Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

---

Organization Name: The Child Care & Learning Center
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: CCLC
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 520
City: Washington
State: VA
Postal Code: 22747
Main Phone: 540-675-3237
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.rappcclc.org/
Employer ID Number: 54-1061820
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization

Proposal Information

---

Today’s Date: 3/25/26
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Growing with Nature: Early Learning in Our Local Landscape
Project Description:

The Child Care & Learning Center (CCLC) seeks support to develop a place-based, nature-integrated curriculum for children ages birth to five that draws directly from the ecological and cultural landscape of Rappahannock County, Virginia.

Located on a wooded campus with trails and natural outdoor learning spaces, CCLC incorporates nature exploration into daily learning. With support, we will engage an experienced early childhood educator and curriculum writer to design a year-long, developmentally appropriate curriculum rooted in our land and community.

To ensure the curriculum reflects the natural rhythms children experience in our environment, the curriculum designer will develop materials over approximately ten months. This timeline allows the curriculum to incorporate seasonal changes across CCLC’s campus and surrounding landscape, including the plants, animals, weather patterns, and ecological shifts children observe throughout the year.

The resulting curriculum will include learning units that connect children directly to the natural environment while strengthening foundational academic and developmental skills. Lessons will integrate:
– Science through observation of local plants, animals, and ecosystems
– Early mathematics through counting, patterns, and measurement using natural materials
– Language and literacy through storytelling, vocabulary development, and nature journaling
– Social studies through exploration of local history, community traditions, and environmental stewardship

Activities will also support social-emotional growth, including curiosity, resilience, and cooperation, as well as fine motor development through hands-on exploration.

The requested $10,000 will support the curriculum designer’s work over approximately ten months at roughly ten hours per week, including employer payroll taxes. Funding will support the professional time required to research, design, pilot, and document the curriculum so it can be implemented consistently by CCLC educators for years to come.

This project will result in a replicable nature-based curriculum framework that strengthens early childhood education while deepening children’s connection to the environment and community in which they live.

Total Project Budget: $30,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): The Boston Foundation – Pending

Project Duration: 10 months
Geographical Area Served: Rappahannock County, VA
Age Group To Be Served: Birth to Age 5

Contact Information

---

Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Emily
Contact Last Name: McGraw
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 540-675-3237
Contact Email: emcgraw@rappcclc.org