Culturally Sustaining Practice in Nature-Based Learning: A Case Study

This is a window into The Little Village Early Learning Center in Aurora, Colorado, whose approach combines culturally sustaining practices with nature-based learning to support immigrant and refugee families.

Goals and Rationale

The Little Village Early Learning Center in Aurora, Colorado, is dedicated to providing culturally sustaining practices within a nature-based learning environment. The program supports immigrant and refugee families’ cultural backgrounds and identities, ensuring that all children have access to high-quality, nature-based educational experiences. Inspired by the “Nurturing All Children in Nature: Ideal Learning in the Natural World” brief, this case study offers an actionable model of supporting children’s development in and ideal learning that promotes their sense of belonging and inclusion.

How to Use It

As a practical resource—

• to integrate culturally responsive and nature-based practices into early childhood education.
• to engage families and communities in the educational process through nature and cultural exchange.
• to support educators with training and resources focused on culturally sustaining and nature-based learning.