Nature is not an accessory within the Zoila-Shaffer Early Childhood Philosophy — it is foundational. Research and observation consistently show that children who spend meaningful time outdoors demonstrate stronger regulation, curiosity, and resilience.
At Ross Cottage Nursery School, outdoor exploration supports sensory development, motor coordination, and imaginative thinking. Children experience the changing seasons, observe living systems, and engage in embodied learning that cannot be replicated indoors.
Our complementary Wilderness Cubs program extends these principles even further, offering immersive outdoor experiences grounded in the same philosophy. Together, these elements create a balanced and developmentally attuned educational environment.
