Nature-Based Preschools? Sharing Conclusions of a Visioning Process to Formalize the Status of Nature-Based Early Childhood Programs

Growth of community interest and the creation of new nature-based programs and models for young children (nature preschools, forest kindergartens, afterschool nature play, etc.) is driving the need for a proactive response from state-level early childhood governmental institutions on this topic. A visioning process supported by the North Carolina Division of Child Development an Early Education in association with the Natural Learning Initiative (NC State University) and a team from UNC-Greensboro offers conclusions to guide next steps to formalize the role of nature-based early childhood programs. At the same time, and with an interest in creating naturalized outdoor environments in South Carolina, the SC Division of Social Services and the Department of Public Health have embarked in a strategic statewide program, Grow Outdoors South Carolina, to naturalized existing child care centers to support early childhood healthy development and outdoor learning. The session will draw from conclusions of the NC nature-based preschool visioning process considering policy and regulatory requirements that could recognize and support early childhood providers and professionals committed to offering innovative nature-based programs. These programs may span from extended outdoor time outside in bio-diverse environments to full-day outdoor learning in existing open spaces. Presenters from both South and North Carolina will clarify definitions, provide an overview of the nature preschool movement, outline community visioning steps, discuss implications, and share insights. The session aims to spark interest, foster dialogue, and build momentum for expanding nature-based early learning in diverse formats.