First Environments Early Learning Center

First Environments Early Learning Center (FEELC) is a non-profit child care facility located in North Carolinas Research Triangle Park that serves the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and National Institute of Environmental Health Science and their contractors, as well as members of the general public. Almost 200 infants, toddlers and preschool children benefit from FEELCs programming emphasis on nature as a third teacher. FEELC is a North Carolina 5-star licensed child care center and accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Designed to maximize natural light, FEELCs interactive building uses found objects and donated materials that change in response to childrens interests. The grounds hold many gardens, including an edible garden harvested for meals at the school, natural areas for exploration, a playground and outdoor stage. Found objects made into art by children hang from ceilings, walls and are scattered indoors and out. Even ...