MISSION 

We are a non-profit organization that provides services, support, and inspiration to early childhood professionals to advance the field of nature-based early childhood education and encourage life-long appreciation for our natural world.

VISION

10 CORE BELIEFS ABOUT NATURE-BASED EDUCATION 

1.       Nature connections are essential to healthy development and well-being

2.       Children deserve opportunities for daily outdoor learning and play in all kinds of weather

3.       Children as well as educators and families reap benefits of nature-based education and outdoor play

4.       All children deserve safe, frequent access to nature

5.       An educator’s primary role is to facilitate learning experiences that honor children's interests, background, and needs

6.       Unrestricted and unstructured play are cornerstones of playful outdoor exploration

7.       Confidence and independence are nurtured when children direct their own learning; we embrace the benefits of risk-taking and the potential of emergent, child-directed curriculum

8.       Like nature, all children deserve to be treated with kindness, compassion, empathy, and respect

9.       Educators need supportive networks and high-quality professional development rooted in best practices to facilitate meaningful nature-based education

10.   As informed educators it is our responsibility to advocate for all children’s rights to outdoor learning