NATCHEZ — A playground has a way of leveling the playing field for every type of child, and that’s exactly what Kyle’s House could use.

Naomi Henry is the director Kyle’s House, a nonprofit childcare center for children with special needs. She said the group is in the process of raising funds for special needs playground equipment.

Currently the children at the day care center, who are infants to 4 years old, have no equipment with which to play outside.

The special playground needs equipment that caters to the needs of the children which the Ridgeway Road day care serves, Henry said.

Some other day cares may not accept children with Down syndrome, autism or those with severe developmental delays. And other day cares that do accept special needs children sometimes charge parents extra fees to watch their child, Henry said.

“(Kyle’s House) is very unique,” Henry said.

“Special needs children needed a place of their own.”

The center also accepts children without special needs, so siblings of children with special needs can attend.

Henry said Kyle’s House could also use volunteers to move some of the old playground equipment at the Sunshine Shelter to the yard at Kyle’s House.

She said 10-15 volunteers to move the large playground would be appreciated.

The day care could also use donations of children’s furniture, Henry said. She said some of the current furniture being used is wobbly or not made for children.

Specifically, Kyle’s House could use children’s chairs, tables and cubbies for storage, Henry said.

The group can always use monetary donations, as well.

The center, which is open from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., provides breakfast, lunch and a snack to each of the 30 children who attend.

Kyle’s House also transports the children to various types of therapy during the day, Henry said.

Just like any other day care, Kyle’s House uses educational programs to teach the children who stay there, Henry said. The children also play with blocks, do crafts and sing together.

“They love singing,” said Theresa Jackson, who works in 1-and 2-year-olds room.

Despite the challenges facing many of children at Kyle’s House, Henry said she has been able to observe positive changes in them.

“I love working with children, and I’ve seen a lot of progress,” Henry said.

Kyle’s House was started in 2008 by Fertile Ground Inc., a local non-profit organization that also runs Sunshine Children’s Center.

It is named for Kyle Hutchins, a local special needs child who died shortly before his second birthday. A rendering of his face appears in the logo for the center.

Kyle was the son of Chris and Skeeter Hutchins.

To make donations to Kyle’s House or offer volunteer services, Henry said to call 601-446-8383 or mail donations to 19 Ridgeway Road, Natchez, 39120.