Professional Development
Providing learning opportunities for young children through outdoor and nature-based programs requires skills and competencies beyond those typically included in foundational early childhood training.
Educators benefit from adequate professional development and training on topics specific to outdoor and nature-based learning practices. Quinones (2023) notes that educators' support and attitudes are key in promoting outdoor and nature-based experiences for young children.
Educators benefit from adequate professional development and training on topics specific to outdoor and nature-based learning practices. Quinones (2023) notes that educators' support and attitudes are key in promoting outdoor and nature-based experiences for young children.
Leadership SupportResearch indicates that educators need professional development and leadership support to successfully implement positive outdoor and nature experiences for young children (Kemp & Josephidou, 2023; Kiviranta et al., 2024).
Professional development topics that benefit early childhood educators include:
Access to research-based instructional support helps educators make informed decisions about how to plan for children’s learning (Li et al., 2017). Curriculum & Learning SupportProfessional development helps educators see how they can meet learning standards and adapt curriculum, observation, and assessment practices traditionally designed for indoor classrooms.
Community PartnersProgram leaders can collaborate with community partners, such as master gardeners or naturalists, to support educators and offer additional training or professional development (NAAEE, 2019).
Safety & Risk TrainingTraining specific to safety and risk-taking ensures practices are maintained at levels necessary to encourage risky play while keeping children’s overall safety in mind (Ernst, 2025).
|
Resources |
