About Us
We believe every child should get to experience the joy and wonder of the natural world. And every caregiver should have the tools to guide that experience.
Nature Created Play: Elevating Early Childhood Education Through Nature and Play-Based Transformational Journeys
At Nature Created Play, we are more than just a professional development provider – we are a female-owned organization dedicated to empowering early childhood educators and revolutionizing preschool education. Our exceptional offerings encompass a comprehensive range of services designed to enhance the educational journey of both teachers and children. At Nature Created Play, we are staunch believers in the intrinsic power of play and nature-based learning to shape the educational landscape. Our guiding philosophy, inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, champions the potential of these elements to kindle a lifelong love for learning.
“Teaching children about the natural world should be treated as one of the most important events in their lives.”
— Thomas Berry
Our Story:
At Nature Created Play, we're on a mission to redefine early childhood education through the transformative power of play and nature. Our journey began when our founder, Kyla, stepped into a preschool classroom and the worlds of environmental and early childhood education collided.
Founder's Vision:
Founded by Kyla Maciosek, a passionate educator and environmental advocate, Nature Created Play was born out of a deep love for nature and a strong belief in the potential of children. NCP aims to push forward a transformative movement in early childhood education, where preschool education is synonymous with play and nature. Nature Created Play envisions a world where every child’s educational journey is guided by curiosity, creativity, and a deep respect for the environment. We aim to lead a movement inspiring communities to embrace nature-based learning.
Guiding Philosophy:
Our approach is grounded in the idea that every child deserves the opportunity to connect with the natural world. We believe that through nature play, children not only learn about the environment, but also develop a sense of wonder, resilience, and empathy. Our philosophy is built on the principles of curiosity, creativity, and hands-on learning.
Our Values
Collaborative Partnerships:
We work in close collaboration with educators, schools, and programs, co-creating dynamic outdoor learning environments that reflect the unique needs and aspirations of each community.
Reflective Practice:
We believe in the power of reflection as a catalyst for growth and improvement. We encourage continuous self-assessment and learning among educators.
Community Access:
We are driven to make nature-based learning accessible to all, with a focus on reaching low-income groups, who historically have had limited opportunities to connect with nature.
Nature-Centered Learning:
We champion the transformative potential of nature in education, recognizing it as a powerful teacher that nurtures curiosity, resilience, and environmental stewardship.
Courage to Question:
We honor the courage to question traditional approaches and will support you through the transition as you transform your pedagogical approach.
Play as Pedagogy:
We know that play is the way children learn. It is through play that children explore, experiment, and make sense of the world around them.
