Professional Development

Do you want professional training in nature-based early childhood education, early childhood environmental education, forest school teaching, or related disciplines? There are a variety of opportunities, from bachelors degrees to university certificate programs, certifications offered by organizations, and shorter-term workshops, institutes, and courses.

Do you have a training opportunity to share with the community? Use the link to the right to submit it!

 

Bachelors Degrees, University Certificates, and Certification Programs

 

Ongoing Workshops

 

Upcoming Workshops

2024

April

Free Spring Outdoor Learning Virtual Workshops!

April 16, 2024 to June 4, 2024
Our FREE Spring Virtual Workshops are now live, and ready for registration! https://outdoorlearningstore.com/workshops Each 60 min workshop comes complete with a certificate of attendance, access to the recording, discounts for outdoor learning tools...

May

Free Virtual Workshop: Using Sit Spots and your Senses to Connect with Nature

May 28, 2024
Join us for an interactive workshop that delves into the world of sit spots and sensory wakeups and their significance in fostering a deeper connection with nature. Designed around the book “Me and My Sit Spot,” this engaging session will equip educators and nature enthusiasts with practical approaches to introducing and incorporating sit spots into their outdoor learning. Through the sit spot routine, we will also investigate how we can develop observational skills, mindfulness, reflection, and overall well-being.

June

Preschool Naturally: An Outdoor & Nature-Based Learning Campference

June 5, 2024 to June 7, 2024
1720 Ferncliff RD
Little Rock, AR 72223
 Mark your calendars now for the second annual Preschool Naturally: An Outdoor...

July

Connecting to the Land, the Métis Way Summer Course

July 8, 2024 to July 29, 2024
Join Leah Marie Dorian to dive into excellent learning resources for kids to explore Métis knowledge, culture and history connected to the land. Resources include translations into Michif, and offers incredibly vibrant illustrations giving insight into Métis life.

NatStart 24: Charting Our Future

July 31, 2024 to August 3, 2024
Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront
1401 SW Naito Parkway
Portland, OR 97201
 The Natural Start Alliance's annual conference is the nation's largest professional event for teaching, administration, research, and advocacy in nature-based early learning. In 2024, the conference will showcase outdoor, nature-based learning in Oregon, which is currently developing a new licensing pathway for outdoor, nature-based preschools. Join us for engaging presentations, experiential sessions, site tours, and professional networking with nature-based early childhood professionals from around the country and beyond.

October

Naturally Inclusive – Engaging Children of All Abilities Outdoors Fall Course

October 21, 2024 to November 18, 2024
Drawing on her knowledge of research and her decades of work with children in nature, join Ruth as she weaves together advice, real-life examples, and testimonies from educators and families on the healing, nurturing power of nature in the lives of young children with diverse abilities. Joining us too is Karen Lai, Accessibility and Inclusion Specialist who will share expertise and her lived experience perspective on what it means to truly offer inclusive programming.