Antioch University New England Graduate Certificate in Nature-Based Early Childhood Education
This graduate certificate was the first of its kind in the United States, offering nature-based early childhood classes for teachers interested in taking their classes outside. The certificate has been in existence for over 10 years. It can be taken as a stand alone program or combined with a master’s degree program.
Eliza Minnucci and Meghan Teachout planned their ”Forest Day” program as an assignment for a nature-based curriculum course at Antioch University New England’s NBEC graduate certificate. Eliza teaches the Nature-Based Early Childhood Curriculum class.
A positive and caring attitude toward the environment is a critical component of environmental literacy, and research shows that most attitudes are formed early in life. Providing young children with frequent opportunities to experience the beauty and wonder of the natural world, develop positive emotional connections with their immediate surroundings, and care for plants and animals establishes a necessary foundation for learning about environmental issues and taking appropriate action later in life. In addition, a growing body of evidence documents the many benefits that time spent playing and learning in nature has on children’s healthy development. View more resources in the Early Childhood EE PRO Picks collection >