Page 31 - NatureStart Network

providers of early childhood education in Chicagoland, CHAPTER RECAP AT-A-GLANCE
second only to Chicago Public Schools. El Valor is a • Organizations that combine expertise and resources
multicultural and multipurpose organization with a
strong family focus. are able to form enriching nature play partnerships
Through El Valor’s involvement with NatureStart that bolster programming possibilities.
Network, educator Violeta Reyes shared an example of • Creating a mutually-beneficial partnership takes
how staff began to re-think their annual Father’s Day thoughtful planning, ensuring both teams are
event for the Carlos Cantu Center to include nature and committed to shared goals.
an experience being outdoors. This event had always been • The same advice works for establishing partnerships
a brunch for fathers (and father figures) and children as it does including families in programming – start
held at the Center. Violeta worked closely with El Valor slow, small steps.
staff on the ideas they were learning about connecting
young children and families to nature. Together staff FOR PRACTICE
organized the annual event to take place at the Little Red Identify a neighborhood or geographic range where
Schoolhouse Nature Center. “The mothers maybe were you will be providing nature-based early childhood
a bit hesitant to leave the dads in charge,” recalls Violeta programming. Once you have identified that area,
smiling, “but they did just fine and everyone enjoyed answer these questions: Who provides childcare and early
the afternoon.” Because the program was a departure childhood education in that area? What other agencies,
from previous activities, Violeta and her team were extra services, and organizations are in that area that support
thoughtful and diligent--calling and sending out frequent families with young children? What are the nearest
reminders; providing detailed information so families organizations and resources providing environmental
could prepare for the day. The feedback from the event was education or other nature-based programming? What
very positive. Comments included “no one got lost and are the opportunities for connection and collaboration
adults and children had a great time exploring. Staff were between families, service organizations, early childhood
encouraged to see how involved dads and children were educators, and environmental educators? You may not
in this new setting, out in nature. Parents wanted to know know the answers to these questions and may need to do
how soon they could have another outdoor adventure!” some investigating. Once you begin to build relationships
This initiative encouraged other El Valor centers to host with these organizations and the families they serve, you
family events at Forest Preserve District Nature Centers. will find that your resource circle will widen.

NatureStart Network Tips for
Powerful Partnerships

• Parents are more apt to want to participate
when we draw links from time spent
in nature to health, wellbeing, school
performance, behavioral improvements.

• We think of partnership as an ATM for deposits
and withdrawals – we use one another as resources
and we automate collaboration and planning.

• Bring together groups for professional development
on a specific topic, such as water, butterflies, using
nature to explore math concepts, exploring nature
with children and families, etc. Use these connections
as an opportunity not only to learn about that topic
but to explore institutional resources and needs,
and imagine opportunities for collaboration.

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