Open Door Central is a center-based early care and education program for the students and families of Austin. Attending centers like Open Door Central can benefit students who’re ready for a school-like environment, rich in activities, resources and opportunities to learn and grow, but don’t want to sacrifice on the close relationships with peers and staff that you’d expect from any child care provider. Students at Open Door Central join a community of learners that will explore, play and grow together. Open Door Central has a part-time schedule, as well, perfect for parents that want the flexibility to be away from their little ones for awhile but don’t need a full-time day just yet. Students will get used to the structured learning environment, with all the peer play & social exploration that comes with that, but don’t yet need to adjust to long days away from parents. The part-time program at Open Door Central sets students up for success in the years ahead. Students at Open Door Central will also experience a nature-focused, outdoors-oriented learning approach that emphasizes an early and often connection to the environment and natural world. Learning approaches like this embrace the role that active, outside play can take in shaping independence, appropriate risk-taking, and creative self-expression for children. The outdoors can be a place of joy and wonder in childhood, and stimulating that wonder in children can have positive lifelong benefits and be a boon for physical and emotional health.