SMITHFIELD ESTRELLITAS

Outdoor Learning & Nature Play in Smithfield, RI

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Program overview

REGISTRATION OPEN

Join Ocean State Kids for a new program called SMITHFIELD ESTRELLITAS, aiming to create a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment for all families. We are committed to ensuring that everyone feels encouraged to actively participate and engage with our children in nature. Spanish will be integrated into our program, offering bilingual families and those interested in language exposure a unique opportunity. Additionally, we will incorporate cultural elements from South America to enrich our understanding and appreciation of diverse traditions.

AGE:

LOCATION:

DURATION:

DAY & TIME:

LEADER:

COST:

0 - 5 Years

Various Locations

Sept 24th - Dec 17th, 2024

Tuesdays (Times will Vary)

Dilena Starr

$125.00

BACK TO PROGRAMS

MEET YOUR YOUR

GROUP LEADER

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Dilena Starr

From a young age, as the oldest of four, Dilena’s love for children has been deeply ingrained. Throughout her childhood and into adulthood, she dedicated her time to tutoring, leading children's groups, serving as a camp counselor, volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters and Best Buddies, and hosting international students. As a mother to an almost two-year-old, she has a deep compassion for all moms facing fertility challenges, having experienced her own long journey. She cherishes each day as a blessing and enjoys spending quality time with her husband, three dogs, and her beautiful daughter.

MEET THE TEAM

Ocean State Kids Outdoor Learning + Nature Play

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principles

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PARENT PLAY A PIVOTAL ROLE

We are extremely passionate about outdoor learning, nature play, creativity and allowing parents to grow alongside their children. Parent participation is required & it’s our goal to provide parents the opportunity to be your child’s best teacher and strongest advocate for their learning. As parents, you play a pivotal role in cultivating a love for learning. This is not a drop off program.

PROTECTING CHILDHOOD

Ocean State Kids is committed to protecting childhood at all costs—meeting children’s needs without imposing rules, assessments, or societal pressures. By allowing children to explore and learn in nature, we foster an environment where they can grow naturally, free from the constraints of a structured system, embracing the freedom to develop at their own pace.

GROUP LEADERS ARE VOLUNTEERS

We are truly grateful for our dedicated group leaders, who are parents volunteering their time to make a difference in our community. These leaders not only guide weekly activities but also serve as a vital link for families exploring alternative learning. They play a key role in fostering a sense of community among those who share our passion for outdoor education and nature play.

NATURE IS THE BEST CLASSROOM

We believe that young children thrive when given the freedom to explore their interests in a nurturing setting, and at Ocean State Kids, we see nature as the ultimate classroom. By fostering creativity and curiosity in the outdoors, we spark a passion for discovery, helping them grow into well-rounded, remarkable individuals

WE GATHER SMALL

We aim to keep our program attendance small to maintain sustained focus and productivity, avoid overstimulation for younger children, and preserve the peacefulness of the day. Programs are typically limited to 15 - 18 families.

DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE

Our Director of Education ensures that every program offers activities tailored to the developmental needs of each child. For those eager to dive deeper, we provide worksheets that cover a broad range of skills, including literacy, math, science, social-emotional development, cognitive growth, and creative arts. These worksheets are laminated for durability, making them perfect for learning in any outdoor environment.

PHYSICAL SKILLS

100% of our programs are outdoors, which allow children to engage in daily activities that enhance their physical abilities and endurance. The natural environment provides an ideal backdrop for students to develop a strong connection between mind and body.

MILD STRUCTURE

Even though we provide weekly activities, we do our best to resist the urge to over-schedule with structured activities. Each child is different and learns at their own pace. If your child prefers just to play, they are still developing problem-solving skills, creativity, and resilience.

RIELDS

Ocean State Kids programs follow RIELDS (Rhode Island Early Learning Development Standards) to empower parents with the confidence and resources needed to meet their children's needs in home-based learning, nature exploration, and our outdoor programs.

NURTURE NOTES

We implement daily practices for the parents through our Nurture Notes, a series of flash cards providing simple conscious parenting challenges, affirmations & insight. These exercises are done discreetly & at your own pace. Also, not mandatory – just a simple reminder to be present & connect your kids emotionally.

AFFORDABILITY

The Program Membership Donation includes weekly age appropriate curriculum, learning materials and creative activities, downloadable educational worksheets, outdoor access, and much more along the way! You can learn more on our Program Cost Transparency page.

FUELING THE FUN

To ensure our kids are meeting their dietary needs, families are asked to participate in a snack rotation, where each parent is responsible for bringing snacks during one week. This is not required, however, most parents enjoy the gift of giving. There is a section in the registration for allergy & dietary restrictions to eliminate any potential problems.

Program membership donation

$125.00

learning materials

teaching guidance

musical performances

nurture notes

curated creative curriculum

printable worksheets

outdoor access

and much more along the way!

BACK TO PROGRAMS

ocean state kids outdoor learning and nature play rhode island 10 frame learning worksheet

A True Story of Finding Purpose in Motherhood & A Community Event That Raise Over $11,000 for Outdoor Education

LEARN MORE

LATEST DRIFT

0 - 5 Years

Various Locations

Sept 24th - Dec 17th, 2024

Tuesdays (Times will Vary)

Dilena Starr

$125.00

MEET YOUR YOUR

GROUP LEADER

GROUP LEADER

Dilena Starr

principles

PARENT PLAY A PIVOTAL ROLE

PROTECTING CHILDHOOD

GROUP LEADERS ARE VOLUNTEERS

NATURE IS THE BEST CLASSROOM

WE GATHER SMALL

We aim to keep our program attendance small to maintain sustained focus and productivity, avoid overstimulation for younger children, and preserve the peacefulness of the day. Programs are typically limited to 15 - 18 families.

DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE

PHYSICAL SKILLS

100% of our programs are outdoors, which allow children to engage in daily activities that enhance their physical abilities and endurance. The natural environment provides an ideal backdrop for students to develop a strong connection between mind and body.

MILD STRUCTURE

Even though we provide weekly activities, we do our best to resist the urge to over-schedule with structured activities. Each child is different and learns at their own pace. If your child prefers just to play, they are still developing problem-solving skills, creativity, and resilience.

RIELDS

Ocean State Kids programs follow RIELDS (Rhode Island Early Learning Development Standards) to empower parents with the confidence and resources needed to meet their children's needs in home-based learning, nature exploration, and our outdoor programs.

NURTURE NOTES

AFFORDABILITY

The Program Membership Donation includes weekly age appropriate curriculum, learning materials and creative activities, downloadable educational worksheets, outdoor access, and much more along the way! You can learn more on our Program Cost Transparency page.

FUELING THE FUN

STAY UPDATED ON PROGRAMS, HOMESCHOOL TIPS, DRIFTS & EVENTS.