Nature Connections
Nature Connections is designed to integrate nature-based learning into early childhood education programs, fostering a connection with nature for young children. Grounded in the belief that every child deserves joyful and enriching connections with the natural world, the program fosters curiosity, creativity, and cultural belonging through both indoor and outdoor exploration.
About the Program:
Focusing on early childhood programs in Southwest Philadelphia, Nature Connections honors the unique strengths and lived experiences of children and families while expanding opportunities to engage with nature in ways that reflect their community’s context. Rather than emphasizing what is missing, the program builds on the knowledge, resilience, and cultural assets already present, creating experiences that affirm children’s identities and nurture a love of learning.
Program includes:
- Training educators: Educators engage in interactive, culturally responsive learning on the role of nature in early childhood. Training highlights how nature exploration can deepen social-emotional growth, community connections, and school readiness skills—including math, science, and literacy—in ways that reflect children’s cultures and backgrounds.
- Coaching: Each participating preschool classroom teacher receives up to 36 hours of personalized coaching to help them effectively incorporate nature-based activities into their daily routines.
For more information on the program, contact NAME>(LINKS TO EMAIL)
The Nature-Based Play Training and Coaching initiative is funded by PNC Foundation.
Slide into Success
Connected young children living in urban neighborhoods to nature and increased the skill level of early childhood educators in using nature-based play to support children’s learning.
Action for Early Learning
Gave providers training, coaching and resources to deliver high-quality care, with the goal of kindergarten readiness and helping children to read at grade level by the end of third grade.