Orlando Day Nursery

It's supposed to be a scorcher today! Perfect for staying inside and reading a book or two...

International Mud Day is coming soon!

Our One-Year-Olds planted Florida native wild strawberries in our Playgarden this morning. We can't wait for them to bloom!

You never know what might happen in our Playgarden. And, that's the best part.
Happy International Day of Play!

Why is play so important? We’re highlighting 31 reasons why play is critical for kids everywhere!

We’re 6 days away to International Day of Play - what’s your favorite reason why kids should keep playing?

Sign up to participate in International Day of Play
🔗 https://forms.gle/SypqKtiaWsSeaFvYA

Today is International Play Day!! Play is essential for healthy children and grown-ups. How will you play today?

🌿 International Day of Play 2026 🌿

This year's theme is "Protect Play, Protect Childhood." It's a simple message, but a really important one.

Because play is not a luxury.
It's not a reward.
It's not something children do once the "real learning" is finished.

Play IS how children learn.

It's how they build friendships, solve problems, develop confidence, understand emotions, explore their creativity and make sense of the world around them.

But opportunities for free, child-led play are under increasing pressure.

Children today have less freedom to roam, fewer places to play, more structured schedules and less time for the kind of spontaneous adventures that have always been an important part of childhood.

We also need to remember that for many children around the world, play is not something they can take for granted. For some, circumstances such as conflict, displacement or poverty mean fewer opportunities to enjoy the simple freedom of play. That makes protecting and valuing play for every child even more important.

We see every day what happens when children are given time, space and permission to play.

We see confidence growing on a slackline; problem-solving emerging through den building; friendships forming around a campfire; resilience developing through managed risk; wonder sparked by a beetle, a puddle or a climbing tree.

These moments look simple. But they are helping children build the skills, relationships and sense of self that will stay with them for life.

Protecting play means protecting childhood.

It means creating communities, schools, services and spaces that recognise play as a fundamental part of healthy development and wellbeing.

It means trusting children with time to explore, imagine, create, take risks and simply be children.

Today and every day, we celebrate the power of play - and we stand up for every child's right to the time, space and opportunity to experience it.

Kids are wired to read the adults around them. Your nervous system literally sets the temperature in the room. Be the thermostat, not the thermometer.

The most powerful classroom management tool you have is yourself.

📣An Important Message from Ms. Liz:

Dear Orlando Day Nursery Families,

I wanted to take a moment to share our school’s communication and closure procedures to help families stay informed and prepared.
In the event of a tropical storm, hurricane, or other severe weather situation, Orlando Day Nursery will communicate any school closures or schedule changes through the following channels:

• ProCare App
• Email
• School page

As a general guideline, Orlando Day Nursery typically follows the lead of Orange County Public Schools regarding weather-related closures. However, there may be situations where our decision differs based on the specific conditions affecting our school, facility, staff, or families. For example, even if public schools reopen, we may need additional time to assess our campus and ensure it is safe for children and staff to return.

Please know that every decision will be made with the safety and well-being of our children, families, and staff as our highest priority. We encourage all families to ensure their contact information is current in ProCare and to monitor our communication channels during severe weather events. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out. My door is always open, and I am happy to assist in any way I can.

Thank you for your partnership and cooperation as we work together to keep our school community safe throughout hurricane season.

Warmly,

Liz Hazlewood
Center Director