Education that is rooted in Nature.
Learning through exploration & play.
We are a nature based Preschool + VPK located on Sanibel Island, a barrier island located off the coast of Southwest Florida.
Every day is an adventure.
At Children's Education Center of the Islands, we believe in the power of nature to inspire, educate, and nurture young minds. Our dedicated team of nature certified instructors work together to create an enriching environment where children can explore, play, and learn. We are a close-knit community passionate about fostering early childhood development through outdoor experiences.
❊ Little Explorers
We believe in growing together.
Create
Creativity is how children make sense of their experiences. We cultivate spaces that invite self-expression — through art, storytelling, movement, and sensory exploration. Every child is an artist and inventor in their own way, and we celebrate the process more than the outcome. Creating builds resilience, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.
1. Open-Ended Materials
2. Process Art over Product
3. Storytelling as Curriculum
4. Music & Movement Integration
Explore
Exploration fuels discovery. From nature walks to science experiments to imaginative play, we encourage children to ask questions, test ideas, and embrace wonder. We guide them to see beauty in the unknown and confidence in trying something new. Exploration opens pathways to independence and a deep connection to the world.
1. Inquiry-Based Learning
2. Outdoor Classrooms
3. Sensory Stations
4. Nature Walks & Adventures
Play
We believe play is the foundation of all learning. Through play, children discover how to collaborate, problem-solve, express emotions, and understand the world around them. At CECI, play isn’t downtime — it’s the heartbeat of growth. Every activity, whether spontaneous or structured, is designed to nurture joy, imagination, and confidence.
1. Social Play & Cooperation
2. Movement & Physical Play
3. Emotional Play
4. Freedom Within Structure
❊ Testimonials
Loved by Students, Trusted by Parents.
Seriously! But don’t take our word for it, here are some things people have to say about us.
I was blown away by the intentional design behind CECI Preschool’s curriculum. The classroom flow, sensory materials, and social-emotional learning framework are top-tier. There’s an emphasis on exploration and emotional intelligence that goes far beyond traditional preschool models. The staff are deeply skilled, kind, and clearly invested in every child’s development. This is what modern early education should look like.
— Allie, Parent
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My wife and I always said our first priority as parents was to make sure our kids were connected to nature. CECI does just that. The classroom flow, sensory materials, and social-emotional learning framework are top-tier. This is what modern early education should look like.
— Ryan, Parent
“
CECI Preschool feels like an extension of home. The sense of community between families, teachers, and children is incredible — it’s a place where you feel genuinely supported and seen as a parent, not just a number on a list. My daughter runs into school every morning with a smile, and that says everything. It’s warm, inclusive, and built around real connection. We’re so grateful to be part of the CECI family.
— Claire, Parent
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❊ What is it like ?
A day in the life.
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Before care begins at 8:00am and goes until 9:00am. During this time, age groups will be mixed and either inside or on the playground. Children will be encouraged to play freely and interact with one another.
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During the average school day we have activities like morning circle, small group activities, nature hikes, out door open centers, and more.
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Children are signed out by an approved guardian and picked up from their classrooms. Mailboxes and cubbies are checked, and water bottles are taken home daily to be washed and returned.
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At the family’s request, children staying for the aftercare program will be offered rest time from 1:30pm to 3:00pm. We provide a resting mat and families provide a crib sized sheet and blanket.
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Children who stay beyond the school day ending at 1:00pm will participate in aftercare. During this time, student classes and age groups may be combined. Children will be encouraged to play in carefully curated play spaces or spend more time outside in nature on the playground, outdoor classrooms, or going on hikes. During this time students will enjoy a healthy snack provided by their parents.
Come learn with us.
Interested in learning more about our programs and how to enroll your child? Contact us today to schedule a visit or request additional information. We look forward to welcoming your family to the Children’s Education Center.
