Programs & Curriculum
Nature-based play & learning for 1 to 5 years
At Warren Little Explorers, we believe childhood is not a race…it’s an adventure. Our early learning center offers nurturing, nature-based play and learning for children ages 1 to 5 years old, preparing them for Kindergarten while honoring the joy of the journey.
Our Four Guiding Pillars
We care for the whole child…emotionally, physically, and cognitively…through hands-on experiences that spark curiosity, build confidence, and foster connection. Every day, children are encouraged to explore the outdoors, create, discover, and grow in an environment designed to meet them where they are.
As the preschool program of our partner K–12 public charter school, Warren YES, we align with its four guiding pillars:
Holistic Health & Wellness – cultivating strong bodies, healthy habits, and emotional well-being.
Outdoor & Agricultural Education – learning from the land, the seasons, and the natural world.
Creative Expression – celebrating imagination, storytelling, movement, and the arts.
Place-Based Education – connecting children to their community, culture, and environment.
At Warren Little Explorers, your child’s earliest school experiences are filled with wonder, care, and discovery…laying the foundation for a lifetime of joyful learning.
Did You Know Research Shows that Outdoor Time…
Supports gross motor skills
Encourages healthy eating
Improves eyesight
Promotes cognitive development
Improves academic performance
Lessens ADHD symptoms
Promotes self-confidence
Reduces stress
May boost immune system
Source: Benefits of Engaging Children with Nature | NLI. (n.d.). https://naturalearning.org/01-benefits-of-engaging-children-with-nature/
Our Outdoor Learning Environment
At Warren Little Explorers, our classroom extends far beyond four walls. Each day, children explore our outdoor learning spaces…digging in the garden, building with natural materials, observing wildlife, and discovering the rhythms of the seasons.
Nature offers endless opportunities for curiosity, creativity, and growth. Whether they’re splashing in puddles, counting pinecones, or gathering around our outdoor art table, our explorers are developing confidence, problem-solving skills, and a deep love for the world around them.
Our backyard is more than a "playground," it is an Outdoor Learning Environment. See below our vision board for transforming the space to purposefully provide children with nature-based play and learning. Thank you to NC State University's Natural Learning Initiative for the images and resources to make this a reality!
Tour Our Outdoor Area Concept
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A place for children to explore the earth with their hands, discovering textures, creatures, and hidden treasures. Digging supports sensory development, fine motor skills, and scientific curiosity as children investigate how soil, sand, and roots connect the natural world.
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A shady, magical space filled with the scent of pine needles and the sounds of birds. The woods offer opportunities for imaginative play, hide and seek, quiet reflection, and mindfulness, cultivating a deep respect for nature.
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These wooden platforms invite open-ended play—perfect for building, storytelling, and social games. Elevated spaces help children develop balance, coordination, and confidence while providing new perspectives on their environment.
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Here, children mix soil, water, leaves, and imagination to “cook” up their own creations. Mud play fosters sensory exploration, cooperation, and problem-solving while connecting children to the natural elements through joyful, messy discovery.
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An ever-changing collection of sticks, stones, pinecones, fabric, and recycled materials encourages creativity and innovation. Children use these open-ended materials to build, sort, and invent—developing independence, critical thinking, and collaboration.
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In this space, children become engineers and architects, using logs, branches, and natural materials to design and build. They learn about balance, structure, and teamwork while engaging in large-motor, hands-on projects that grow their problem-solving skills.
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Logs, stumps, and natural climbing structures challenge children’s strength, coordination, and courage. These experiences build confidence and body awareness, helping children test their limits in safe, supported ways.
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A cozy gathering spot for songs, stories, and reflection. The stump circle fosters community, listening, and language development while grounding children in the rhythm of shared outdoor experiences.
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A wide, open space for running, rolling, and games. The lawn supports physical development, social play, and the simple joy of movement—essential for healthy, happy children.
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Children plant, water, harvest, and taste the fruits (and vegetables!) of their labor. Gardening teaches responsibility, patience, and respect for living things while connecting little explorers to the cycles of growth and nourishment.
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A flexible learning space where nature becomes the teacher—filled with easels, tables, and curiosity. Lessons here integrate art, science, and storytelling, reminding children that learning happens everywhere, especially under the open sky.
What Does It Mean to Partner with Warren YES?
We are proud to serve as the preschool partner to Warren YES, a new K–12 public charter school opening in Warren County in August 2026 (warrenyes.org). Our shared mission and educational philosophy create a seamless path for your child from their very first school experiences through high school graduation.
By enrolling at Warren Little Explorers, your child will grow in an environment rooted in the same values and pillars as Warren YES. And when the time comes, families at Little Explorers will receive enrollment preference for admission to Warren YES, ensuring continuity and a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Our Promise to Families
When your child joins Little Explorers, you can expect:
A warm, welcoming environment that celebrates every child’s uniqueness.
Teachers who guide with care, flexibility, and intention.
A balance of play, learning, and community connection.
Plenty of time outdoors to nurture health, imagination, and respect for the earth.
Scheduling options that meet your needs. Half day or full day care. You can choose 2, 3, or 5 days a week.
We see each day as an adventure, and we’re honored to walk alongside your family as your child grows into a curious, confident learner.
