S.M.I.L.E (Supporting Meaningful Inclusion & Learning Experiences)

Our mission is to nurture all children with and without special needs in safe, inclusive and developmentally appropriate environments through education, opportunity and community acceptance. As part of this mission, we want to create a space where physical limitations don’t set children apart but are celebrated and embraced by all; a place where all children can play together and explore the world around them.

Our goal is to add to our existing playground by purchasing early childhood playground equipment that is accessible to children of all abilities, as well as wheelchair-accessible ground covering, necessary borders, and wheelchair-accessible access ramps to be installed by summer 2026.

These items will allow for younger students with special needs to have access to developmentally appropriate playground equipment - access that they currently do not have - where they can integrate and play with typically-developing peers. The goal goes beyond the simple addition of a few accessible pieces of equipment but instead focuses on the mutually beneficial and important value of inclusive play between students who are typically-developed and those of diverse abilities.

Rimrock Learning Center’s PTO in partnership with the Education Foundation for Billings Public schools are working to cover the cost of this inclusive playground, which carries an all-inclusive price tag of $455,000. The PTO has raised $35,817 to date, is actively fundraising toward the goal, and is pursuing additional funds through corporate donors, grants, local small businesses, community clubs, and foundations.

Cost Breakdown:

Inclusive Playground Equipment - $186,000
Freight/Shipping Costs - $18,727
Ground Cover + installation - $162,500
Install - $88,500
Cushion to cover unforeseen expenses or changes in pricing - $13,750

Your contribution will help make a long-term impact on not only the special education preschool students at Rimrock Learning Center but to our community as a whole by:

Fostering creativity, play, and opportunities for all who use it
Allowing children of all abilities to play together
Heightening awareness and sensitivity to persons of differing abilities
Increasing inclusive play between peers
Improving physical and social/emotional development of all students
Increasing opportunities for community connectivity

SMILE for RLC

Inclusive Playground for Rimrock Learning Center

Team Members