Center for Environmental Education

The P/NW BOCES Center for Environmental Education is a unique and innovative, non-residential outdoor/environmental program that has served our component schools as well as non-public and public schools in Southern Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Ulster and Dutchess Counties since 1970. Our programs are designed to help raise achievement levels by engaging students in challenging and interdisciplinary study using the natural world as an integrated context for learning. The mission of our program is to stimulate respect for all the Earth’s natural systems, help young people understand the connection between a healthy environment and healthy humans and their communities, and get young people outdoors to foster their connection to the natural world.

CEE programs are standards-based and interdisciplinary. They are guided by the philosophy that direct experience is the best teacher. Hands-on, experiential learning is our primary focus. Our programs are designed to raise awareness, increase knowledge, and encourage critical thinking.

CEE offers three types of programs:

DIRECT STUDENT PROGRAMS:

• Our environmental science programs teach young people about the biological, physical, and social systems in which they live better preparing them for democratic engagement in environmental and community stewardship.

• Our character education programs are designed to build community, self-confidence, foster effective decision-making strategies, develop personal and group responsibility and improve communication skills.

• Our cultural programs are a hands-on vehicle to introduce young people to the cultural history of their local towns and the surrounding region.

TEACHER TRAINING:

Throughout the year, a variety of teacher training programs are available.

STATE AID:

This service assists districts in processing their paperwork to receive state aid for environmental programs available from other providers and facilities. These consultants, facilities and programs are described in our Environmental Resource Directory. (Requires Adobe Acrobat Version 5.0  or higher.  Click here for free download of`Adobe Acrobat Reader to your computer.)

How State Aid Works

PTA and/or school staff selects program, contacts program provider and agrees on date and cost.

BOCES contracts and pays program provider and bills district.

The following year, the school district is reimbursed for part of the cost of the programs based on the district's state aid formula.

Benefits to School Districts

• Districts receive state aid on these programs, thereby making additional money available for more student programs.

• BOCES handles paper work.