eeWORKS: The Benefits of EE and Nature Connections in Early Childhood

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eeWORKS: The Benefits of EE and Nature Connections in Early Childhood

A child outside blowing dandelion seeds in front of greenery

How do we demonstrate evidence-based outcomes of EE without letting go of the passion that breathes energy into the field? eeWORKS! Explore our latest key outcome. 

Stanford researchers analyzed 66 studies published between 1995 and 2016 that examine commonly identified and measured Early Childhood Environmental Education (ECEE) program outcomes. Based on Stanford's review, we have translated these findings into an Executive Summary and Key Findings for EE professionals to substantiate their work and bolster early childhood environmental education support. This tool includes quotes, statistics, researcher observations, inspiring stories from the field confirmed by empirical studies, and more.

Bottom Line

The Stanford team’s analysis found overwhelming evidence supporting that ECEE can provide wide-ranging benefits for children, such as increased learning in a range of areas such as mathematics, science, language, and literacy, enhanced social and emotional skills, and improved physical development. ECEE programs can also improve environmental literacy outcomes such as environmental cognition, attitudes, and behavior, while building knowledge and skills that lay the foundation for more environmentally responsible and engaged adults.  

Explore the key findings, research, and other materials >