Nature Explore Classroom at the Child Educational Center in La Canada, California

The Child Educational Center in La Canada, CA has now entered into its 3rd year as a Certified Nature Explore Classroom. This amazing classroom serves over 80 children per day.

There is a constant underlying theme of creating a natural, beautiful space for children to explore. This continues as they redefine areas and create new and interesting spaces for children. The Child Educational Center is making conscious decisions about the materials they are adding to the yard.

A number of activity areas and enhancements have been added during the last year. A very large tree branch that needed to come out of a tree was trimmed and added to the Log Building Area.

The Block Building Area was moved into a larger space and a raised platform provides children with an area to build on. Books were added to use as reference and inspiration.

The Garden Area has undergone a total transformation. There are raised beds, arbors and an in-ground area for planting. A bench for observing and a discovery table where children can find gardening books, magnifying glasses, measuring tapes and clipboards, paper and writing instruments were also added.

With children using the yard for 8–10 hours a day, this Preschool Yard has a backyard, homey and familiar feel. Children are not only users of the space, but caretakers as well, becoming intimately familiar with the areas of the yard and where to access materials.

The staff continues training throughout the year. At orientation meetings, parents are given written descriptions of the outdoor environment to better understand the Nature Explore Classroom concept.