Nature-Based Early Childhood Program Assessment & Guidebook
Anna Dutke, Heidi Faris, Jenny Hanlon, Megan Gessler, Sarah Sheldon, and Sheila Williams Ridge. Nature-Based Early Childhood Program Assessment & Guidebook. Minnesota Children and Nature Connection.
This self-assessment rating scale allows educators to evaluate how their program integrates nature into areas of practice: philosophy and policies; family engagement and community connections; and indoor and outdoor environments and practices. It is available as a free download.
This tool was created by six experienced nature educators working in Minnesota. Each educator has been involved in teaching and/or directing nature preschool programs. The wealth of their experience is evident in the make-up of the rating scale, providing a great opportunity for educators to integrate nature into their programs.
Download Nature-Based Early Childhood Program Assessment & Guidebook
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 >