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Institute on Creating Sustainable Environments for Young Children

A ground-breaking conference focused on creating learning environments that are not only healthier for children, but for the planet, as well, drew attendees from coast to coast. Find out how to learn more -- and how to get involved.

Thirty-six early childhood colleagues and designers from across the U.S. gathered at the Lied Lodge and Conference Center at the Arbor Day Farms June 7-8 for the Institute on Creating Sustainable Environments. This is the first conference to focus on how designers and early childhood staff can create environments that are healthier for children and the environment.

Participants in the June 2007 Institute on Creating Sustainable Environments
ECE staff and designers from across the nation met for the first time for the Insttitue on Creating Sustainable
Environments for Young Children.  Click here to see what previous participants have said about the Institute.

Topics included sustainable design practices, green building materials, green furniture for children, selecting non-toxic cleaners, toxic toys, involving staff/children in the design process and creating naturalized outdoor spaces. Speakers included an architect, interior designer, business owner/director, children's furniture specialist, early childhood researcher, early childhood staff and a teacher/trainer. It was very interesting to see how our various viewpoints could be combined to improve children's health by creating healthier environments. Participants received a CD that included resources and websites and were asked to make a commitment to change by completing a plan of action that will be mailed to them in six months. For more information on the Institute, visit www.whitehutchinson.com/children/sustainableinstitute.shtml. Get involved and make a difference!

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