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
  • 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.

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!

Nature-Based PreK Certification Registration