A new program starting September in Cumberland is designed to offer a unique early childhood learning experience for three- to five-year-olds.
The classroom of the Hand-In-Hand Early Years Nature Education Program will be the natural environment at Coal Creek Historic Park.
As stated in a news release: "Our chairs are the logs, our pencils are the sticks and our possibilities are endless."
The program will run Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. The picnic shelter will be used in case of severe weather.
Two early childhood educators will teach a maximum of 16 children. The emphasis will be on a nature and play-based curriculum that will encourage preschoolers to engage their environment through art, music, games, activities and group learning. The model is comprised of two components: Ecology and Adventure, and Education and two stages: Seeds & Roots. Seeds are three-year-olds. They meet Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon. Roots are four-year-olds who meet Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. The price for Seeds is $169/month and Roots is $244/month.