Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  Position Statement on Nature-Based Early Childhood Education for All

    Posted 09-02-2020 04:31 PM
    A group of early childhood educators from across the country worked to create a position statement on Nature-Based Early Childhood Education for All


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    Sheila Williams Ridge
    Director
    U of MN Lab School
    Roseville MN
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  • 2.  RE: Position Statement on Nature-Based Early Childhood Education for All

    Posted 09-04-2020 10:52 AM
    Thanks so much for sharing this, Sheila! In these times more than ever, connections with nature are essential. I would like to add an older resource with so many great ideas, from the March 2003 issue of Child Care Information Exchange, a Beginner's Workshop series on Outdoor Environments.My own article, "Outdoor Magic for Family Child Care Providers" is a part of that series, and if you are reading this and  work with family child care programs I am happy to share some of those ideas with you as well.
    With very best hopes for the steps we can all take to connect our programs with nature,

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    Hazel Osborn
    Consultant
    Loveland CO
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  • 3.  RE: Position Statement on Nature-Based Early Childhood Education for All

    Posted 09-04-2020 04:40 PM
    As a nature-based early childhood educator here in Seattle, WA - it is exciting to see such support and connection regarding the benefits of these approaches.

    Other great organizations, who also provide networking and training, include:

    * Natural Start Alliance (a project of the North American Association for Environmental Education) https://naturalstart.org/about-us 
    * Children and Nature Network  https://www.childrenandnature.org/
    * and here in WA state, Washington Nature Preschool Association https://www.wanpa.org/about-wanpa.html

    May you all stay safe and healthy during these difficult times.

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    Diana Charbonneau
    Teacher
    Seattle WA
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