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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, building on and helping expand the incredible success of members and partners across the Alliance.
With WKKF’s support, Natural Start will be able to expand and strengthen its work in several areas, including offering technical assistance to states developing licensing and regulatory pathways for outdoor, nature-based programs; strengthening professional and leadership development networks; and enhancing our collective ability to track progress toward racial equity in access to nature-based education.
As part of this increased capacity, the Natural Start team is expanding. Kit Harrington, who many know from her years of service to the Alliance as a policy advisor, will join the team as the Deputy Director of Early Childhood Policy. Kit will provide hands-on support to members and partners engaging in policy development and advocacy across the country, helping to coordinate state and national efforts to reform licensing systems and increase public funding for outdoor, nature-based early learning.
Natural Start and the Kellogg Foundation are united in the belief that every child should have an equal opportunity to thrive. We are happy to work together to ensure that every child has access to high-quality, nature-rich early learning experiences. The Natural Start Alliance represents a powerful national network of educators, advocates, and policymakers that are working toward this future, and we are thrilled that this support will accelerate their work. To learn more, reach out to us any time at [email protected].