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 | 6/16/2025- 6/20/2025 (Monday- Friday) |
Time | 8:30- 4:30 Daily |
Location | Dragonflies Discovery Preschool- Holland, MI |
Cost | $950 |
Registration Deadline | April 1, 2024 |
Meals Included | Lunch provided Monday-Friday |
Certification Assessment | Completion of an implementation plan and two SMART goals. |
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 SCECHs and MiRegistry training credit upon completion. |
Cancellation Policy | Cancellations made by 4/1/2025 will receive a full refund minus the processing fee. Cancellations after this date are non-refundable. |
What to Bring |
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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.
Day 1: Foundations of Nature-Based Early Learning
How do I build a strong foundation for nature-based education?
- 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
- Emergent, Play-Based, Nature Curriculum: Inquiry-driven learning, child-led experiences, and process art integration
- Documenting Outdoor Learning: Tools and techniques for assessment and storytelling in nature-based settings
- Reflection to Action: Drafting a nature-based mission statement and self-assessment for growth”
Day 2: Skills in Working with Children Outdoors
How do I guide outdoor learning while keeping children safe?
- Management Tips & Tricks: Leading hikes, outdoor routines, and group management strategies
- Stepping Into Risky Play: Understanding the benefits of risk, risk-benefit assessments, and inclusive approaches to risk-taking
- Outdoor Skills: Fire Building & Cooking: Hands-on experience with outdoor skills and risk assessment strategies
- Teaching in All Weather: Practical strategies for keeping children engaged and comfortable in all conditions
- Reflection to Action: Developing risk-benefit assessments and action plans for outdoor learning implementation
Day 3: Natural History & Curriculum Integration
How do I merge natural history and early childhood learning?
- Outdoor Skills: Animal Handling & Fishing: Engaging children in wildlife education through safe, hands-on experiences
- 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 4: Outdoor Learning Environments
How do I create a high-quality outdoor classroom?
- Nature-Based Discovery Preschool Site Tours: Visiting established nature-based programs for inspiration
- Lunch & Learn: Discussion on takeaways and best practices
- Setting Up Your Outdoor Classroom: Key components of outdoor learning environments, incorporating loose parts and natural materials
- Reflection to Action: Creating an implementation plan for improving outdoor learning spaces
Day 5: Putting It Into Practice
How do I implement nature-based education in my classroom?
- Leading Nature Play, Exploration, and Inquiry: Supporting play as a central feature, guiding inquiry-based learning, and integrating literacy and math into nature play
- Lunch & Learn Panel: Q&A with experienced educators from site visits
- A La Carte Sessions: Options include spending a full day outdoors, Leave No Trace principles, and further skill-building
- 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 certification
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 training materials and resources.
- Lunch and refreshments daily.
Ready to Join Us?
Spaces are limited to ensure a highly interactive experience.
Register now by clicking the link below!