Child care center recognized for nature program

Examiner-Enterprise - 8/12/2021

Aug. 12—Careese Hallett believes strongly that children learn best when exploring nature.

Now her day care home, Explorations Child Care, has been certified as a Nature Explore Classroom by the national Dimensions Educational Research Foundation.

Children under her care spend time exploring the backyard classroom, which is filled with water tables, a sand box, swings, slides, paint and chalk.

"I believe children develop a more comprehensive knowledge of the world when they have opportunities to observe, predict and learn in the moment," Hallett said.

The outdoor classroom provides children with interactive, open-ended materials and elements that allow them to use their creativity, imaginations and initiative in play.

"Owner Careese Hallett's commitment to providing research-based and nature-rich learning offers a wonderful example to programs and educators throughout the country," said Heather Fox, director of communications and outreach for the Nature Explore program. "These spaces inspire hands-on activity, creativity, play and plenty of time exploring the natural world for children of all ages."

Hallett opened her home-based child care facility in 1998. She is also certified as a Nature Preschool Teacher by the Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Schools and uses the organization's outdoor learning curriculum for children in her program.

"When I started my in-home child care I just knew I wanted something special for them that included my love of nature and appreciation for the environment," she said. "I wanted that for the children who I would care for also."

It took several years to creating "just the right" outdoor environment, Hallett said.

"I believe our nature-based program gives children the platform to be engaged in play, learn through child-initiated moments that we can inspire and that provide opportunities of wonderment that keep children happy and excited to learn," she said. "What better way to do that than outside?"

Hallett's 23-year-old daughter, Sydney Hallett, is her assistant. She is attending Tulsa Community College online to earn an associate's degree in child development just as her mother did years ago.

Like her mother, Sydney has her child development associate credential along with a certificate of mastery and director's credential in early care and education.

This latest certification as a Nature Explore Classroom is part of Hallett's ongoing effort to be the best she can be. It also provides her access to valuable resources she can use in her program's curriculum and policies as well as daily communication with parents.

"It's setting a professional goal for myself, which motivates me to be a better caregiver and educator to the children," she said. "It's one way I show my commitment to the families who entrust me to care for and educate their children."

___

Visit the Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise (Bartlesville, Okla.) at www.examiner-enterprise.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.