Events Archive
The Nature and Young Children Summit
11201 Garrison Forest Rd
Owings Mills, MD 21117
Join Irvine Nature Center for our 9th annual Nature & Young Children Summit on Friday, April 3rd and Saturday, April 4th. Formerly The Nature Preschool Conference, this exciting event is a chance for early childhood educators to connect with nature and one another.
Participants engage in discussion, hands-on learning, and the sharing of ideas all centered around this year’s theme: Deep Roots and Hiking Boots.
Guided by knowledgeable early childhood educators passionate about nature based child-led learning, we’ll revisit and strengthen our understanding of humanity’s ancestral roots to the natural world. We encourage you to think critically, ask questions, reflect on your practice, and share your experiences as we strengthen our growing community. Bird's Eye View
Pratt Nature Center
New Millford, CT
Get a bird's eye view into two CT nature preschools on Friday followed by a full day a nature-based professional development on Saturday.
Friday begins with a visit at the nature preschool at the New Canaan Nature Center from 9:30-11 a.m. followed by a reflective discussion with Q&A and lunch. Next, we travel to the NatureYear Program at Common Grounds for a visit from 12:30-2 p.m., followed by more facilitated discussion about the learning environments and practices we observe. Our day will conclude at 3:30 p.m. at Common Grounds in New Haven, CT. Transportation is not included, so we encourage you to carpool.
*Note: We have a cap on the number of attendees who can join the Friday observation tours; don't delay if you want to join us!
On Saturday, we will gather at Pratt Nature Center in New Millford, CT. We will explore a range of topics that will inspire and equip you to more fully support children's connections with nature and DAP in nature-based ECE. You can expect hands-on sessions that are indoors and out! Presenters share insights and activities based on their work in nature preschools, forest kindergartens, or other nature-based program settings.
This training is ideal for caregivers, educators, and others working with children three to seven years old. ERAFANS will provide a professional development certificate at the conclusion of the event. Please dress for the weather, as at least 50% of this event will take place outdoors, and don't forget your canteen!
On Friday, lunch is included; on Saturday, light breakfast and lunch are included. (You can specify dietary restrictions during registration.) We strive to reduce our carbon footprint, so please bring your canteen for drinks on both days and carpool, if possible.
We thank our hosts at New Canaan Nature Center, Common Grounds NatureYear Program, and Pratt Nature Center for making this training possible! Get Outside! Nature-based Learning for Early Childhood Educators
Muth Interpretive Center
2301 University Dr
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Presented in partnership with AEOE & the Center for Nature & Place.
Have you heard the buzz about the benefits of bringing nature and place to young learners?
This half-day workshop on nature- and place-based learning in the early years is geared towards early childhood through elementary school educators.
Workshop includes instruction, a tour of the Environmental Nature Center's Preschool, and a light lunch.
Following this workshop, participants will be able to:
~Summarize the benefits of interaction with nature for young children
~Choose approaches for exploring the natural world and local community with children
~Discuss nature- and place-based strategies for curriculum integration, standards alignment, and developmental goals
~Create plans for integrating nature-based learning into teaching practices and current curriculum NatureStart Course, LA Zoo
Los Angeles, CA
NatureStart™ is a professional development program that trains informal educators in museums, zoos, aquariums, and nature centers, along with other professionals who interact with young children and families, to develop and facilitate early childhood nature play programs, create play settings for nature-based early learning, and engage and interact with young children and their families to foster lifelong connections with nature. Outdoor Teacher Retreat
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
Columbia, SC
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is a lovely backdrop for this special two-day nature-based training. Join us as we discover best practices and approaches to nature-based education, especially useful for educators new to outdoor learning. Presenters share insights and activities based on their work in nature preschools, forest kindergartens, or other nature-based programs.
This training is ideal for educators, caregivers, and others working with children three to six years old. Attendees work in all kinds of settings, from nature-based schools and forest kindergartens to public schools, traditional preschools, HeadStart programs, childcare centers, daycare, and more. Light breakfast and lunch are included, but bring your canteen for drinks.
ERAFANS will provide a professional development certificate at the conclusion of the event. Please dress for the weather, as at least 50% of this event will take place outdoors, and don't forget your canteen!
Registration begins at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2020 followed by a 7 p.m. keynote and networking afterwards. On Saturday, join us for breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and a full day of inspiring workshops until 4 p.m. Registration includes breakfast and lunch, as well as admission to the zoo and gardens. Thriving in the Outdoors: Social and Emotional Learning in Nature
NatureBridge Golden Gate
1033 Fort Cronkhite
Sausalito, CA 94965
Learn ways to improve your practice and deepen your understanding of how to support social and emotional development in nature-based programming while networking with your peers.
Keynote speaker: Deb Moroney, American Institutes for Research, a leading champion of youth development. Outdoor Teacher Retreat FL
Suncoast Waldorf School of Tampa Bay
Palm Harbor, FL
Do you work in a nature preschool or are you considering starting one? This training is for you! Join us as we discover best practices and approaches to nature-based education. Inspiring presenters share insights and activities based on their work in nature preschools, forest kindergartens, or other nature-based programs.
This training is ideal for educators, caregivers, and others working with children three to six years old. Attendees work in all kinds of settings, from nature-based schools and forest kindergartens to public schools, traditional preschools, HeadStart programs, childcare centers, daycare, and more. Light breakfast and lunch are included, but bring your canteen for drinks.
ERAFANS will provide a professional development certificate at the conclusion of the event. Please dress for the weather, as at least 50% of this event will take place outdoors, and don't forget your canteen! NatureStart Course Tampa, FL
Tampa, FL
NatureStart™ is a professional development program that trains informal educators in museums, zoos, aquariums, and nature centers, along with other professionals who interact with young children and families, to develop and facilitate early childhood nature play programs, create play settings for nature-based early learning, and engage and interact with young children and their families to foster lifelong connections with nature.
Nature-Based & Forest Preschool Administrator’s Roundtable E-Course
The Administrator’s Roundtable will connect you with other nature-based administrators without ever having to leave your office. Rachel Larimore, a former nature-based preschool director herself, will facilitate the connection between you and 14 other administrators from across the country over the course of 5 months. This e-course includes weekly (16) customized content, live videoconferencing calls (5), membership in a private Facebook group for cohort participants only, and one hour of one-on-one coaching with Rachel. In this course you’ll build your own professional network while also solving the challenges you face day-to-day in your role as an administrator.Triple Early Childhood Educator Workshop
Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center
Mansfield, GA
Join WILD, WET, and PLT in exploring three early childhood curricula that target ages 3-9. This
workshop is limited to 30 participants. Please pre-register. For additional information, contact Amber Barrow at
770-784-3059 or [email protected] . Stone Soup Science
Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL 60022
Combine children’s literature with recipes and kitchen experiments to foster wonder about the natural world. This class will feature storybooks where cooking is part of the plot, following recipes for different learners, using kitchen tools, the relationship between colorful foods and basic nutrition, some kitchen science, and age-appropriate recipes (both edible and not) that you can take back to your classroom.
$72 members/$90 non-members
CPDUs: 6, Gateways: 6
Grade level: preK – 3
Classroom 9, Learning Center Outdoor Teacher Retreat
Woodson Branch Nature School
14555 US-25
Marshall, NC 28753
Situated just outside of Asheville, NC, Woodson Branch Nature School is an idyllic site for an Outdoor Teacher Retreat! Join us as we discover best practices and approaches to nature-based education, while nestled in the mountains. Presenters share insights and activities based on their work in nature preschools, forest kindergartens, or other nature-based programs.
This training is ideal for educators, caregivers, and others working with children three to six years old. Attendees work in all kinds of settings, from nature-based schools and forest kindergartens to public schools, traditional preschools, HeadStart programs, childcare centers, daycare, and more. Light breakfast and lunch are included, but bring your canteen for drinks.
ERAFANS will provide a professional development certificate at the conclusion of the event. Please dress for the weather, as at least 50% of this event will take place outdoors, and don't forget your canteen! Inside-Outside: Promising Practices in Nature and Place-Based Education
Symmonds Elementary School
Keene, NH
Join us for this day-long conference for educators who are redefining what’s possible in elementary education. As we build school programs around place-based social studies, outdoor science lessons, Forest Fridays and more, we’re connecting children to the natural world, local communities and big ideas. NatureStart™ Course, Woodland Park Zoo
Seattle, WA
NatureStart™ is a professional development program that trains informal educators in museums, zoos, aquariums, and nature centers, along with other professionals who interact with young children and families, to develop and facilitate early childhood nature play programs, create play settings for nature-based early learning, and engage and interact with young children and their families to foster lifelong connections with nature. The training program is approved for credit from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Conservation Education Certificate. Let's Grow Literacy Outdoors Master Class (on-line)
In the Let’s Grow Literacy Outdoors Master Class, you will weave children’s literature into your Outdoor Classroom experience. This online course will enable educators to play with practical “shoestring budget” nature-based literacy ideas within 4 types of Gardens. Early Child Educators and Natural Teachers are invited to develop high-quality outdoor learning environments. This is where you lay the foundation of your vision for a Literacy Garden. You will come away with renewed energy, intention, and an understanding of how Literacy Outdoors can improve child development. Don’t forget the amazing, supportive and inspiring community. What you get: Each Module includes... * In-depth videos from me, Victoria Hackett, that walks you through my easy to follow examples and instructions for adding literacy outdoors. * Nature-Based activities, ideas, and seeds of inspiration for 4 types of gardens. * Access to a private Facebook group with like-minded educators where I will give you feedback and guidance. We will share best practices and extend our nature-based children’s book discussions. * Weekly Literacy activity planning goals and check-ins * My hand-picked selection of nature-based children’s booklists and how to use them as “seeds of inspiration” for growing literacy outdoors in the 4 types of gardens. WHERE: This is a self-paced, on-line Master Class that you can take from the comforts of home.Will Smith Zoo School Nature-Based Education Training
103 Tuleta
San Antonio, TX 78212
Spend the morning learning about nature-based education and doing hands-on activities with the staff at Will Smith Zoo School. International Association of Nature Pedagogy 2019 International Online Conference 'Children and Trees'
Hosted in Brazil
accessible everywhere,
Join us for a virtual conference involving colleagues from Brazil, Australia, Canada, Jordan, USA and UK without the need to travel. We'll offer a window into the world of nature-based practice in these countries and share thoughts, stories and experiences. The conference will bring attention to innovations in Nature Pedagogy and explore the place of trees in children’s lives. Froebel "Back in Boston" Conference
Boston, MA
The theme of this 2-day conference is "Back in Boston," where the original Kindergarten Movement began almost exactly 150 years ago. Attendees will experience hands-on exploration of Froebel Gifts and Occupations guided by teachers (including Rachel Larimore) who have integrated these methods/materials into public, private, parochial and home-school K-12 educational classrooms. Early bird rates through March 31st! Tender Sprouts Caregivers Workshop
Baltimore, MD
Discover how the natural world supports healthy, playful child development for the tender little ones in your care. This nature-based training will inspire and equip you with new approaches to help infants and toddlers make connections with nature. You can expect hands-on sessions that are indoors and out! Presenters share insights and activities based on their work in nature preschools, forest kindergartens, or other nature-based programs specifically with infants and toddlers. This training is ideal for caregivers, educators, and others working with children birth through three years old. Attendees join from all kinds of early learning settings - from childcare centers, in-home daycare, and other early care settings. Light breakfast and lunch are included, but bring your canteen for drinks. In addition to fantastic workshops, you'll get a tour of the nature play space at Homewood ELC at Johns Hopkins University, which is managed by the Downtown Baltimore Child Care. Going to the Great “Beyond”
North Branch Nature Center
Montpelier, VT
Nature-based early childhood education includes excursions to wild spaces beyond the fenced play area. Connecting back to the Friday evening keynote we’ll first discuss why we visit these spaces? In other words, what is the purpose of experiences in the “beyond.” Are we providing children with activities that align with these goals? This session will explore our current practices and how we can move away from learning in or about nature and toward more learning with nature. To do this we’ll consider the structure of our time, the physical environment, and our teacher-child interactions. We’ll also discuss how we integrate those experiences in the beyond into the indoor classroom. The workshop will include a mix of presentation by Rachel Larimore and active participation by attendees—through, for example, small group discussions. CEUs available! - ‹ previous
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