Privacy for Play

Hello Friends,

My name is Katie Fluharty, and I am the owner and teacher at Nature's Point Preschool. I opened Nature's Point Preschool in August 2022 to enhance the learning opportunities for our community's youngest explorers and learners. Nature's Point Preschool offers a unique nature-based curriculum that meets the developmental needs of preschoolers while teaching them about the importance of the natural world. By engaging in activities both outdoors and in the classroom, children learn about the world around them through hands-on exploration and play. I love what I do, and I have always loved enriching the lives of young children.

Unfortunately, on December, 12th, 2023 Jason Carrara who currently resides at the property located next door to my preschool was released from jail. This individual has pled guilty to lewd and lascivious acts against a minor. I have contacted the District Attorney, the Local Police Department, Vermont Child and Abuse Prevention, and the Child Development Division. As sympathetic as each agency has been, there are sadly no legal actions I can take against the individual or state concerning the person being allowed within 10 feet of my licensed preschool program and our outdoor playground. Until the sentencing trial that is potentially scheduled in the ladder part of 2024, I have no legal rights to keep this individual at a safe distance from my preschoolers. Because the individual has not been officially convicted through a sentencing trial, he is not yet required to register as a sex offender in the State of Vermont. This loophole allows this man to be within 10 feet of a group of children.

We should not be the ones living our lives in fear and being kept inside like prisoners. The children in my care deserve to be safe. The families should feel comfortable dropping their children off at preschool each day. I shouldn't have to look over and see a pedophile within 10 feet of my outdoor playground and preschoolers.

I am acquiring materials to install a privacy fence between my property and the perpetrators. The privacy fence needs to cover 150 feet, and the fence materials cost is estimated at $3,880. Our goal is to have the fence installed on January 6th, 2024. As a preschool teacher, my income goes towards enriching the lives of my students and paying my personal family expenses. Purchasing the fence would impact my ability to provide a high-quality educational experience for the children in our community.

The privacy fence would allow us to play outside without looking over our shoulders every moment. It would provide a safe space for children to play freely without being rushed inside because of the potential for danger. Most importantly, it would keep the lives of our children safe.

I appreciate your kindness and support. Nature's Point Preschool's children deserve the right to outdoor exploration and play. Thank you for your generosity.

Also, write to your legislator. Contact your local congressmen. Continue to fight for the rights of our children, not only in our community but around the world!

Thank You,

Katie Fluharty