Nature Preschools

Nature preschools are a growing trend in education, and Natural Start is happy to support the role they play in developing happy, healthy children. If you are a nature preschool or want to help support the work they do, join our Alliance to help this movement grow.

Nature-Based Preschool Professional Practice Guidebook

The first resource in the United States to provide guidance on the unique professional practices of nature-based early childhood education is now available! Intended for teachers, administrators, policy makers, and parents, the Guidebook is an essential resource for anyone interested in nature-based early childhood education. Learn about the Guidebook and its applications to your practice, download the introduction and summary, or purchase a copy on Amazon.

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Little Tree Huggers

Member Spotlight

We sat down with Lia Johnson, the founder and director of Little Tree Huggers, the first bilingual eco-green preschool in Leesburg, Virginia. Read more

Nature Preschools and Forest Kindergartens: The Handbook for Outdoor Learning

Resources

Environmental education expert David Sobel joins with a variety of colleagues to share their experiences and steps for creating a successful forest kindergarten program. Read more

Photo by Lisa Ventre, University of Cincinnati

University of Cincinnati’s Arlitt Center Awarded $1.6 Million NSF Grant to Advance Preschool Learning in Outdoor PlayScapes

Bright Idea

The three-year grant from the National Science Foundation will build professional support for teachers and continue research into early childhood learning in PlayScapes. Read more

Catching Tracks in a Forest Classroom

Feature Story

How a day of animal tracking turned into a weeks-long inquiry that built sensory experience, critical thinking, and determination in a class of four-year-old inventors. Read more

Two Veteran Professionals Team Up to Offer Business Planning for Nature-Based Preschools

Bright Idea

David Catlin Consulting LLC and Rachel Larimore announced this month that they are teaming up to develop business plans for nature-based preschools. Read more

Lauryn Smith Demyanovich

Member Spotlight

Preschoolers roam Golden Gate National Park with Lauryn Smith Demyanovich, lead preschool teacher for NatureBridge. From summer camps to preschool field trips, she helps preschoolers learn to love their public lands. Read more

Updates from Claire Warden

Bright Idea

Claire Warden is set to release a new book, and her team shares updates from their busy summer. Read more

Michigan Public School District Adds Nature-Based First Grade Classes

Bright Idea

Thanks to a major new grant, Bullock Creek Public Schools are planning to expand their Nature Kindergarten program to first grade. Read more

Amy Beam

Member Spotlight

Outdoor education specialist Amy Beam shares the nature awareness programs she's developed in Maryland. Read more

My Summer Vacation: A Nature Kindergarten Study Tour in Scotland

Feature Story

Author and Nature Preschool Director Rachel A. Larimore shares her summer adventures on Claire Warden's Scotland study tour of nature kindergartens. Read more