On March 24th we will kick off our EC STEM Institute with a visit to the Garden of Eatin’ Program. We will meet the staff, tour the grounds and learn new ideas on how best to integrate nutrition, plant science and outdoor learning.

About Garden of Eatin’:

NBCC was among the first early childhood education providers to recognize that nutrition education has a place in the daily curriculum of a child care environment.  The Garden of Eatin’ Program instills healthy habits and weaves a culture of wellness into its preschool program by teaching children and their families, to make healthy food choices through a comprehensive, hands-on garden based curriculum.

Children learn as they plant, water, nurture, harvest, and eat the fresh fruits and vegetables that they have helped grow.

NBCC’s award winning Garden of Eatin’ program is creating an awareness among children that learning about what you eat is as important as knowing one’s letters and numbers.  Children as young as six weeks old have the opportunity to develop critical learning skills as well as healthy, lifelong nutritional habits.

On March 25th, we are excited to travel to the Barron Park Playschool. Under the leadership of Kim Adams. Kim is a Play Advocate! Here we will be inspired and learn about how children perceive and interact with the world.

About Kim Adams and Barron Park Playschool: 

Kim has been owner of Barron Park Playschool since 2001. In addition to her administrative work, Kim continues to work in the classroom as a teacher. Kim excels at designing environments in which children can safely learn and explore. With over 20 years of experience educating and operating preschool/childcare centers as well as a degree in Creative Arts from San Jose State University, Kim has a rare understanding of the ways in which children perceive and interact with their world. Kim has led workshops and trainings on creativity and curriculum both locally and nationally and has been an early childhood development mentor teacher. Kim identifies herself first as a mother, and uses what she has learned as a mom to partner effectively with families and the community. 

Barron Park Playschool is a warm, intentional preschool dedicated to serving children and families through the power of play. Every aspect of the program is thoughtfully designed to support children’s curiosity, creativity, and overall development.

On March 26th, our final stop on our grand field trip will be time with team at the AIMS Center. Here we will hear from Dr. Paul Reimer who works to connect educators and communities through STEAM experiences, real world projects and playful interest.

About AIMS: 

AIMS is a non-profit organization located in Fresno, California that supports playful, hands-on, and creative approaches to STEAM teaching and learning through professional development, learning partnerships, and community engagement. AIMS empowers educators, families, and youth to design, make, and play—connecting classrooms with communities through creative STEAM experiences, real-world projects, and playful, interest-driven learning.