Chicago Parent: Big Benefits of Outdoor Early Childhood Education

Across seven JCC Chicago early childhood locations, young learners are thriving in outdoor classrooms where they’re exploring how to solve problems, think critically and collaborate, all with the open sky above them. It’s part of JCC Chicago’s curriculum to immerse young students in outdoor learning for significant portions of their day year-round to involve more meaningful explorations and learning.

“We have done a lot of research on the concept of the outdoor classroom and why this type of learning is so important for children,” says Leanne Nathan, director of JCC Chicago Early Childhood at ‘Z’ Frank Apachi in Northbrook. “It’s just as important as good food to eat and a good night of sleep. Being outside helps them thrive, clears their brains and gives them an appreciation for nature.” Studies show outdoor learning imparts big benefits, especially for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old.