Backpack: Tools for Implementation
Most early care and education programs must follow state, county, and city regulations, regardless of the facility type, with each program type having its own set of rules (Minnesota Department of Human Services, 2025).
Some states, like Washington, have been developing specific licensing rules for their early childhood outdoor and nature-based programs (NAAEE, 2022). However, many states do not have special regulations, requiring outdoor and nature-based program leaders to create policies, procedures, and expectations to address the uniqueness of their programs (NAAEE, 2022).
Research indicates that program leaders, educators, and parents work together to create policies to address safety for utilizing outdoor spaces more frequently and when going beyond the program facility (NAAEE, 2019).
Some states, like Washington, have been developing specific licensing rules for their early childhood outdoor and nature-based programs (NAAEE, 2022). However, many states do not have special regulations, requiring outdoor and nature-based program leaders to create policies, procedures, and expectations to address the uniqueness of their programs (NAAEE, 2022).
Research indicates that program leaders, educators, and parents work together to create policies to address safety for utilizing outdoor spaces more frequently and when going beyond the program facility (NAAEE, 2019).
Safety & Risk
Safety rules for typical early childhood programs may not be sufficient to address the needs of outdoor and nature-based programs.
Equipment & Gear
There is no bad weather, only bad gear.
A fancy, beautiful outdoor play area is nice to have, but it is not required to offer quality outdoor experiences to children.
A fancy, beautiful outdoor play area is nice to have, but it is not required to offer quality outdoor experiences to children.
Professional Development & Training
Knowing how to present the materials, encourage children’s interactions with them, and interpret learning requires educators who have received appropriate professional development to implement outdoor and nature-based learning activities effectively (Kemp & Josephidou, 2023)
