Innovating Outdoor Learning Spaces for All

Walnut

Grant Amount

$18,500

Year Awarded

2026-2027

Project Coordinator

Jennette Aranda

Grant Type

Team

Local Association

Walnut Valley Educators Association

Focus Area

Garden and Outdoor Learning

About the Project

Research shows a clear trend: academic expectations are being pushed to younger ages, sometimes beyond developmental readiness, often replacing play-based learning. Because of this, we believe it is crucial to provide children with developmentally appropriate outdoor play experiences. This project provides outdoor play spaces that promote cognitive growth, creativity, and problem-solving. Studies show that increased outdoor time improves attention, language development, and school readiness. Outdoor play also provides low-pressure opportunities for children to build vocabulary and communication skills through social interaction, while fostering cooperation, conflict resolution, and strong peer relationships.

Meet the Project Coordinator

Jennette Aranda

I am a community-oriented Transitional Kindergarten educator who designs joyful, transformative learning experiences that liberate so that together we can grow into our full potential. I am a Cotsen lead teacher and part of the Instructional Leadership Team. From my time as a mentor with the Cotsen Foundation, my eyes were opened to how vital outdoor and play based learning are to a child’s well being, cognitive, social, emotional, and academic development. Grant funding will give our children meaningful learning experiences and the opportunity to fully thrive.

Walnut