Mimi’s House Family Childcare

 

It has been an amazing year in our Certified Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom!

Our gardens have expanded to include a kitchen garden, a butterfly garden, planting many native plants to attract pollinators, and a special garden bed dedicated to growing produce to give to our community
members. The children grew these plants from seeds using different methods. In January, milk jugs with soil and seeds sat in snow banks as we learned about the winter sowing method. Other seeds started their growth indoors under grow lights. As soon as the weather warmed up we learned about hardening off plants and direct sowing.

We added beautiful new items to appeal to the children’s sense of sight, including a whimsical nature mural painted by local artist Adrienne Gelardi.

Our gathering area has hosted special guests, such as a local children’s author and Michigan’s Ukelele Ambassador. The children also use it daily and as we gather with their families in celebrations.

As part of our program’s commitment to nature, we have become a Certified Wildlife Refuge and a Monarch Waystation.

I have continued my education on nature subjects with various trainings, obtaining my Pollinator Champion Certification through Michigan State University, am currently in training for my Michigan Naturalist Certification, and this fall will start my training to become a Master Gardener.

My heart is warmed as I observe young children joyfully spending their days in nature and letting out squeals of delight as they make discoveries in our special outdoor classroom. I know that these early years in our program are fostering their love for nature, which will continue throughout their lives.

I give a very special thank you to:
– Our childcare families for being a huge part of our program and for supporting the goal of the children
having time in nature
-Shelley at the Growing Healthy Eaters Program and Kristen at GSTQ for being constant cheerleaders, and
sharing knowledge and resources
-The Delta Township community members who embrace our program and often donate items and their
time
-The state of Michigan for last year’s IFF Grant, which allowed us to purchase items for our outdoor
classroom