
education instruction, better grades and
enhanced attention spans.
10

Educational Programs
1. The Junior Volunteer Program: Volunteer training program for children ages 10-14 years old. Participants
learn about the “Power of Volunteering”
2. “I am a ‘Published Lil Artist’ Program”: A partnership program with local restaurants and schools to
display children’s art work at their establishments.
3. Spectrum Program: an autism awareness Program for families with children suffering from autism.
4. The Junior Lego League, “Robotics”: Based on the STEAM Program, a robotics club for children 6 to 9 years old
5. The Bayou Builder’s Lego League: (Promoting the STEAM Program, Children 10-14 years old) promotes
learning, problem-solving, and teamwork through the world of Lego’s. 2015 State Representatives at the
World Championship.
6. Children’s Outreach Program: Participating children create original artwork for local veterans and nursing
homes
7. The Junior Leadership Program: A hands-on experience, focusing on career orientation for teenagers, 14‐18
years old
8. National Adoption Awareness Program: “Power of Adoption”. Focuses on different kinds of adoption.
Children, parents, grandparents, trees, streets, animals, and attitudes are all things we can adopt. This Program
also connects adopted children and their parents with other adopted children and with individuals interested
in going through the adoption program.
9. International Children’s Awareness: A program raising awareness about other cultures and subcultures in our
area.
10. The Regional Spelling Bee: 103 schools are in participation reaching out to over 18 different parishes within
our state. We currently host the largest regional spelling bee, with the largest participation, in the Scripps
National Spelling Bee.
11. The Adult Team Spelling Bee: A fun educational opportunity for adult and children to work in a team
setting and improve their knowledge about language.
12. Incredible Kid Program: Recognizing a child that goes above and beyond in the community.
13. Homework Helpers: One-on-one tutoring for school-age children.
14. Almost Sleepover: A Program that allows couples to find time for each other and date again while the kids
discover the LCDC. (Building stronger families)
15. Toddler Time: Allows for interaction among the youngest of our guests and their parents
11

16. The Children Litter Education Program: Teaching over 5,500 students within the Tangipahoa Parish School
System about the importance of litter control and the stewardship of our community. The program goes to
every school in the parish.
17. Observation time: For early childhood future educators. We facilitate an educational platform to over 117
Southeastern Students each semester.
18. Direct Teaching Experience: A partnership with the Southeastern Louisiana University College of Education,
Department of Teaching and Learning. The program allows their students to have field experience at the
LCDC. We currently work with over 500 SLU Students during active semesters. (The LCDC pays a Certified
Teacher to perform the observation)
19. “I can make it” (Science Program with college students and elementary students)
20. Expo: Curriculum Implementation for Southeastern Louisiana University Students. This program partners with
the College of Education, Department of Teaching and Learning.
21. Outreach Program: Bringing the interactivity of the LCDC to other parts of the
Community.
22. Our Ecosystem Awareness Program: Hands on activities and a learning program with reptiles, fishes and
other animals.
23. Letters to Santa: In partnership with the Hammond Post Office “Santa” sends a personalized letter to every
child that writes him. “Keeping the Spirit of Christmas”
24. GAK: Provides children with fun, educational opportunities through creative science experiments
25. Discovery Me: An educational program encouraging kids to learn the human body, animals and plants.
26. Reuse, Reduce, Recycle: We learn the multiple uses one thing can have and the importance of recycling.
27. Discover Louisiana through the Eyes of a Child: Educational Program about our state, our culture, traditions,
music and our festivals.
28. Oobleck: Learning the different properties of solid vs. liquid.
29. K‐9 Sam: Brings comfort to children and adults going through difficult times by interacting with our
special, 4-legged “pawologist,” Sam.
30. Observation Program: Offers social workers and therapists with a child-friendly environment to assess
children in order to provide proper treatment.
12

Recognition: Our Board of Directors
Board Officers
Donna Miller, President
Dr. Elizabeth Fritz, Vice President
Elsbet Smith, Secretary
Christie Barado, Treasurer
Erica Williams, Past President
Board Attorney
Nicole Dillon
Executive Director
Anette A. Kirylo
Board Members
Nicole Dillon
Alexis Ducorbier
Freda Green
Joe Thomas
Jacob Thompson
Kathy Montecino
Daryl Ferrara
Eunice Harris
Mandy Cook
Peggy Hoover
Advisory Board Members
Becky Powell–Fundraising Committee
Emily Mckneely–Membership and Marketing Committee
Melanie Zaffuto–Membership and Marketing Committee
Erin Cowser–Membership and Marketing Committee
Dennis James – Finance Committee
13

Recognition: Our Board Committees
Fundraising: Co-Chairs Nicole Dillon and Erica Williams
Donna Miller Kathy
Montecino Becky
Powell
Elizabeth Fritz Peggy
Hoover Joe Thomas
JacobThompsn
Finance: Co-Chairs: Dennis James and Daryl Ferrara
Christie Barado
Donna Miller
Peggy Hoover
Kathy Montecino
Membership and Marketing Committee: Co-Chairs: Alexis Ducorbier and Erin Cowser
Melanie Zaffuto
Emily McKneely
Mandy Cook
Exhibit Committee: Co-Chairs Kathy Montecino and Elsbet Smith Hollywood
Peggy Hoover Christie
Barado Erin Cowser
Mandy Cook
Building Committee: Co-Chairs Ron Macaluso and Kathy Montecino
Eunice Harris Peggy
Hoover Joe Thomas
Nominating Committee: Co- Chairs: Freda Green and Kathy Montecino
Donna Miller
Elizabeth Fritz
Personnel Committee: Co-Chairs: Donna Miller and Peggy Hoover
Mandy Cook Eunice
Harris Christie Barado
14

Demographics
Since our inception, the Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center’s has been solely focused on the education of
our future generations and the promotion of learning while playing and interacting. Children and families
from all cultural and economic backgrounds are welcome to come discover their world from a different
perspective every day here at the LCDC.
Since 2010:
Visitors: 282,749
Fieldtrips: 9,200
Parties: 2,016
Outreach Programs: 108
Educational Programs: 30
Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center Regional Outreach
Vernon Parish Rapides Parish Avoyelles Parish
Pointe Coupee Parish West Feliciana Parish East Feliciana Parish
West Baton Rouge Parish East Baton Rouge Parish Iberville Parish
Assumption Parish St. Mary Parish Terrebone Parish
Lafourche Parish St. James Parish St. John Baptist Parish
Jefferson Parish Orleans Parish St. Tammany Parish
Washington Parish Tangipahoa Parish St. Helena Parish
Amite County
Pike County
Awards and Accolades:
2013 The Hammond Chamber of Commerce Golden Christmas Spirit Award
2013 Regional FLL World Class Challenge Champions.
2014 ”Most Loved Party Places in the North shore”
2014 Best Kids Activity Place, Daily Star Reader’s Choice
2014 1 st Place, Non-Commercial Christmas Parade Float
2014 FLL World Class Challenge Champions Awa
15

Outreach Map
16

Attendance History
ZIP
CODE
City/State
ZIP CODE
City/State
17
ZIP CODE
70 77008 Houston 70775
City/State
St.
Francisville
ZIP CODE
City /State
70791 Zachary
70094 77045 Houston 39759 Starkville 70774 St. Amamt
70101 70403985 Hammond 77479 Sugar Land 70810 Baton Rouge
70124 70121 Jefferson 77586 Taylor Lake 70806 Baton Rouge
70411 71342 Jena 70090 Vacherie 70808 Baton Rouge
70484 39534 Keesler AFB 71373 Vidalia 70816 Baton Rouge
70548 70062 Kenner 77598 Webster 70739 Greenwell Sp
70718 70503 Lafayette 70056 Terrytown 70809 Baton Rouge
77382 70507 Lafayette 39666 Summit 70427 Bogalusa
31705 Albany 70605 Lake Charles 70776 St. Gabriel 70420 Abita Springs
87107 Albuquerque 70069 LaPlace 70459 Slidell 70402 Hammond
30022 Alpharetta 75077 Lewisville 70764 Plaquemine 70458 Slidell
70426 Angie 39645 Liberty 70112 New Orleans 70454 Panchatoula
70446-
70461 Slidell
78759 Austin 2198 Loranger 70003 Metairie
70805 Baton Rouge 70060 Luiling 70005 Metairie 70456 Roseland
70836 Baton Rouge 70374 Lockport 70070 Luling 70451 Natalbany
39520 Bay St. Louis 70072 Marrero 70442 Husser 70769 Prairieville
77401 Bellaire 70555 Maurice 35080 Helena 70445 LaCombe
98226 Bellingham 39648 McComb 70052 Grammercy 70441 Greensburg
French
70737 Gonzales
72716 Bentonville 70001 Metairie 70733 Settleme
42104 Bowling Green 70114 New Orleans 70436 Fluker 70437 Folsom
Bowling
Denham
70068 LaPlace
17007 Springs 70117 New Orleans 70786 Springs
39601 Brookhaven 70118 New Orleans 70807 Baton Rouge 70455 Robert
Denham
70706
2140 Cambridge 70130 New Orleans 70714 Baker
Springs
82601 Casper 70141 New Orleans 70123 Jefferson 70438 Franklinton
61822 Champaign 10011 New York 70470 Mandeville 70435 Covington
70722 Clinton 31775 Omega 70763 Paulina 70444 Kentwood
30041 Cummings 39657 Osyka 70452 Pearl River 70744 Holden
75219 Dallas 89040 Overton 70450 Mt. Herman 70754 Livingston
36526 Daphne 70005 Metarie 70767 Port Allen 70785 Walker
Mount
70471 Mandeville
32550 Destin 29464 Pleasant 70815 Baton Rouge
36535 Foley 39121 Natchez 70820 Baton Rouge 70462 Springfield
70538 Franklin 80138 Parker 70817 Baton Rouge 70448 Mandeville
70426 Franklinton 70453 Pine Grove 70434 Covington 70447 Madisonville
French
70404 Hammond
70733
Settlement 39470 Poplarville 70051 Garyville
70734 Geismar 70770 Pride 70460 Slidell 70711 Albany
Denham
70726
39638 Gloster 8543 Princeton 70755 Walker
Springs
39503 Gulfport 70578 Rayne 70818 Baton Rouge 70446 Loranger
40401 Hammond 70123 River Ridge 70814 Baton Rouge 70466 Tickfaw
70454 Hammond 70772 Rosedale 70084 Reserve 70422 Amite
39402 Hattisburg 78232 San Antonio 70449 Maurepas 70443 Independence
70360 Houma 70406 Slidell 70431 Bush 70433 Covington
70019 Houston 70778 sorrento 70802 Baton Rouge 70454 Ponchatoula

Community Partnerships
City of Hammond: Educational Support and Funding
Hammond Fire Department: Educational Programs
Hammond Police Department: Educational Programs
Tangipahoa Sherriff Office: Educational Programs, Volunteers
Downtown Development District: Event Partnership
Entergy: Educational Support and Funding
Tangipahoa Parish Government: Educational Collaboration
North Oaks Health System: Educational, marketing support, volunteers, and funding.
NASA: Educational Collaboration.
Michoud Assembly Facility: Educational Collaboration.
Hammond Regional Art Center: Educational Collaboration
United Way: Educational Support.
Keep Hammond Beautiful: Educational collaboration and volunteers
Tangi Clean: Provide Educational Collaboration and Volunteers
Hammond Garden Club: Educational Collaboration and Volunteers
Child Advocacy Services: Educational Collaboration.
Operation Life Safety: Educational Collaboration.
Northshore Home Builders Association: Services and Educational Collaboration.
Strengthening Outcomes with Autism Resources: Educational Programs
Multicultural & International Student Affairs, Southeastern Louisiana University: Educational
Collaboration.
Restoration House: Educational collaboration.
Fuller Center: Event Partnership
St. Jude Children’s Hospital: Event Partnership
KSLU Radio Station: Event and Marketing Partnership.
Hammond Rotary Club: Educational Collaboration, Volunteers and Funding.
Kiwanis Club. Educational collaboration, volunteers and funding.
Hammond Afterschool Program: Educational Collaboration.
Oaks Montessori School: Educational Collaboration.
Hammond Westside Montessori School: Educational Collaboration.
Hammond Eastside Elementary Magnet School: Educational Collaboration.
Hammond High School: Educational Collaboration and Volunteers.
St. Thomas Aquinas School: Educational Collaboration and Volunteers.
Southeastern Louisiana University: Educational Collaboration, Direct Teaching, Hours, Observation
Hours, Volunteers and Internship.
Alpha Kappa Alpha: Volunteers
Theta Chi: Volunteers
Alpha Sigma Tau: Volunteers
Public Relation Students Society of America (PRSSA): Volunteers
18

Sponsors
Middendorf’s Restaurant
Townsend Homes
First Guaranty Bank
Smitty’s Supply Inc.
Cypress Point Surgical Hospital
First Choice Auto Auction
Hampton Inn
Kiwanis
Don Chaucer Pharmacy
Holly and Smith Architects
5 Stone Media
North Oaks Pediatric Clinic
Walmart
Lego FLL
Target.
Allstate Insurance
Emery & James
Tangipahoa Parish Tourist
Commission Lego
Rotolo’s
Multiple Individual donations
First Guaranty Bank
JC Events
Rotary Club
Cashe-Coudrain and Sandage Law
Firm, LLC
Premier Fence
Hammond Ponchatoula Sunrisers
Smith Properties
Joe Mier and Associates
First NBC Bank
Whitney Bank
NTS Communication
Big Bad Ben
Blue
Adobe Restaurant
Anthon Chiropractic
Briker International
Inolec
Bayou Book Sellers
United Way
Sterling Propertiess and BBQ
Encore, LLC
Pj’s Coffee
Chili’s
La Carreta’s of Hammond
19

Fundraising Events
The Once Upon a Time Gala (Above): 2012, 2013, 2014
The Jazz Brunch: 2014, 2015
The Pipers Closet (Below): 2014, 2015
The Chocolate Festival: 2014, 2015
20

In-Kind Donations
Sterling Properties
Encore LLC
Pj’s Coffee
Chili’s Grill & Bar
La Carreta of Hammond
Rotolo’s
Faucet water
Xtreme Inflatables
Chick-fil-A of Hammond
Lamar Advertising
Hammond Daily Star
Premier Fence
Raising Canes
Hammond Garden Club
Great American Cookie Company
Olive Garden
Red Cross
United Way
Land of Sports
Connie’s Impression
Ed’s pluming
CI Sports
Anthon Chiropractic
Jacmel Restaurant
Adobe Restaurant
Albertsons
Walmart
Winn Dixie
Le Blancs
Bohnings
Guy’s Supermarket
Walgreens
Subway
McDonald’s
Annette’s Country Cooking
Lee’s Diner
Jimmy John’s
Cici’s Pizza
Pastry Bag
Santa Fe Restaurant
Eddie Frozen Custard
Aveda,
Bayou Book sellers
Hammond Rotary Club
Tangipahoa Home Builder’s Association
Hammond Regional Art Center
Hampton Inn
Hammond Chamber of Commerce
Downtown Development District
Bill Hood Ford
Hammond Post Office
The Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans
Oaks Plantation
S & W
Sign World
Pioneer
Tangi Industrials
Multiple other Individual donations
21

Short Term Goals:
The Future of the LCDC
Acquire funding for Operational Costs
Hire new Playologists
Increase grant writing
Develop Corporate Sponsorships
Increase our outreach programs in partnership with other businesses and organizations.
Maintain, and increase, our attendance, memberships, birthday parties, and fieldtrips.
Maintain our current facilities.
Long Term Goals:
Create a Mobile Center
Bring temporary travel exhibits to the Center.
Build a larger Facility.
Acquire new exhibits that will highlight the educational factors of a Grocery Store, Fracking,
Safety, Environment, Agriculture, Energy, etc.
Partner with other organizations in need of growth.
Bring Mobile Exhibits throughout the community.
Increase our Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math Program.
Expand our programs for children with different disabilities or health conditions.
Acquire a Bus, which will allow us to bring our educational programs to other areas of the
community that otherwise won’t have access to the facility like Daycares, Schools, and
Churches etc.
Enrichment Afterschool Programs: Educational Programs outside the School hours.
Increase outreach programs in partnership with other organizations.
Increase our partnership with governmental agencies, City, Parish, State, and Federal.
What does it take to host a Travel Exhibit?
A travel exhibit is a temporary fixed structure that stays in one location for 3 months.
Thomas & Friends
Size: 1,500-2,000 sq. ft.
Rental Fee: $55,000 plus inbound shipping
Duration: Three months
Target Audience: 2-7 year-olds, families, and school groups
Clifford the Big Red Dog
Size: 2,500 sq. ft.
Rental Fee: $70,000 plus inbound shipping
Duration: Three months
Target Audience: 10 year-olds, families, and school groups.
Dinosaurs, Land of Fire and Ice
Size: 2,000 sq. ft.
Rental Fee: $45,000 plus inbound shipping
Duration: Three month
Target Audience: 3-10 year-olds, families, and school groups.
22

Look out for Future Improvements!
Bus: A mobile unit will allow us to bring the learning experience to children
who are not able to come to the Discovery Center due to different reasons,
health, transportation, distance, economic or social issues etc., as well as
bringing educational programs to schools, churches or community events in
other parts of the Parish.
Laptops: The LCDC has two Robotics teams for children ages 6-14 years old.
Multiple laptops will allow each child to have their own working station where
they will be able to learn computer skills as well as learning how to program
each software and how to build their own robot.
Various small musical Instruments: $5,000
Ice maker machine $1,200: which will allow us to serve cool drinks for
fieldtrips, community events etc.
Life size stuffed animals: $500 for the vet area. (dogs, cats, snakes, frogs etc.)
Medium Size refrigerator: that will allow keep food items refrigerated
when children bring their own items.
An electric stove: for our multiple baking days and for special events like
The Gingerbread Man etc…
Character Costumes: $500 it will allow us to purchase one character costume
such as Winnie the Pooh, Dora the Explorer, Handy Mandy, Elmo etc.
23

About Our Playologists
Job Purpose
The purpose of a Playologist here at the Louisiana Children's Discovery Center is to interact with guests
and make their experience here a pleasant one. Whether it's enjoying a meal at Middendorf’s
Restaurant, helping construct a PVC house, or taking care of a sick animal in the Pet Vet, a Playologist
engages with children throughout his or her zone! Our playologists wear many hats, from architect to
teacher to artist, and they are essential to the health and well-being of all of our visitors, young and old!
Duties and Responsibilities
Guest Interaction:
Our playologists greet guests as they enter the LCDC. They are skilled at the art of making fast friends with
everyone they meet. Guest interaction is the most important part of the playologist’s job, and they love
interacting with guests, role-playing with children, and answering any questions that come their way.
Feel free to ask them about our monthly calendar of events, special programming, memberships, and
birthday party packages.
Zone Responsibilities:
The playologist is responsible for keeping his or her assigned zone presentable when not in use by resetting
it. Resetting a zone means putting all props back in place and readying it for the next guest to use. The
playologist cleans any spills or accidents that take place in their assigned zone.
Special Events and Employee Meetings:
Our playologists are hard-working and very productive. All LCDC employees attend/work the following
events:
Employee Meeting (Second Monday of every month)
Member's Only Events (Third Thursday of March, June, September, December)
Art in April (Third Friday in April)
Hot August Night (Third Friday in August)
Starry November Night (Third Friday in November)
Look for Our Playologists during Field Trips:
Counting guests entering and leaving
Attending and participating in orientation
Setting up party rooms for science projects or lunch
After the field trip leaves, resetting the museum and party room
Emergency or Injury:
If a child is reported missing, notify the
nearest playologist, who will then notify
their supervisor and follow directions on
the Code Adam Sheet. If a child is injured,
a playologist will assist the child by getting
ice or bandages and assist the child (or
parent) in filling out an injury report. This
will then be turned in to the Assistant
Director
Opening, Closing, and Monday
Cleaning:
Our playologists assist in every aspect of
the guest experience, including learning
how to operate in different roles, such as
cleaning the space, opening the gift shop,
and closing down the museum for the night.
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Playologist Responsibilities (by Zone):
Zone 1 (Specialty Areas)
Bubbles
Keep tanks filled with water and solution (see bubble recipe for ingredients) on Thursday mornings
and Mondays.
Ensure bubble area is safe at all times (keeping dry, floor free of debris, no more than 10 people in
bubble area at one time)
Interact with guests in bubble area (Challenge them to make a big bubble in the bubble ring
or show them how each station works)
No adults allowed to sit on bubble blast seats
Bubble wands should be gently used not splashed
Refill bubble ring as needed (Ask floater or Lead Playologist for more solution if needed)
Toddler Area:
Keep floor free of trash and small objects! It is extremely important to keep the floor clean in
toddler area!
Reset Toddler area as needed
Interact with guests (especially when there are no children in bubbles)
Discover Me:
Interact with children by showing them how to record their stats on the cards and into the
computer.
Challenge them to compete fitness challenge
Keep doodle pond cleaned and stocked with chalk
Creation Station:
Other Zones
Person scheduled in Creation Station at 10 am is responsible for cutting out and setting up
anything needed to complete the craft for that day.
Once everything is cut and prepped, set the necessary materials needed to complete the craft
(glue, scissors, scrap paper, etc.) at each seat.
Help guests with craft if needed and interact with parents by telling them about our
memberships, birthday parties, upcoming events, etc.
Place all leftover craft materials in assigned area.
Reset craft, sweep floor, and wipe down counter as needed. Bio
countertops, sweep, and mop.
Take the trash out and change the bag.
Set a sample craft and a pair of scissors at each station before leaving at the end of the day.
Zone 2: (Construction House, Construction Slid, Bulldozer Table, Rock Wall, and the Hot Air Balloon)
Zone 3: (Boat, Milking Cow, Middendorf’s, Operation Table, Pet Vet, and the Ambulance)
Zone 4: (Theatre, Aerobic Alley, Lego table, Music of Louisiana, Derby Track, and Make Some Music!)
Reset all exhibits as needed throughout the day when they are not in use.
Interact with guests by performing in a play with them, helping them with a puppet show, racing
them on the derby track, etc.
Use push vacuum to sweep small trash or pick up larger items as needed. Clean
any accidents/spills as needed
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