CDA Annual Report 2025 - Flipbook - Page 24
Bringing nature-based learning to every child care setting
Let’s Play Together!
In partnership with Empathy in Nature, CDA proudly launched the second
year of the Let’s Play Together! program—continuing our shared commitment
to making nature-based, play-driven learning accessible and equitable for
child care providers across all settings. Empathy in Nature, a San Diego–based
nonpro昀椀t, brings deep expertise in whole-child, nature-centered education,
particularly in low-income communities. This partnership aligns seamlessly
with CDA’s mission to create opportunities for families and child care
providers to thrive through training, support, and systems-level advocacy.
Recognizing the powerful role nature-based play has in children’s health,
development, and overall well-being, CDA and Empathy in Nature designed
a comprehensive professional development program that uses the natural
environment as a meaningful educational tool. In its second year, the
program expanded its impact by hosting a new cohort of workshops that
supported over 40 child care providers across a range of program types,
including family child care homes, centers, and license-exempt care.
Building on participant feedback and growing interest, Let’s Play Together!
introduced “Digging Deeper” workshops—advanced sessions designed
to deepen learning in speci昀椀c areas of practice. Topics included social and
emotional learning for common behavioral changes, balancing adventure
and risk in play, sensory play led by an occupational therapist, natureinspired STEM for young children, and navigating licensing and outdoor
learning requirements. These sessions allowed providers to explore areas
of interest more deeply while gaining practical, applicable strategies.
In response to increased demand for 昀氀exible learning options, CDA also
expanded its Nature Play Workshop Online Portal. Phase II enhances
the platform with curated micro-learning resources, improved usability,
and community-driven content—offering providers short, targeted
learning experiences that can be accessed anytime. By breaking down
workshop topics into digestible, actionable segments, the portal supports
ongoing professional growth and reinforces in-person learning.
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