Pathway to Creativity
Residency Program
Pathway to Creativity Residencies bring immersive, hands-on learning experiences to your dayhome or childcare center, blending nature-based education, creative arts, and play-based learning. These multi-week programs foster curiosity, problem-solving, and self-expression through outdoor exploration, process art, and sensory-rich activities. Designed to support early childhood development and rooted in the principals of the Alberta FLIGHT curriculum framework, our residencies inspire children to think critically, collaborate, and engage deeply with the world around them. Apply for a residency today and spark a lifelong love for creative learning and outdoor play!
The Pathway to Creativity Residency is a unique, six-week immersive program designed to bring the magic of nature-based learning, creative arts, and play-based exploration directly to your dayhome, preschool, or childcare center. Rooted in emergent curriculum and child-led discovery, this residency nurtures problem-solving, critical thinking, and self-expression through hands-on experiences in outdoor exploration, process art, and sensory-rich activities.
Each two-hour weekly session is thoughtfully designed to foster Flight-Based Learning, early childhood development, and creative thinking, while also deepening children’s connection to nature. Sessions include open-ended invitations to play and create, empowering children to take ownership of their learning journey.
Beyond direct programming for children, the Pathways to Creativity Residency also supports educators and staff through
​
A Professional Development Workshop – A tailored session exploring nature-based learning, creativity in the classroom, and play-centered pedagogy, equipping educators with tools and inspiration to extend the learning beyond the residency. This takes place before your residency begins!
Learning Story-Based Documentation – After each session, educators receive rich documentation, including learning stories, photos, and reflections, showcasing children’s engagement, growth, and discoveries. This documentation serves as a tool for family communication, advocacy for play-based learning, and curriculum inspiration.
Ongoing Staff Mentorship & Pedagogical Support – Throughout the residency, educators receive on-the-ground mentorship and coaching, helping them integrate nature-inspired and creative learning approaches into their daily practice.
The Pathways to Creativity Residency isn’t just a program—it’s a collaborative journey that strengthens educators’ confidence, deepens children’s curiosity, and enriches learning environments with creativity, connection, and exploration.
Limited Availability – Seasonal Offerings
The Pathways to Creativity Residency runs in three seasonal sessions per year: Winter, Spring, and Fall. With limited bookings available each season, we encourage early registration to secure your spot!
Ready to bring this transformative experience to your learning community?
​
​
FAQ
What is the cost of the residency?
​
Tutition for the Residency program is as follows. If the cost of the program is prohibitive we encourage you to still reach out as payment plans can be arranged, as well as financial assistance for programs serving high-need populations.
​
• Daycares & Preschools: $975
• Dayhomes: $650
What is included in the residency?
Each residency includes:
✔ 12 hours of in-person programming broken into 6- 2 hour weekly classes, This will provide immersive, nature-based programming tailored to your learning environment
✔ A professional development workshop for educators, focusing on nature play, creativity, and play-based learning- Valued at 250$
✔ A parent package to hand out to participating families to help include them in the residency process
✔ Ongoing staff mentorship and pedagogical support throughout the residency
✔ Learning story-based documentation after each session, including photos and reflections to highlight children’s engagement and learning
✔ All materials and resources needed for creative, outdoor, and process-based art activities
What is the payment schedule?
​
• A 50% deposit is required upon accepting a spot
• The remaining 50% is due 1 week before the residency begins
What is your cancellation policy?
Our cancellation policy ensures fairness and flexibility:
• More than 30 days before the residency start date: Full refund minus a $50 administrative fee
• Less than 30 days before the residency start date: 50% refund
• Once the residency has begun: No refunds, as scheduling and materials are already allocated
If rescheduling is required due to unforeseen circumstances, we will do our best to accommodate an alternative session. If a single class within a session must be rescheduled this can be accommodated on a case-by-case basis.
When and how can we book?
The Pathways to Creativity Residency runs seasonally in Winter, Spring, and Fall, with limited spots available each session. our 2025/ 2026 schedule is as follows... ​
​​​
​The First Footsteps Program- Limited Availability
Applications Open March 1st
Sessions Run Wednesdays May 21st- June 25th
​
Fall 2025
Applications Open July 1st
Sessions Run Sept 17-Oct 29 (No class week of Oct 6th)
​
Winter 2026
Applications Open Dec 1st
Sessions Run Feb 10-March 17
​
Spring 2026
Applications Open March 1st
Sessions Run May 20- June 24
​
How do we book a residency?
To inquire about availability and secure your spot, apply for your desired session during the open application window as indicated above. We take between 2-5 applicants each session, if you are unsuccessful in your first application let us know if you are open to having us in for a future session and we will be sure to accommodate you as soon as possible! We’re excited to bring creative, nature-based learning to your program!
Join Creative Seeds for 60 minutes of play, exploration and community building.