UMF child care center focuses on innovative nature-based education
New England Council member, University of Maine at Farmington’s new Sweatt-Winter Child Care and Early Education Center, recently received the Maine division of the American Institute of Architects’ design award.
Designed by the CHA Architecture P.C. of Portland, the center for children comprises observation areas, digital observation technology, a child-scaled learning environment, a sunlit versatile space, and an outdoor natural playground that can be reached from every classroom. Each space has its own color, and there is a nature mural on every alcove. Nature-based education allows children to explore and interact with the natural environment. This kind of education fosters creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
“We want children to connect with the natural world at a young age, but it is not just about child development. It also is so they will learn to love the earth and grow up to take care of it. So, we are helping them develop an environmental ethic and conservation values in addition to learning with nature to develop in all domains of early childhood,” said UMF Early Childhood Professor Patti Bailie.
The New England Council congratulates the University of Maine at Farmington for this exciting new achievement.
Read more in Mainebiz.