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.
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.
Watch the webinar recording to hear from Claire Underwood and learn about national study insights and practical strategies for how nature-based early learning programs are adapting to climate-related challenges.
This compilation of early childhood practitioners’ knowledge and insight developed by researchers at the University of Minnesota Duluth will inspire and support your facilitation of cold-weather outdoor play.
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.
Authored by Joan Lombardi and Lauren Simmons, this article analyzes climate change's impact on young children and the equally significant transformative potential of child-centered, climate-sensitive strategies.
In this webinar recording, hear from Dr. Aliza Yair and Kit Harrington about about the new comprehensive policy recommendations resource for communities, including regulatory agencies, in expanding children’s access to safe and high-quality outdoor and nature-based learning through policy.
Get to know Natural Start member, Wild Oak Preschool, a fully-licensed nature-based preschool program located in the rural community of Applegate Valley in Southern Oregon.
