ABSTRACT

"Kids Dressed for Success" responds to the need for students of low-income families to have appropriate outdoor wear in order to receive the full benefits of nature preschool. The academic, health and self-regulation benefits of nature preschool have been researched and established by numerous studies. Children in nature preschool programs enjoy the benefits of an all year outdoor experience. Families enrolled in Head Start Great Start Readiness Program are at or below the poverty line. This means that families enrolled in these programs do not have additional income to provide quality outdoor wear for students in this nature preschool program. For students to get the full nature experience they must be properly clothed for the elements. Exploring the woods and trails requires proper footwear. Becoming fully emerged in learning about the changes in weather require rain and snow gear. Funding received to purchase proper outdoor wear and equipment for each child will relieve the financial burden from parents and enhance the nature learning experience of each student.