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Enhancing Whole Child Development Through Natural Outdoor Classrooms

January 27, 2018 @ 8:30 am - 4:00 pm

$275 – $350
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children on tire swing outdoors

Registration is now open for the Outdoor Classroom Project® 2018 Annual Conference, “Enhancing Whole Child Development through Natural Outdoor Classrooms.” This dynamic and energizing full-day conference offers a unique opportunity to acquire enhanced skills for cultivating and sustaining outdoor programs and natural environments at your center. The conference will provide practical information and updates on supporting nature-child connections, and will show you how well whole child development is addressed through natural outdoor classrooms.

There will be exciting new workshops for returning and experienced participants along with entry level workshops for those just beginning their outdoor classroom. The range of content of the workshops will help to illustrate how whole child education addresses all domains of child development through positive relationships, play, and effective teaching practices. Participants will also see how the field-tested and research-based Outdoor Classroom Project approach employs the value of aesthetics, beauty, and natural outdoor and indoor environments to facilitate children’s optimal development and learning.

Learn how nature connections and spending regular time outdoors helps children experience a deep appreciation for life and develop greater compassion for themselves and others. Experience how you can bring more magic to ECE programs, manifesting a community of joyful and successful learners that includes children, teachers, and parents alike.

Conference activities will include:

Breakfast and a self-guided tour of the Child Educational Center (CEC), OCP model site
Inspiring, creative, informative, and fun workshops!
Examples of innovative outdoor environments and activity ideas that manifest authentic engagement of teachers and children
Setting-Up The Outdoor Classroom: Guided tours of the CEC led by our inspiring staff
A nutritious lunch
Closing, raffle, Demonstration Site Center Recognition . . . and so much more!
Come reconnect with your sense of play and join the fun!

ADDITIONAL HALF-DAY OUTDOOR CLASSROOM OBSERVATION AND WORKSHOP FOR DIRECTORS AND SITE SUPERVISORS
This morning workshop will be led by Eric Nelson, Outdoor Classroom Project Director, and will provide participants the unique opportunity to observe the CEC program in action. Enrollment is limited to 30 participants; each participant will have the benefit of open observation of the staff and children engaged in the outdoor classroom. Please note: Attendance is limited to one person per center for this Friday event.

CONFERENCE DATE/TIME
Full-Day Conference
Saturday, January 27, 2018
8:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Registration, CEC yard tours, media display viewing, store, networking, and a light continental breakfast will begin at 8:00 a.m. The conference is from 8:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Half-Day Outdoor Classroom Observation and Workshop for Directors and Site Supervisors
Friday, January 27, 2017
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

LOCATION
The Child Educational Center
Outdoor Classroom Project Model Site
140 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada, CA 91011

CONTACT
Lynn Farwell
outdoor-classroom@caltech.edu
626.296.1770 or 818.273.2547

Venue

Child Educational Center
140 Foothill Blvd.
La Canada, United States
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