Nature Explore Classroom
at the Child Educational Center
The Child Educational Center in La Canada, CA has now entered into its 4th year as a Certified Nature Explore Classroom. This amazing classroom serves over 80 children per day.
Child Educational Center just celebrated their 31st year of operation. This classroom provides a rich selection of opportunities for growth through exploration, investigation and child-initiated play. All enhancements and modifications integrate the use of strong, durable materials with a low maintenance factor. Natural, local materials are continually added throughout the year while
keeping in mind the aesthetic beauty of the space.
Changes to the site try to incorporate the input of children and staff. A spring poll was taken to find out what kinds of vegetables should be planted. The staff followed the children’s lead in picking out plants and seeds to be grown. With the help of many little hands, the gardens thrived during the summer, producing a bountiful harvest of onions, radishes, carrots, lettuce, squash, bell peppers, pumpkins, strawberries and a wide variety of herbs.
CEC has collaborated with Dimensions Educational Research Foundation in a recent Qualitative Research Project. Selected staff participated in two focus groups and all staff participated in taking
and sharing Nature Notes throughout the year. Meetings were held where all could share nature experiences they observed and recorded.
Training was held during the year for the general public and also for staff of programs throughout southern California to become Outdoor Classroom Specialists. The goal to reach all 220 families in the program is being realized through a yearly Orientation to educate on both design and use. Parent workdays are scheduled throughout the year and information is distributed through parent meetings and a regularly published newsletter.
