Bright Ideas - The Natural Start Blog
Bringing Environmental Education to Head Start Classrooms
March 31, 2015
This week, Natural Start partnered with Nature Explore and Project Learning Tree to offer a workshop on early childhood environmental education for Head Start educators. Read More
New State Outdoor Learning Regulations Enacted in Texas
March 27, 2015
The Texas Workforce Commission has just approved precedent-setting regulations that provide financial incentives for childcare centers with natural outdoor play and learning settings. Read More
Call for Manuscripts: International Journal of Early Childhood Environmental Education
March 24, 2015
Whether you're a seasoned academic or a new educator, you can contribute to the research base in environmental education for young children. Read More
Deadline Extended for NAAEE Conference Proposals
March 24, 2015
Do you need a few more days to submit your proposal for the NAAEE conference in San Diego? You now have until Friday, March 27th! Read More
Why the Common Core State Standards Matter
February 27, 2015
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"
February 26, 2015
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
February 20, 2015
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
New Professional Development Class Targeted Specifically for Nature-Based Early Childhood Educators!
February 17, 2015
The Chicago Zoological Society’s Nature Start program, along with Kid Links Unlimited, has created a unique professional development workshop designed specifically for early learning nature-based educators. Read More
No Child Left Inside Act Introduced with Bipartisan Support
February 11, 2015
Today, Senators Jack Reed (RI-D) and Mark Kirk (IL-R) and Congressmen John Sarbanes (MD-R) and Mike Fitzpatrick (PA-R) introduced legislation aimed at improving environmental education in our nation’s public schools. The No Child Left Inside Act would provide grants to school districts, support teacher training and promote the integration of outdoor learning into the school curriculum. Read More
Save Your Printer Ink! IJECEE Is Now Available in Print
January 29, 2015
The International Journal of Early Childhood Environmental Education is now available in print, and Natural Start members and supporters get 50% off. Read More