The exclusive use of outdoor environments can create a barrier to having outdoor, nature-based programs licensed by their state, as state licensing regulations often require a center, home, or school to meet building codes as a way of ensuring child safety. For outdoor, nature-based programs without such buildings, or outdoor learning environments beyond the fence, there may be no licensing pathway. Without a license, programs may not be able to operate, may have limited hours, or may be unable to accept child care subsidies that support lower-income families to access child care, all of which limits equitable access to these beneficial nature-based programs.
In a webinar taking place on Tuesday, October 28 at 3 PM ET, Dr. Aliza Yair, a consultant for the Natural Start Alliance, will introduce The Recommendations for Licensing Outdoor, Nature-Based (ONB) Early Learning and Child Care Programs (referred to as “the Recommendations”), a comprehensive resource for communities, including regulatory agencies, in expanding children’s access to safe and high-quality outdoor and nature-based learning through policy.
The Recommendations provide a holistic and detailed collection of ONB program licensing policies and practice options, which draw from the expertise and collective review of representatives of the ONB early learning professional community. These recommendations also incorporate guidelines from relevant national regulatory agencies, and research into children’s health and education.
This webinar will:
- Introduce this document, how and why it was created
- Provide an overview of the content and suggested uses
- Describe how practitioners and public agencies can continue to explore this resource, provide feedback and suggest improvements
