Natural Start | In early childhood, learning comes naturally

Bridging the Gap: Integrating Technology and Environmental Education

By integrating nature and technology, we can create an opportunity for all young children to become both environmentally and technologically literate.
Put Your Program on the Map!

Check out Natural Start's new searchable map and list to see schools and organizations that are part of the Alliance. Join today to put your program on the map!
Nature-Based Preschool National Conference

Join the nature-based preschool community this summer in a national gathering to help advance the nature-based preschool profession.
NAAEE Annual Conference: Submit a Proposal

The call for presentations for the 2015 NAAEE Conference in San Diego is now open.

Bridging the Gap: Integrating Technology and Environmental Education
Put Your Program on the Map!
Nature-Based Preschool National Conference
NAAEE Annual Conference: Submit a Proposal

Bright Ideas

Why the Common Core State Standards Matter

A new report argues that requirements for reading in kindergarten pose significant risks to children who are not ready to read at age five. Read More

President Obama Commits to Getting "Every Kid in a Park"

This major new commitment to get kids outdoors will offer fourth graders and their families opportunities to enjoy our public lands free of charge. Read More

Chicago-Area Educators: Nature Play Conference in May

The Chicago Botanic Garden and Alliance for Early Childhood are happy to announce the second annual "Inspiring Nature Play: Digging Deeper" conference to promote nature play. Read More

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Feature Story

Bridging the Gap: Integrating Technology and Environmental Education

By integrating the two seemingly opposed areas of nature and technology, we can create an opportunity for young children to become both environmentally and technologically literate. Read More

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Member Spotlight

Environmental Nature Center

The Environmental Nature Center is developing Newport Beach, California’s first nature-based preschool. Although students will do most of their learning and playing outside, when they do spend time inside, it will be in a sustainable “green building” certified by the US Green Building Council. Read More

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Upcoming Events

The Eighth Annual Growing In Place Symposium: Green Neighborhood Assets: Streets, Houses, Schools, Parks, Food

March 5, 2015

Growing IN Place addresses planning and design policies that support these needs for children and other family members. Young people need networks of attractive, walkable/bikable routes connecting homes to schools, parks, community gardens, and cultural institutions – where they can also engage with nature. Growing IN Place is framed for an audience in North Carolina and adjacent states of public/private sector practitioners, including landscape architects, architects, and planners (receiving CEUs); parks and recreation professionals; nonformal educators, and elected officials. The Symposium in Raleigh, NC offers a focus on urban community & neighborhood design for health, sustainability, and wellbeing of children and families in the 21st century.

Early Childhood PLT and Growing Up WILD- Keene

March 9, 2015

Early Childhood educators join us for this joint workshop. You will receive both Growing Up WILD and the Early Childhood PLT manuals thanks to the generosity of US Fish and Wildlife Service. This hands on workshop will give you lots of ideas to do with your students including activities, music connections and fun-healthy snacks. The workshop will last four hours and is being held at Symonds Elementary School in the library

Working Forum on Design and Nature: Designing Inspiring and Effective Spaces for Children

March 11, 2015 to March 14, 2015

Join architects, landscape architects, planners, educators, environmental educators, funders, and elected officials in a first-of-its kind event to explore high-level universal principles necessary in designing effective spaces for children. This forum will be held in Rotorua, New Zealand.

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