Orange Coast College
Early Childhood Lab School
The Orange Coast College (OCC) Early Childhood Lab School is a child-centered, play-based program committed to supporting the whole child through meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. As we continue to expand and enrich our Nature Explore Outdoor Classrooms, it is truly inspiring to see how children thrive, learn, and grow in an outdoor environment. There is something magical about the sun, the breeze, and the freedom of open space; it naturally invites curiosity, creativity, and exploration. Our outdoor classroom serves as a vital extension of the learning environment, supporting children’s development through purposeful play.
Young Preschool | Ages 2–3
Our youngest preschoolers have shown a strong interest in cooking activities in our outdoor sand kitchen as well as sensory experiences that engage all of their senses. In the sand kitchen, children use sand, water, pots, pans, and a variety of utensils to participate in imaginative cooking. They scoop, stir, pour, and mix as they create pretend “recipes” and engage in dramatic play. To further enrich this experience, we will be introducing materials such as shaving cream, colored water, and glitter. Through these activities, children explore a wide range of textures and materials, engaging in hands-on learning with a level of freedom and creativity that is not always possible indoors.
Preschool | Ages 3–4
Teachable moments occur throughout the day in our outdoor environment, particularly when children discover and appreciate the beauty of nature. Our garden has become a place of fascination as children observe long-legged spiders. They show a strong interest in learning about what spiders eat, their body parts, and how they create spiderwebs. In addition, the outdoor learning environment plays an essential role in developing relationships, teamwork, and communication. Through group games such as “Duck, Duck, Goose,” “Doggie, Doggie, Where’s Your Bone?” and “Mr. Wolf, What Time Is It?” along with music and movement activities, children practice turn-taking, self-control, cooperation, and supporting others. The sandboxes also provide opportunities to explore the properties of different materials and engage their senses through open-ended play.
Pre-K | Ages 3–5
In the Pre-K class, our outdoor areas and curriculum are thoughtfully designed to support a wide range of learning experiences and developmental needs. Based on the interests of individual children and the group, these spaces continue to grow and evolve through new materials, updated signage, and children’s ideas. Children engage in large-motor play such as soccer, navigating obstacle courses, using real tools in the woodworking area, and building imaginative structures with blocks and natural materials. At the same time, calm and reflective spaces invite reading, art and writing, manipulatives, dollhouse play, and quiet observation. One of the highlights in the Pre-K class is getting to go out and enjoy the Outdoor Classrooms when it is raining. Splashing in puddles, trying to catch the raindrops, and digging in the sand while it’s raining just adds a whole new level of excitement and discovery to their day.
