VietAID in Fields Corner held a ribbon cutting last Friday (Nov. 17) for their completely renovated and expanded outdoor play space. The Au Co Preschool is the state’s only bi-lingual, bi-cultural Vietnamese early education facility.

The improved facility, which is situated behind the VietAID building on Charles Street, serves several preschool classrooms. The renovations were made possible by $375,000 in grants, loans and technical assistance from the state’s Early Education and Care Department (EEC) and the Children’s Investment Fund.

Now, all students can use the bigger space at the same time. There are accessible doors directly outside from classrooms, new lighting for late afternoon play, a padded resilient surface, and a stage area for performances.

“This has really made a vibrant new space for our children,” said VietAID executive director George Huynh.

Added Kim Thai, a longtime board member: “We have always wanted to transform the playground here. Au Co is such an incredible asset to the community and an incredible program. To see the kids out here having a wonderful time makes us very proud.”

EEC Commissioner Amy Kershaw said the project is a perfect example of what they want to see across the state.

“It’s unbelievable when you walk into a space specifically designed for the children and the educators that are using it,” she said. “This is a totally unique program in the City of Boston. I saw people doing Tai Chi, I saw seniors volunteering with the children…You are meeting the needs of the community here.”

The event included a tour of the Au Co Preschool for those in attendance, including a class of preschoolers singing “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” in Vietnamese. The morning ended with a ribbon cutting for the playground, which was already being put to use by enthusiastic children.

Seth Daniel photos

Young Alice does singing and movement as directed by teacher Nancy Le in the Ladybugs classroom at Au Co Preschool in Fields Corner.

VietAID Board Chair Kim Thai, Director George Huynh, EEC Community Liaison (and Dorchester resident) Eugenia Soiles, and Mayoral Liaison to the Vietnamese Community Kevin Tran.

State Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw listened to a preschool student explain what he was building in his classroom on Friday.

As the adults watched from behind, exuberant Au Co Preschool students sprinted into their new playground at the VietAID school on Charles Street. The playground was expanded and improved under a $375,000 grant and loan program.

Bree Horwitz of the Children’s Investment Fund.

Long-time VietAID Board Chair Kim Thai.