Transform your teaching with hands-on nature-based education.
ODC Network is proud to offer a five-day Nature-Based PreK Certification designed for teachers, administrators, college students, and ISD professionals eager to learn more about the foundations of nature-based education and outdoor skill-building with students in a hands-on, innovative way. This unique program provides practical tools, outdoor skills, and a deep understanding of nature-based education to help you create transformative learning experiences for young children.
Detail Information Dates 6/15/2026- 6/19/2026 (Monday- Friday) Time 8:30am- 3:30pm Daily Location Dragonflies Discovery Preschool- Holland, MI Cost $1050 Total
$100 non-refundable fee due at registration
$950 (not including registration fee) is due by May 1, 2026 to secure your spot.
Failure to submit payment by this date will result in forfeiture of your $100 registration fee.Registration Window Registration Opens February 2nd, 2026 at this web page. Meals Included Lunch provided Monday-Friday Certification Requirements To earn certification, participants must:
- Complete an implementation plan that includes two SMART goals
- Attend all 5 training days and every session in full
Due to the hands-on immersive nature of these training, make-up options are not available.
Failure to meet the attendance requirements will result in ineligibility for certification.
Accommodations and Transportation Participants are responsible for their own lodging and transportation to and from the training location. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) Participants will be eligible for 30 SCECHs and MI Registry training credit upon completion.
If PIC #’s or MI Registry numbers are not provided at the start of the training, credit will not be given.Cancellation Policy Cancellations made by 4/1/2026 will receive a full refund minus the $100 registration fee.
Cancellations after this date are non-refundable.
What to Bring - Weather-appropriate clothing suitable for outdoor activities in Michigan during June
- Rain gear, such as a waterproof jacket and pants, as outdoor sessions will proceed rain or shine
- Sturdy footwear to ensure comfort and safety while exploring various terrains
Why Choose This Certification?
This program is designed to stand out from other certifications by offering an immersive, hands-on experience that brings nature-based learning to life. Through this program, you will:
- Gain practical outdoor skills and innovative teaching techniques
- Participate in interactive, real-world training sessions held outdoors
- Learn from experienced educators and outdoor specialists
- Receive an accreditation that demonstrates your training in high-quality nature-based education
- Create a personalized implementation plan tailored to your educational setting
- Network with like-minded professionals who are passionate about nature-based education
Whether you’re new to nature-based teaching or looking to deepen your expertise, this certification will empower you to inspire young learners through meaningful outdoor experiences.
Participant Testimonials
| “In 19 years’ worth of trainings and conferences, I have never left so fulfilled, motivated & impressed. I was never anything short of fascinated, inspired & excited to make connections back home. The team was so well prepared – presenting with professionalism, comfort, & joy. Personally, you’ve played an enormous role in reigniting my professional flame. I’ve missed this feeling!” | “I have no words to express how much I appreciate everything you and your team have given us with this new beginning. We’ve received so much knowledge, love, and support. The energy and aura you all have is contagious and peaceful. I used to believe I was different – then I met you all, and I found my people. This feels like a gift I’ve been searching for half my life. We absolutely adore and cherish you all.” |
| ” This was a week well spent! The ODC staff is amazing, everything was planned really well, we learned so much through experience, and were given fantastic resources!” | “At the start of the week I was sure that I wouldn’t be able to complete these activities with my class. The thought of risky play or fishing with 3 year olds seemed impossible. But as we completed the lesson each day I was not only confident that I could accomplish these things with my class but I was excited to do it with them!” |
Preview of 2026 Schedule
Take a look at this sample schedule to help you plan ahead.
Day 1: Foundations of Nature-Based Early Learning
- Welcome, Introductions & Reflection Activity
- Nature-Based Early Learning Principles: Understanding the philosophy, merging environmental and early childhood education goals, and embedding nature-based learning in mission and policy
- Leading Inquiry & Wonder: Supporting play, exploration and wonder as a central feature of outdoor learning
- Reflection to Action: Drafting a nature-based mission statement and self-assessment of growth
Day 2: Nature-Based Curriculum & Teaching
- Emergent, Play-Based, Nature curriculum: Inquiry-driven learning, child-led experiences, and process art integration
- Documentation of Outdoor Learning: Tools and techniques for assessment and storytelling in nature-based settings
- Naturalist Foundation & Curriculum Connections: Teaching in diverse ecosystems, including meadows, forests, and ponds
- Reflection to Action: Aligning curriculum with nature-based principles and setting professional development goals in environmental literacy
Day 3: Safety & Risk Management
- Stepping Into Risky Play: Understanding the benefits of risk, risk-benefit assessments, and inclusive approaches to risk-taking
- Weather Wise: Weather safety in the Outdoors: Policies and practical strategies for safe, confident outdoor teaching in all weather conditions
- All Weather Teaching- Embracing Nature’s Classroom in Any Condition: Teachers will obtain practical strategies to make learning fun, engaging, and awe-filled in all weather conditions
- Hike Hacks: An overview of the different types of hike and safety considerations while leading a class of students on a hike
- Reflection to Action: Developing risk-benefit assessments and action plans for outdoor learning implementation
Day 4: Outdoor Learning Environments
- Nature-Based Discovery Preschool Site Tours: Visiting established nature-based programs for inspiration
- Setting Up Your Outdoor Classroom: Key components of outdoor learning environments, incorporating loose parts and natural materials
- Beyond Days: Teaching Outside All Day Long: Practical strategies to design and manage a full day of outdoor learning – integrating instruction, play, meals and rest- to make every moment engaging, balanced, and awe-filled in all weather
- Reflection to Action: Creating an implementation plan for improving outdoor learning spaces
Day 5: Outdoor Skills & Putting It Into Practice
- Outdoor Skills: Fire Building & Fishing: Hands-on experience with outdoor skills and risk assessment strategies
- Outdoor Skills: Animal Handling: Engaging children in wildlife education through safe, hands-on experiences
- Lunch & Learn Panel: Q & A with experienced educators from site visits
- A la Carte Sessions: Options include: Voices of the Land: Indigenous Knowledge, Nature Notes: Music, Chants and Transitions for Outdoor Learning, Cooking Outdoors With Students, and Creative Roots: Exploring Nature Through Process Art
- Reflection to Action: Participants finalize their Nature-Based Implementation Plan, identifying key focus areas and setting SMART goals
- Ending Reflection & Gratitude: Sharing takeaways, celebrating achievements, and receiving certificationPli
Certification Assessment
Participants will complete the program with a detailed implementation plan and two SMART goals, providing the foundation for achieving certification. This final step ensures you are prepared to bring nature-based learning to your educational setting.
Who Should Attend?
This certification is perfect for:
- Early childhood educators seeking innovative teaching strategies.
- School administrators designing or improving outdoor learning environments.
- College students preparing for careers in education.
- ISD professionals supporting early childhood education programs.
What’s Included?
- Five full days of expert-led workshops and hands-on outdoor learning.
- Site visits to leading nature-based programs.
- Comprehensive booklet with training materials and resources.
- Lunch and refreshments daily.
Scholarship Opportunity:
We are actively working to secure funding for scholarships for the 2026 Nature-Based Pre-K Certification, as we believe cost should not be a barrier to attendance. If you’re interested in attending as an individual and would like to be considered for a scholarship, please complete the application form below. Please note: This scholarship is intended for individuals. Schools or organizations sending more than three participants are encouraged to seek their own grant funding to reduce costs.
Scholarships will be awarded based on income. To meet the eligibility criteria, your household income must be at or below 80% of the median household income for the county in which you reside, adjusted according to the number of individuals in your household. To determine your eligibility, please complete the form below. Should funding become available, we will contact applicants regarding eligibility. Scholarship recipients will still be responsible for the $100 registration fee. Notifications will be sent by April 1, 2026.