Gardening in early care settings provides hands-on experiential learning for children that help your program meet the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards. It increases opportunities for development of physical and social skills while also teaching healthy eating habits.
Check out these great resources for more information on how to start a garden in your ECE program:
Photo courtesy of National Farm to School Network.
How to Start a Garden:
- Starting a Preschool Garden [PDF] by Georgia Organics
- Steps to a School Garden [website] by The Collective School Garden Network
- How’s it Growing? A How-to Guide for Starting a Farm to Preschool Program [PDF] by Emily Mehr
- Fearless Beginning Gardening at Your Program [PDF] by Wisconsin Community Groundworks
- Guide To Preschool Gardens [PDF] by Wyoming Farm to Plate
Activities & Curriculum:
- Activity Guides for Educators & Families [website] by Life Lab
- Farm to Preschool Garden Curriculum [PDF] by Occidental College
- Preschool Gardens & Edible Education [website] by Healthy Community Food System
Register for Harvest of the Month for access to more resources for your Early Care Center