This is the third year SECA has sponsored a competition to showcase great outdoor learning environments created at little cost.
“The outdoor classroom is truly an example of starting with a blank slate and recycling to develop a great learning environment for young children,†said Emily Williamson, director of ؛¬ذك²فتسئµâ€™s Child Development Center.
؛¬ذك²فتسئµâ€™s Child Development Center outdoor classroom was one of three honorable mentions that followed the winner and runner up.
Each submission was reviewed based on the following: appropriateness of monitoring children in the area; use of natural materials; use of materials specific to the region/community; and ease of maintenance and regulatory compliance.
In addition, each submission was to show natural modifications in at least five of the following areas: large motor; climbing/crawling space; building area; art area; music and movement area; garden area; storage; water; dirt digging; sand; and wheeled toy area.
Members of the SECA Board of Directors visited the site of each finalist to verify the submissions.
Those recognized in addition to ؛¬ذك²فتسئµâ€™s Child Development Center include: the winner, Agapeland Youth Enrichment Program in Marion, S.C.; the runner-up, The Child Development and Family Studies Center of Mississippi State University in Starkville, Miss.; and honorable mentions, Lifespan Montessori of Athens, Ga., and St. Martin’s Episcopal School/Early Childhood Science Lab in Atlanta, Ga.
SECA serves the interests of early childhood educators concerned with child development, including university researchers and teacher educators; early childhood, kindergarten, and primary-grade teachers; and early childhood program administrators and proprietors. The association has affiliates in 13 Southern states.