Our History

Celebrating 50 Years of Nurturing in Nature

Celebrating 50 Years of Nurturing in Nature

For over five decades, Children's Education Center of the Islands has been a place where young people can learn, grow, and become inspired alongside the natural beauty of Sanibel Island. With opportunities to be surrounded by some of the most beautiful protected wildlife in America, our learners develop a keen sense of their place in this historic natural environment.

Join us as we prepare the next generation for a bright and grounded future.

June of 1974.

A group of Sanibel parents founded the Children's Education Center of the Islands in June of 1974. Parents of three and four year olds wanted their children to have group social activities and preparing for kindergarten. They designed a self-sustaining parent co-op and obtained use of the old Bailey's General Store, then still on the bay at the end of Bailey Road (now restored and part of the Sanibel Historical Village)