Children in Nature

CCLC is located on 8.5 beautiful acres, which includes gardens, a greenhouse, open spaces, and wooded trails available to all the children. In addition, each classroom has its own separate play space. We are currently working to transform them into nature-based outdoor classrooms. These outdoor classrooms offer a diversity of ways for children to follow their interests and make discoveries while developing their bodies and minds.

While the Children-in-Nature program began as a pull-out program, it is now integrated into the daily routine of each classroom with support from the CiN program coordinator. Teachers tie together the children's experiences from the indoor classroom, the outdoor classroom and the fields and trails beyond to scaffold their learning. The children are encouraged to develop their confidence, curiosity, creativity, and compassion while engaging in nature-based age-appropriate structured and unstructured activities. We support the children as they make decisions, take risks, and try new experiences!

At CCLC, all the children go outside every day in all (safe) weather conditions. Getting dirty is part of a great day of exploring and making discoveries. We have Muddy Buddy rain suits for our infants through preschool students and a limited number of boots for the rainy days. Knowing that your child will be spending time outside, please dress your child in seasonally appropriate clothing every day.