Our Program | Early Growers

Cultivating Connections Through Nature

Nature Based

We believe the best learning happens in nature. Our program is designed to immerse children in the outdoors, using the natural world as a classroom to spark curiosity, encourage creativity, and build foundational life skills.

The Power of Nature-Based Learning

Children are natural explorers, and spending time in nature amplifies their ability to learn, grow, and thrive. Here’s how:

Exploration & Discovery: Playing with natural materials like stones, leaves, and soil encourages creativity, problem-solving, and scientific thinking.
Physical Activity: Outdoor play helps children build strength, balance, and coordination, while the sunlight fosters healthy vitamin D levels.
Mental Health Benefits: Nature is a proven stress reliever, boosting mood and helping children focus and self-regulate.
Environmental Awareness: Early exposure to the wonders of nature inspires children to care for and protect the environment as they grow.

Natural Materials: Tools for Imagination

Our outdoor learning spaces are filled with open-ended materials that encourage exploration and creativity. Sticks become wands, leaves transform into art, and dirt is the medium for discovery. By avoiding synthetic and overly structured toys, we allow children to learn organically and develop their unique sense of wonder.

Learning to Grow Food

A key element of our program is teaching children how to grow and care for plants. Through hands-on gardening, children:

Witness the life cycle of plants, from seed to harvest.
Learn responsibility by tending to crops and understanding how their care impacts growth.
Develop a connection to the food they eat, fostering healthy habits and gratitude for the environment.

Children at Early Growers have the opportunity to plant seasonal fruits, vegetables, and herbs in a garden designed just for them. They’ll dig in the soil, water plants, and experience the joy of harvesting food they’ve grown themselves.

Tips for Families

Want to bring more nature into your child’s life? Here are some simple ideas:

Start Small: Create a windowsill herb garden or plant a few seeds in pots.
Daily Nature Play: Visit a local park, go on a scavenger hunt, or collect leaves and rocks for crafts.
Read Together: Explore books about nature and gardening, such as Plant the Tiny Seed by Christie Matheson or The Curious Garden by Peter Brown.

Join Us in Growing Together

At Early Growers, nature is more than a backdrop—it’s an essential partner in education. By embracing outdoor learning and sustainable practices, we’re raising children who are not only prepared for the world but deeply connected to it.

Would you like to grow with us? Contact us today to learn more about our nature-based program.

Whole Foods Nutrition

We believe that nutrition plays a vital role in children’s overall health, development, and ability to learn. That’s why we’ve designed our meal and snack program to prioritize whole foods—minimally processed, nutrient-dense foods that fuel young bodies and minds.

Why Whole Foods Matter

Whole foods provide children with essential vitamins, minerals, and energy in their natural, most bioavailable forms. Unlike highly processed foods, which often contain artificial additives, excess sugar, and unhealthy fats, whole foods support:

Brain Development: Healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and proteins contribute to focus, memory, and emotional regulation.
Strong Immunity: Fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are packed with antioxidants and nutrients that help prevent illness.
Energy and Growth: Balanced meals made from whole foods provide sustainable energy and the building blocks for strong muscles, bones, and healthy organ function.

What We Avoid at Early Growers

To ensure the highest quality of nutrition, we steer clear of:

Added sugars: Found in sugary drinks, snacks, and many processed foods, these can lead to energy crashes and poor concentration.
Artificial additives: Including food dyes, preservatives, and flavor enhancers, which have been linked to behavioral issues and allergies in children.
Hydrogenated oils and trans fats: These unhealthy fats, common in processed snacks and fast food, can negatively impact heart health.
Excess sodium: Found in many pre-packaged foods, which can strain developing kidneys and contribute to unhealthy eating habits.
Refined grains: Whenever possible, we replace white bread, pasta, and rice with nutrient-rich whole grain alternatives.

How We Implement Whole Foods

Our menus feature:

Seasonal, locally sourced fruits and vegetables.
Proteins like beans, lentils, free-range chicken, and sustainably caught fish.
Nutrient-dense snacks like nuts, seeds, and minimally processed whole-grain crackers.
Homemade meals and baked goods, prepared without preservatives or artificial additives.

Resources for Families

We believe that nutrition education starts at home. Here are some beginner-friendly resources to help caregivers learn more about whole foods and build healthy habits:

Books:
- Super Nutrition for Babies by Kelly Dorfman and Katherine Erlich
- The Feeding Littles & Beyond Cookbook by Ali Maffucci, Megan McNamee, and Judy Delaware
Websites:
- Choose MyPlate by the USDA for balanced eating guidelines.
- 100 Days of Real Food for family-friendly whole food recipes.
Podcasts:
- The Nourished Child by Jill Castle, MS, RDN
- Simple Families with Denaye Barahona

Partnering with Families

We understand that every child’s nutritional needs are unique, and we’re here to support families on their journey toward healthier eating. Let’s work together to nourish a generation of strong, curious, and thriving children!

Life Skills

At Early Growers, we believe that a strong foundation of life skills is more important than an early focus on rigorous academic work. By emphasizing practical, hands-on experiences, we prepare children not just for school, but for life.

What Are Life Skills?

Life skills are the abilities children need to navigate their world with confidence and independence. These include:

Problem-Solving: Learning to think critically and creatively when faced with challenges.
Collaboration: Working with peers to accomplish tasks and build relationships.
Communication: Expressing thoughts, needs, and ideas clearly and effectively.
Self-Regulation: Managing emotions, impulses, and behaviors in a healthy way.
Practical Knowledge: Developing abilities like cooking, cleaning, gardening, and caring for themselves and their surroundings.

Why Focus on Life Skills?

Research shows that young children learn best through play and hands-on experiences, not by sitting at desks memorizing facts. By prioritizing life skills, we:

Encourage Deeper Learning: Skills like planning, organizing, and critical thinking lay the groundwork for academic success.
Support Emotional Health: A focus on skills like cooperation and self-regulation fosters resilience and reduces stress.
Create Independent Learners: When children practice real-world tasks, they gain the confidence to tackle challenges on their own.
Keep Childhood Joyful: Childhood should be about exploration, discovery, and fun—not pressure to perform academically before it’s developmentally appropriate.

How Early Growers Builds Life Skills

Our program is designed to nurture independence and practical learning through everyday activities:

Cooking and Nutrition: Children participate in preparing snacks and meals, learning about ingredients, kitchen safety, and healthy eating habits.
Gardening: From planting seeds to harvesting vegetables, children practice patience, responsibility, and teamwork while connecting with the environment.
Outdoor Exploration: Climbing, digging, and problem-solving in nature fosters both physical and cognitive development.
Chores and Community Roles: Children help care for their environment by tidying up, watering plants, and organizing materials.

The Balance of Play and Learning

Through life skills, children learn the same foundational abilities needed for academic success—like focus, perseverance, and curiosity—while engaging in meaningful, joyful experiences. This approach helps them develop a love for learning, which will carry them through their academic journey and beyond.

A Partnership with Families

We encourage families to support life skills at home, too. Start by involving your child in daily tasks, like setting the table, folding laundry, or packing their school bag. These small actions build independence, responsibility, and pride.

At Early Growers, we believe that life skills are the true building blocks of future success. By giving children the tools to thrive in their world, we’re setting them up for a lifetime of confidence, competence, and curiosity.