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August 26, 2026
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Exploring nature and inspiring young learners
Child Development & Learning Laboratory certified by the Nature Explore Program
The Child Development and Learning Laboratory (CDLL) is now certified as a Nature Explore Classroom by the Dimensions Educational Research Foundation’s Nature Explore Program. Classrooms with this certification help fill the void between children and nature by integrating research-based outdoor learning opportunities into children’s daily lives. With this certification, the CDLL joins an ever-expanding network of 600 like-minded spaces who foster highly effective, nature-based outdoor learning.
“The Child Development and Learning Laboratory’s commitment to providing research-based and nature-rich learning offers a wonderful example to programs and educators throughout the country,” says Heather Fox, director of outreach for the Nature Explore program.
A state-of-the-art preschool, the CDLL provides a rich learning environment for young children ages 3-4 while also serving as a venue for faculty and student research on early childhood development and learning. With four separate classrooms, the Walnut, Oak, Maple, and Pine Rooms inspire hands-on activity, imagination, creativity, play, and exploration.
According to the Nature Explore program, research consistently shoes that children who learn in certified Nature Explore Classrooms like the CDLL exhibit enhanced concentration, develop creativity and problem-solving techniques, manage stress in healthy ways, and develop skills across the spectrum of academic and creative learning.
The CDLL’s beautiful outdoor play space, home to the Kesseler Learning Garden, encourages children to explore through movement and sensory experiences. This past year, the preschool also installed raised vegetable garden beds and a compost station, focusing on food sustainability. This was made possible through funding from the PNC Grow Up Great Grant.
Congratulations to the CDLL on this wonderful achievement!
About Dimensions Educational Research Foundation: The mission of the Dimensions Educational Research Foundation is to transform children's lives through meaningful daily connections with nature. Its Nature Explore team provides research-based outdoor classroom design services, educator workshops and natural products. More information about Dimensions is available at www.dimensionsfoundation.org.
