LOUISVILLE, Ky. — New Directions St. Benedict Center for Early Childhood Education is fostering nature-based educational experiences with their new “Natural Classroom.”

What You Need To Know

  • New Directions St. Benedict Center for Early Childhood Education unveils new "Natural Classroom"

  • The project turned the center's existing playground into an immersive outdoor learning environment

  • Teachers at the facility will undergo specialized training and certification for the new space

  • St. Benedict Center for Early Childhood Education offers head start programming for children from infancy to kindergarten

The project turned the center’s existing playground into an immersive outdoor learning environment. It was unveiled to the public on Saturday, April 13. Teachers at the facility will undergo specialized training and certification to integrate the new space into their lessons.

“Our children today spend very little time playing in nature,’” Felicia Alfred, the center’s executive director, said. “We want to give them a safe, healthy space that they can play in.”

The “Natural Classroom” was funded by a $100,000 grant from the PNC Foundation. Kristen Byrd, PNC regional president for Louisville said in a statement, “We are excited to collaborate with New Directions to help introduce the St. Benedict Natural Classroom to children and families in West Louisville.”

St. Benedict Center for Early Childhood Education offers head start programming for children from infancy to kindergarten.

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