The things that make me different are the things that make me, me.
– Piglet, from AA Milne’s Winnie the Pooh

Contributed by Ellen Veselack, Co-Director of the Child Education Center consultant and trainer for the Outdoor Classroom Project.

Every child is unique in the world. I’ve met and loved hundreds of children over my career and can safely say, like snowflakes, no two are alike. It’s crucial to recognize and respect that each has their own characteristics, and we cannot expect uniform growth. From birth, each child embarks on their own developmental journey, presenting both challenges and opportunities for those involved in their care.

Our play-based, holistic approach is rooted in this foundational knowledge. We craft environments and responses to each child’s specific needs. Our primary mission is to meet the diverse needs of every child in our care. Our teachers must possess a deep understanding of each child, a comprehensive grasp of child development, and the flexibility to adapt for children, parents, and colleagues.

The children enjoy far-reaching freedom each day, to be indoors or out, to problem-solve, struggle, wonder, and discover what makes them laugh. They’re free to build relationships on their terms and for each to reach milestones when it is right for them.

At this wonderful time of year, we are learning about new children and families and creating spaces that are perfect for everyone. We will see so much growth and development in the next 11 months that it is hard to even imagine. Those tiny newborns will be running around the toddler yard in a year. The big preschoolers will be marching off to kindergarten full of everything they need to be successful. They will all do it at their pace on their own terms.

We are here to honor and respect them for who they are. It is the beautiful work we do every single day.

Ellen Veselack is the Co-Executive Director for the Child Educational Center in La Canada, CA. Additionally, she is a consultant and trainer for the Outdoor Classroom Project, and she leads the research division at the CEC where she does qualitative research on the developmental benefits of the outdoor classroom on children’s growth and development.