The Suffolk County Farm and Education Center’s mission is to provide hands-on research-based learning to all residents with themes in agriculture, animal sciences, history, STEM, healthy living, and life skills in a unique year-round learning environment and in community spaces. The Farm’s vision is to connect with our agricultural heritage and to pave the way for a bright, healthy, and sustainable future.

Today are venturing to the Little Farmers Preschool!

HERE'S WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THIS EPISODE:

1. Early Childhood Programs​ on the Suffolk County Farm and Education Center
2. Farm Activities
3. Weather on the Farm
4. Hands-on Learning Activities
5.  Learning as a Sensory Experience
6. Nature is the "Third Teacher" ~ Areas of the Farm
7. Emergent Curriculum on the Farm
8. Using Art to Guide Curriculum
9. Outdoor Classroom Tour & Talk pictures

MEET MAIA:

Maia G. Lewis is the Early Childhood Coordinator with Cornell Cooperative Extension at the Suffolk County Farm and Education Center. Her main focus is with the team that designs and implements Little Farmers Preschool, an outdoor play-based program for children 3 - 5 years old. Maia has her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Stonehill College and is currently pursuing her Master's degree in Curriculum and Instructional Design at Penn State. She has worked within CCE in numerous different roles over the past ten years; starting as a camp counselor during summer breaks in college. Maia is passionate about creating opportunities to preserve the simple joys of childhood, helping foster children’s relationships with the natural world, and preparing young learners for all aspects of life, not just for kindergarten.

CONTACT MAIA:

• EMAIL: [email protected]
• WEBSITE