Gathering & Tour: DCDEE North Central Region
As part of the two-year project, Supporting Naturalized Outdoor Play and Learning Environments in North Carolina Child Care Facilities, the Growing Place Child Care Center, Asheboro, NC, hosted a regional Gathering & Tour organized by NLI for the regional community of interest, providing an opportunity to explore best practices for outdoor play and learning environment (OPLE) design and management. The most surprising practice that everyone learned was that the preschoolers take their afternoon nap outdoors when the weather allows!
The Growing Place began transforming its outdoor spaces in 2011 with an NLI design created through the Shape NC initiative. By building support among church and local community members, the center undertook incremental developments to create a diverse, naturalized, high quality space for children, including a safe haven for students after school.
Aims of the the Gathering & Tour included informing and inspiring childcare providers about the significant benefits that naturalized environments offer, including physical, emotional, and cognitive development through hands-on interaction with biodiverse landscapes.
Presentations included principles and advantages of outdoor play and learning environments, supported by research and real-world examples designed by NLI. Tour participants observed the integration of daily activities into diverse, well-designed outdoor spaces. Childcare providers left with practical ideas and inspiration to implement or advocate for in their own programs.
Presentation and Activities
Dr. Nilda Cosco greets guests at the Gathering & Tour, sharing insights about the exciting experiences they can look forward to exploring.
Katherine Davis, Growing Place Director, shares her journey in gradually developing the center Outdoor Play and Learning Environment (OPLE).
Alberta Forney explains how an Outdoor Play and Learning Environment (OPLE) has positively impacted the health and well-being of the children at her facility, A Kind Garden.
The Trogdon family demonstrated creative, natural ways to engage children in reading using painted stones, loose parts, and other materials.
Posters highlight the developmental journey of the host center, The Growing Place.
The Growing Place posters continued.
Preschool Area
Welcome to The Growing Place’s Outdoor Play and Learning Environment (OPLE)!
Growing Place children take naps outdoors underneath shade trees, when the weather allows.
A sensory pathway is best experienced barefoot.
Bamboo cuttings and other loose parts offer intriguing materials to enhance earth play.
A curious child confidently climbs a tree, exploring and strengthening physical skills.
