In October 2025, the Natural Start Alliance released Recommendations for Licensing Outdoor, Nature-Based Early Learning and Child Care Programs in draft form to gather additional input from policymakers, practitioners, and other experts. The recommendations are designed to help communities, including licensing agencies, expand children’s access to safe and high-quality outdoor and nature-based learning through policy. Comments on the recommendations will be accepted until March 20, 2026.
Prior to the March 20 deadline, Aliza Yair, PhD, policy advisor to Natural Start and lead writer of the recommendations, will hold 4 listening sessions. Session participants will have the chance to ask clarifying questions and provide feedback verbally. You must register to attend.
All times Pacific:
Thursday March 12, 12pm-1pm, 5pm-6pm.
Tuesday March 17, 12pm-1pm, 5pm-6pm.
Natural Start is proud to announce that we have received a three-year grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF) to advance equitable access to outdoor, nature-based early learning across the United States
Last month, Natural Start participated in an outdoor and nature-based early learning policy convening in Hawaiʻi at the Will Smith Imua Discovery Garden in Wailuku, Maui.
Minnesota has passed the Outdoor School for All law, launching a statewide effort to expand access to immersive outdoor learning for students across the state.
The Natural Start Alliance is exploring the creation of a Research Network for those interested in early childhood and nature-based, environmental, or sustainability-focused education. Take the survey to help us understand the interests, needs, and priorities of those who may want to participate.
The Black Educators Network attended the Seeds of Justice convening in Atlanta to envision pathways for Black children to thrive in safe, healthy, nature-rich communities.
Natural Start Alliance seeks comments on its Draft Recommendations for Licensing Outdoor, Nature-Based Early Learning and Child Care Programs. The recommendations are designed to help communities, including licensing agencies, expand children’s access to safe and high-quality outdoor and nature-based learning through policy.
On Monday, July 28, 2025, members of the Black Educators Network visited Urban Sprouts Child Development Center in St. Louis, MO to tour their NAEYC-accredited Reggio Emilia-inspired early learning center.
