Volume 14, 2025

Impact of Nature-Based Experiences on Children's Cognitive Development and Environmental Awareness from Caregivers' Perception in Lagos State Early Childhood Education Care Centres

Elias Adeshina, SOBULO, Titilayo Omowunmi, OGUNLEYE & Victor Efe, OSAYANDE

Abstract

This study investigated on the impact of nature-based experiences on children's cognitive development and
environmental awareness from caregivers' perception in early childhood education care centers in Lagos State.
To achieve this purpose, a descriptive survey design was employed, with data collected from 75 caregivers
randomly selected from 25 public preschools in 5 purposively selected Local Government Areas. A self-designed
questionnaire, titled "Nature-based Experiences, Children's Cognitive Development, and Environmental
Awareness Questionnaire (NECCDEAQ)," was developed and demonstrated high reliability with a Cronbach's
Alpha score of 0.89. Findings revealed that nature-based experiences, such as outdoor play, gardening, and
exploring natural environments, signicantly contribute to children's cognitive development in early childhood
education care centers in Lagos State. Caregivers perceived these activities as benecial for enhancing
children's environmental awareness. Specic nature-based activities considered most benecial included
gardening and exploring natural environments. Furthermore, caregivers expressed support for incorporating
nature-based experiences into the curriculum of early childhood education care centers. Factors inuencing
caregiver support included the educational benets of nature-based activities and their positive impact on
children's well-being. Overall, the ndings concluded that nature-based experiences play a crucial role in
promoting children's cognitive development and environmental awareness in early childhood education
settings in Lagos State. Caregivers reported a positive correlation between these experiences and children's
learning outcomes. The study recommended that nature-based activities should be integrated into daily routines
and curriculum, promoting environmental stewardship. The study alsorecommended the need for provision of
training for caregivers to effectively implement these practices

Keywords

Nature-Based Experiences, Children, Cognitive Development, Environmental Awareness and Caregivers

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