Articles

Parents of young children should prioritize outdoor time, as it offers essential learning experiences and social interactions that can’t be found in a virtual world. It’s up to us to create enriching outdoor moments for our kids, but this might not always be easy. The first step is simple: get outside! Once there, however, it can be difficult to know how to make the experience valuable. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available to help. From local parks to outdoor education classes, families can explore a variety of activities and find something that works for them. With a little effort, you can ensure your children get the outdoor playtime they need.

Spring, summer, fall, and winter are the perfect times to get outdoors with your kids in Northampton, Massachusetts. With Tinkergarten, you can be sure that your children are engaging in meaningful, play-based learning activities that are sure to help them develop important skills. All Tinkergarten classes are led by certified and trained local leaders and designed for kids ages 1-8. Whether you join an existing class or start your own, you can be sure that your kids will have a great time learning and playing outdoors. Tinkergarten makes getting outdoors with your kids easier than ever. Our play-based outdoor curriculum is designed by expert educators and loved by families. Along with the weekly class sessions, we provide a curriculum to extend the play at home and a supportive learning community. With Tinkergarten, you can be sure that your children are getting the most out of their early learning years. So what are you waiting for? Join the other families in Northampton, Massachusetts today and get ready to explore all that the great outdoors has to offer!

At Tinkergarten, our goal is to help families make the most of their kids’ early learning years. Our play-based outdoor curriculum is designed by education experts and enjoyed by all families. We provide a comprehensive program that includes live, weekly sessions, an at-home curriculum, and access to a learning community. With this program, we make it easy for families to engage in purposeful outdoor play with their children. At Tinkergarten, we believe in the power of outdoor play to boost early learning. Our curriculum is designed to help families make the most of this critical time in their children’s development. With education experts at the helm, our play-based curriculum is loved by all families. Our program includes live, weekly sessions, an at-home curriculum, and access to a learning community, making it easy for every family to participate. We’re proud to offer a comprehensive program that helps parents raise healthy, confident, and capable kids through outdoor play. Tinkergarten makes it easy for families to engage in purposeful playtime outside and get the most out of their kids’ early learning years.

As parents of young children, we know how important it is to create meaningful, outdoor experiences. Being outside can provide our children with hands-on lessons, valuable social interactions, and restorative activity that simply cannot be gained from the tap of a screen. Finding ways to spend time outside can be a challenge, but Tinkergarten makes it easier by providing an outdoor curriculum for families to enjoy. Designed by experts, Tinkergarten's play-based outdoor curriculum offers weekly sessions, an at-home curriculum, and a supportive learning community for parents and children. With Tinkergarten, families can make the most of their children's early learning years by getting outside and engaging in valuable outdoor play experiences. From the comfort of home, parents can be equipped with the resources and guidance they need to ensure their children thrive in this ever-changing world.

We understand that a strong community starts with individuals. That’s why we’re committed to helping each member of our community live their best life. We’re dedicated to promoting wellness and belonging by providing a wide range of programs and services. Our goal is to ensure everyone in our community has access to the resources they need to thrive. At the Hampshire Regional YMCA, we are a community-based, cause-driven organization that seeks to bring people together and make a lasting difference. We believe in creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected, and where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to learn, grow, and have fun. From fitness classes to after-school programs, we offer a variety of programs and services to support the needs of our community. With your help, we can continue to promote wellness and belonging for all.

At LGA, we provide an excellent education with a focus on social justice and repairing the world. Our comprehensive curriculum includes rigorous academics as well as classes involving art, music, theater, STEAM, and organic farming. Our teachers are some of the best in the Valley, and our culture is one of joy and curiosity. This culture is also used to inspire our students to care about the world around them, as we work together to combat injustice and inequity. We also involve our students in resettlement and climate rallies, to ensure that they understand the importance of taking tangible steps towards making a difference.

At Community Action, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential. We are proud to be a leader in addressing the most pressing social needs of our time, including poverty, homelessness, and hunger. We strive to ensure that all people can access the tools and resources they need to achieve their goals and lead a self-sufficient life. We are committed to supporting our community members in achieving a safe, just, and prosperous future.

We strive to create a more equitable, multicultural society. Language can be a unifying force, helping to bridge divides between different cultures and peoples. Unfortunately, language can be a major barrier for people who lack strong language skills in the “official” language of their country. This can result in a lack of educational opportunities, difficulty accessing social services, and an overall feeling of marginalization. ILI works to reduce language barriers by providing English language training to people of all ages and backgrounds. Our goal is to create a society in which everyone has equal access to language resources and opportunities, allowing everyone to realize their full potential.

Shirley is a licensed home daycare provider located in Northampton, Massachusetts. This means that Shirley is able to provide home-based childcare for up to 8 children in a safe and nurturing environment. Shirley has been a provider since 2000 and her license was most recently renewed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. NeighborSchools is a platform that helps daycare providers open and operate licensed home daycare centers. It is an alternative to traditional childcare settings which may be too large or too costly for some families. NeighborSchools provides parents with the opportunity to find local, safe and affordable child care options. Shirley is a great example of a NeighborSchools provider. For the last 20 years, she has been providing high quality child care in her home. Her license from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care is current and up-to-date. Parents in the Northampton area can rest assured that their children will be in a safe and nurturing environment when they are in Shirley’s care.

As you embark on your journey, we want to encourage you to explore and discover your identity while being part of a larger community at Smith. Whether you’re looking for academic, social, or cultural resources, we’re here to help and inspire you find your voice. Check out our page to find the resources you need to make the most of your college experience.

At Ascendance, children and adults are invited to explore their unique talents and potential. They offer a diverse range of classes and workshops in a safe, encouraging environment. With experienced, passionate teachers, Ascendance encourages students to be curious, confident, and creative while also learning the fundamentals of dance, music, and voice. Students are provided the opportunity to develop self-expression, explore their personal style, and build community.

At Meadowlark, we are committed to helping children develop a positive self-image. Our program has been in existence since 1972, providing a safe, nurturing and creative environment for children and their families. We strongly believe that all children should have the opportunity to learn and grow in a positive atmosphere. At Meadowlark, we believe that the best way for children to learn and grow is through creative exploration. Our staff is passionate about being around and learning from young children. We offer a variety of activities, including music, art, drama and physical education, that encourage children to express themselves and explore the world around them.

At Cloverdale Preschool, we strive to create an atmosphere of warmth and care. Our curriculum is designed to promote self-confidence through hands-on exploration, questioning, reasoning, predicting, and creating. We strive to provide our children with enjoyable, sensory-based experiences that allow them to learn in a fun and engaging environment. We also recognize the importance of teaching social responsibility. We firmly believe that children should be actively supported as they learn to appreciate their similarities and differences. Through our curriculum, children are given the opportunity to learn the importance of showing respect for others and their environment. At Cloverdale Preschool, we understand that our children are the future and we are committed to providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed. Our nurturing environment and engaging curriculum ensure that our children are set up for a bright future.

Founded in 1985, Criterion Child Enrichment has become a leader in the field of child and family development services in Massachusetts. Over 7,000 families benefit from our services each year, with a staff of 350 professionals across 15 locations. At Criterion Child Enrichment Northampton, we understand the importance of professional development for our staff and other early childhood providers in the community. That’s why we host the annual Great Beginnings Conference, an event for advanced early childhood professionals. We’re proud of what we have achieved at Criterion Child Enrichment, and our commitment to providing the highest quality of care for children and families in Massachusetts is unwavering. We look forward to continuing to serve our communities for many years to come.

At SCDT, we recognize the importance of supporting independent artists throughout their creative journey. Our team consists of working artists who provide the necessary guidance and support to creators in their art-making, as well as connecting the public, university communities, and local and regional organizations. We believe that the process of creating art is a unique experience for everyone, and we are committed to providing programs that will cater to the needs of independent artists at every stage. Our team of working artists is also dedicated to connecting the public, university communities, and local and regional organizations, allowing independent artists to gain the exposure they need to reach a wider audience. At SCDT, we prioritize inclusivity and diversity. We strive to create a safe space where individuals of all backgrounds can engage in thoughtful movement practices and experiences. Everyone is welcome here, no matter their race, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, class, and ability. We encourage everyone to join us and create a space for movement, thought, care, and intention.