Thanks to our unique location in the Fort Hancock Historic Landmark District of Sandy Hook, our children learn and grow in an environment of beaches, paths, wildlife and nature.  Our programs support and encourage the sense of wonder innate to all children and inspires self-discovery and exploration of the world around them.

The environment plays a vital role in the young lives of children at Sandy Hook Child Care Center. From their commute to school with their parents catching expansive views of the bay, to daily walks in the park discovering osprey in flight and horseshoe crabs on the beach, children enjoy first hand the experiences with nature that will inspire them through life. By instilling a love and respect for nature from a young age, our parents and teachers hope to raise happy, healthy and caring children who recognize the importance of experiencing the outdoors and crave its wonders and activities.

OUR GARDEN

Our school's private garden is a special place for our students to play and learn. Each spring and summer the children enjoy caring for their vegetable and flower gardens, and our teachers have developed their own curriculum that includes lessons about veggies, plants, fruit, insects, and wildlife. 

In the spring, the children plants seedlings of an assortment of vegetables in the classroom and cares for them and watch them grow from seeds to mature plants. They then transport them to our outdoor planting beds in the late spring. 

Our garden is a favorite space for the children to play in and store their shells, sticks, and other items found during their discoveries on Sandy Hook. 

 JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM

The Junior Ranger program teaches young children about the habitats and history of Sandy Hook through fun, hands-on activities. The program is offered during the summer months. Children will learn through hikes, walks, and demonstrations.

SEA Grant consortium partnership

In partnership with The Sea Grant Consortium, we host a Junior Marine Biologist program that is intended to introduce our students to natural sciences and teach them the importance of our marine ecosystem. Activities include science-based arts and crafts, touch tanks and hands-on demonstrations. The program runs monthly.  All SHCCC students aged 2 and older are invited to participate.

*Below is a link for our NJ Birth to Three Early Learning Standards*