Additional Consulting Option

Starting an Outdoor Nature-Based Program

I also support individuals or groups who are interested in creating an outdoor, nature-based early childhood program.

This includes support in:

  • clarifying your program vision and philosophy

  • shaping daily rhythm and structure in an outdoor setting

  • designing environments that support play, exploration, and connection with nature

  • considering foundational elements of safety, communication, and operations

  • building a program rooted in relationship, observation, and nature-based practice

This is a collaborative process focused on bringing an idea into a grounded, workable program.

My role is not to provide licensing guidance, but to support the development of the foundational practices, structure, and lived experience of an outdoor program

Core Approach & Guiding Principles

The goal is not only to increase time outdoors, but to support the development of children who are:

  • grounded and connected to place

  • curious and engaged with the world around them

  • empathetic and relational with others

  • and supported by adults who are also in connection with one another

At the heart of this work is connection.

Connection between staff and children.
Connection between staff and each other.
Connection between families and educators.
Connection between children, place, and the natural world.

This work is grounded in the understanding that an early childhood program is not made of separate parts, it is an interconnected ecosystem.

This work invites educators and caregivers into a more connected way of being, where children, adults, and environment are understood as part of the same living system.

This includes moving towards:

Intentional, relationship-based practice

  • collaboration across teams and families

  • curiosity as a guiding lens for both adults and children

  • and a broader understanding of what “best practice” means for young children