Child Development Institute’s
Early Learning Center
The Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom continues to be a focal point of interest and enjoyment for our
families that allows us to offer programs and activities that strengthen families and support children’s
healthy social emotional development in a nature focused environment.
Families come into our center by the dozens on a daily basis to explore, discover and investigate the many learning areas available to them. Children and families can enjoy any number of activities including, art, music, science, early literacy, in a learning space that is free and accessible to children and families of all abilities. They have access to sand and water play, musical instruments, art boards, and other toys geared to expand on their play.
The space is well-maintained by community and student volunteers who routinely assist with the
beautification and upkeep of our outdoor classroom. We added several ‘listening benches’ to our outdoor area. The purpose is to provide a quiet and safe space for parents/caregivers to sit and be listened to by our volunteers.
More recently, and in collaboration with CSUN’s “Bridge to the the Future” program, our garden beds were newly harvested with a variety of vegetables and herbs. Children water the plants and watch them grow into fruition, and are welcome to pick the vegetables and eat them, promoting healthy and nutritional guidance.
CDI will continue to maintain and expand our Nature Explore outdoor classroom to meet the growing
needs and interests of our community. We are proud of this partnership and the fact that we continue to provide families with impactful experiences with nature.
