A New Approach to Early Learning Policy
Following successful organizing and advocacy by preschool leaders in Washington State to license outdoor-based childcare programs, many early childhood systems around the country are now beginning to accommodate outdoor play and learning in early care and education settings and beyond. Natural Start recognizes Outdoor Nature Based (ONB) licensing and other policies as a key step toward systems change in that they:
- Recognize the same standards of safety and effectiveness accompanying traditional regulations in natural, outdoor-based settings.
- Support access to state and federal funding streams that can help address economic barriers to participation in outdoor and nature-based programs.
- Improve awareness of nature-based programs as a high-quality option for families.
- Lead to the creation of new teaching and learning competencies and other resources that support integrating the benefits of nature connection and outdoor learning across all early learning settings.
- Promote access to trainings that support inclusive and culturally responsive practices.
- Establish a critical framework for making contextually informed decisions about children's health and safety indoors and out.
- Expand recognition of the impact of environmental injustice on young children's learning and development.
- Build a foundation for incorporating outdoor and nature-based policy frameworks across all areas of early childhood policy.
ONB Policy is about more than just nature preschools. The expertise and partnership developed by state agencies, regional networks, and national partners engaging on outdoor and nature-based regulatory change can positively influence the full spectrum of early childhood policy; helping change how we understand, prioritize, and resource young children's relationship with the natural world through a time of rapid environmental change.
