Map of Nature-based Early Childhood Programs in Minnesota
This map is of Minnesota early childhood programs that incorporate outdoor/nature-based learning.
Icons that are green are programs that consider themselves to be Nature and Forest Preschools.
Icons that are blue are programs that are incorporate extensive time outdoors, but do not consider themselves to be Nature and Forest Preschools.
Icons that are purple are programs where it is not program-wide, but teacher specific in how much nature-based education and outdoor learning are incorporated.
To be added to the map, submit your program through this form: https://forms.gle/i9zQwn6yPDUkxvCK9
Collaboration Opportunities!
Looking to connect with like-minded, nature play & learning enthusiasts? Join a local nest in your area for additional in person gathering & support opportunities.
Cedarsong Way Teacher Training in Minnesota!
More information & Register Here
Are you looking for a unifying nature-based pedagogy for your program? Does your program need to train new teachers in nature-based education? Are you seeking inspiration and community in your teaching practice? If so, we would love for you to join an on-site training with us soon!
As a part of the The Cedarsong Way On-site Teacher Training, you will learn about the distinguishing features of The Cedarsong Way Nature Pedagogy; specifically, unstructured nature immersion, interest-led flow learning, inquiry-based teaching style and child-inspired emergent curriculum. You will also learn how to make your program a success by understanding the most critical elements, such as appropriate clothing, building parent community, developing the aptitudes of a nature-based teacher, and risk management. The Cedarsong Way Teacher Training involves a total of 35 hours of training, including topic discussions, direct observation of a Cedarsong Accredited school program, practicum opportunity, and valuable question and answer time with highly skilled Cedarsong Certified Trainers.
(link to join group)
Join the MNECO Facebook group to ask questions, share resources and network with other Minnesota Early Childhood educators on nature-based learning. Anyone can join and anyone can post.
Not on facebook but have a question? Email MNEarlyEdOutdoors@gmail.com and we will post the question for you and get back to you with the replies.
Minnesota-Specific Resources
Toolkits will be updated soon & added to the website. To view the current versions of the toolkits, complete this form to have them emailed to you. Toolkit Request google form
Resources include: Webinar Recordings, Registration for upcoming webinars, and the Outdoor Learning Resource Booklet
Website contains additional resources for PreK-5th grade educators including seasonal-specific supports
FREE Resource!
Download the free, Minnesota Children and Nature Connection's Nature-based Early Childhood Program Assessment & Guidebook. This project was featured as part of the Winter 2018 MnECO Workshop.
Minnesota Association for Environmental Education's Early Childhood Award
This award is presented for providing outstanding contributions to the advancement of early childhood environmental education in Minnesota. Both environmental educators and organizations are elgible for this award. Nominations can be submitted here.
2022: DODGE NATURE PRESCHOOL TEAM
Dodge Nature Preschool teachers are true innovators in the field of nature-based early childhood education, serving around 300 children each year. During the pandemic, they created outdoor classrooms that would support children's developmental needs while also furthering their connection and relationship to the natural world. Dodge Nature Preschool teachers inspired other educators to use an emergent, nature-based curriculum inspired by the changes of the season through our Learning Conference and Preschool Academy training for Catholic school early educators this past April. They understand children's different needs and plan for ways all children can participate in our outdoor program.
2021: JENN NIBBE
Jenn exemplifies excellence in nature based early childhood education. During her work at 10 Acre Wood Preschool, she gets the kids outside in all types of weather and lets the children guide their own learning through outdoor exploration. She has helped her program document their outdoor adventures through photographs to show families how their children are thriving outdoors.
"Jenn is a gift upon the early childhood education world and has truly found her calling working with young children outdoors." - Hannah Baune, 10 Acre Wood Preschool.
“Jenn shows incredible passion and innovation for early childhood environmental education. MAEE is in awe of this preschool teacher and appreciates the opportunity to recognize Jenn’s talents with this award.” - John Million, MAEE.
Get Involved! Give us Feedback!
Interested in being more active in planning events? Or have feedback for us on things you'd like to see?
Input Needed! (Regarding Barriers & Challenges for Programs)
Have you experienced barriers (DHS licensing, ParentAware, Curriculum & Assessment criteria, funding, etc) with taking young children outdoors? If so, please take 2 minutes to complete this quick survey.
https://forms.gle/hrM2wyYsjUGWjq4w5
Information gathered will be helpful in targeting the advocacy & support work happening in Minnesota to address the areas of need.
Minnesota Early Childhood Outdoors Steering Committee
Leah Bulver, Anna Dutke, Heidi Faris, Jenny Hanlon, Michelle Lenhart, Laura Whittaker Sheila Willams Ridge
Questions?
Email us at Mnearlyedoutdoors@gmail.com
THANK YOU!
Make sure to check out the Jeffers Foundation's Preschool Outdoors Workshops!
They also offer FREE professional development at your site/center!