News
Natural Start Releases Draft Licensing Recommendations for ONB Programs

Cover Photo of Children in Winter

Hartley Nature Preschool 

Date

The Natural Start Alliance has released its new 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. 

Topics covered in the recommendations include:

  • Basics of ONB Curriculum
  • Hazards and Risks
  • Benefit-Risk Assessment
  • Types of ONB Programming
  • ONB Licensing Pathways
  • Location Assessment and Program Planning
  • Health/Hygiene
  • Outdoor Safety
  • Outdoor and Nature-Based Curriculum and Activities
  • Staff Training and Qualifications
  • Family Engagement

 

Learn more, download the resource, and submit your comments.  The deadline to submit comments is March 20, 2026.