Bright Ideas - The Natural Start Blog
Nature Preschools and Kindergartens at Record Numbers in the U.S.
November 17, 2017
Nature-based preschools and kindergartens continue to rise in popularity in the United States. A national survey of nature-based early childhood educators conducted in 2017 identified more than 250 nature preschools and forest kindergartens operating across the country. Read More
Forest Days Evaluation Report Documents Benefits and Key Ingredients for Success
September 5, 2017
A recent evaluation report on the Forest Days initiative in Vermont and New Hampshire schools finds that programs not only support academic learning but also offer social, emotional, physical, and community benefits to participants. Read More
Chicago Zoological Society Announces 2018 NatureStart™ Course
September 1, 2017
NatureStart™ is a week-long professional development program focusing on skill development for educators who work with young children in zoos, aquariums, and nature centers. Read More
Help Make the Case for Nature-Based Early Childhood Education
June 28, 2017
The Council of Nature and Forest Preschools seeks volunteers interested in collecting research findings, testimonials, and policy examples that support nature-based learning in early childhood. Read More
Your STEM Questions Answered
February 23, 2017
Fiddleheads Forest School follows up with educators to answer questions about STEM teaching in the outdoors. Read More
New Grant Commits $1.75 Million to Support Outdoor Learning in Colorado
January 24, 2017
The Colorado Health Foundation has awarded the National Wildlife Federation and partners funds to support Early Childhood Health Outdoors, an initiative to bring naturalized outdoor spaces to early childhood education centers across Colorado. Read More
Books for Exploring Winter Environments
January 16, 2017
We've collected some of our favorite books for exploring winter environments with young children--from snowy cities streets to hushed forests at night. Read More
Natural Start Welcomes New Director
December 21, 2016
The Natural Start Alliance is set to begin 2017 with exciting changes and new growth. We are thrilled to welcome Emilian Geczi as the new Director of the Natural Start Alliance. Read More
Exclusive Muddy Buddy Discount for Natural Start Alliance Members
December 16, 2016
Tuffo is partnering with the Natural Start Alliance to offer this discount in support of the work you do to connect young children to nature, the outdoors, and their environment. Read More
Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Schools Launches
November 30, 2016
The new association provides services, support and inspiration to nature-based early childhood programs in the Eastern US, from Virginia to New York. Read More