Irvine Nature Center

Irvine Nature Center, a non-profit environmental education organization whose mission is to inspire appreciation and respect for the natural world, is pleased to introduce The Nature Place at Irvine, daily classes of nature-based curriculum for 3 to 5 year olds.  This school year program will run from September 13, 2010 to May 27, 2011, and offers flexible morning and afternoon options. The Nature Place at Irvine is a child-centered approach to early childhood education with an emphasis on a balanced curriculum that seeks to develop the "whole child" focusing on cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and creative activities.  The nature-based curriculum benefits learners of all modalities through hands-on experiences both indoors and out.  The program features: sensory experiences with live animals, natural objects, artifacts, trail activities, and art materials for students to utilize all five senses; development of problem-solving skills through hands-on activities; cultivation of social skills; and development of positive self-image through group play. "We are pleased to offer parents an academic nature-based curriculum for their 3 to 5 year olds beginning this fall," said Irvine Executive Director, Peggy F. O'Neill.  "The Nature Place at Irvine is truly a unique educational opportunity for children to prepare for Kindergarten. Children will experience the curriculum through the use of our 116-acre campus with access to the natural world including 'unusual classmates' like the resident animals at Irvine." Weekly topics include a variety of activities like outdoor exploration, animal encounters, science experiments, creative arts, interactive puppet play and story time, hands-on math activities and movement.   Children attending must be 3 years old by September 1st in the year of enrollment.  The Nature Place at Irvine also offers a lunch bunch between morning and afternoon classes from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.  For more information on The Nature Place at Irvine, call 443-738-9224 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it # # # Celebrating 35 years since its founding in 1975, Irvine Nature Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to environmental education.  The Center is located at 11201 Garrison Forest Road in Owings Mills, MD 21117.  Call 410-738-9200 or visit www.ExploreNature.org  for more information.