The state of Washington took a significant step forward last month when it became the first state in the US to license preschools that operate entirely outdoors. Authorized by 2017 legislation, the program includes a limited number of pilot programs that will test licensing standards, which have been adapted to better fit outdoor early childhood education programs.

Aliza Yair, M.Ed., is the Program Specialist for the Outdoor Preschool Pilot Program and is leading the development of the pilot outdoor licensing standards for the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families. Aliza will share background on the project, an update on the current state of the outdoor preschool pilot, and outlooks for the future, along with answering your questions. Please join us for an engaging discussion on this important development in outdoor education for young children.