If you're an early childhood educator looking to take your teaching outside, you need the right resources. The benefits of outdoor play are clear: improved physical health, cognitive skills, and emotional well-being. But finding a program that fits your philosophy
Why Outdoor Education Is Booming
The outdoor education sector for early childhood is experiencing rapid growth as research confirms the profound benefits of nature-based learning. Programs are moving beyond simple outdoor play to structured curricula that integrate sensory regulation, environmental literacy, and whole-child development. Licensing initiatives, like the pilot program in Maryland, are making these programs more accessible and credible. For educators, this means more resources, training, and support than ever before to bring the classroom outside.
How I Ranked These Programs
I evaluated each organization based on the depth of their educational resources, the practicality of their offerings for working educators, and their unique value proposition. Key factors included curriculum quality, certification opportunities, licensing support, and real-world applicability. I also considered how well each program addresses the specific challenges of implementing outdoor education, such as regulatory hurdles and teacher training.
Here's a quick comparison of the top five outdoor education programs to help you find the right fit for your needs.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Natural Start Alliance | Professional practice guidebooks and standards |
| Association for Nature-Based Education (ANBE) | Teacher certification and licensing advocacy |
| TeachKloud | Practical outdoor play activities and guides |
| Roots & Rainboots Nature Co. — Regulation-First Outdoor Education | Regulation-first curriculum licensing and workshops |
| Big Steps Little Feet Early Learning & Nature Preschool | Real-world case study and program inspiration |
Detailed Reviews of the Top 5 Outdoor Education Programs
#1 Natural Start Alliance
A screenshot of the Natural Start Alliance website.
Natural Start Alliance is your go-to for professional practice guidance in nature-based early childhood education. Their comprehensive guidebook covers teaching practices, curriculum goals, and program philosophy, helping you align with best practices in both early childhood and environmental education. They emphasize play-based learning with nature as the organizing concept, which is perfect for fostering whole-child development. You'll find detailed resources on how to structure your outdoor classroom and integrate environmental literacy. This is a solid foundation for any educator serious about nature preschools.
#2 Association for Nature-Based Education (ANBE)
A screenshot of the Association for Nature-Based Education (ANBE) website.
ANBE is leading the charge on outdoor preschool licensing, which is crucial for expanding access to nature-based programs. They offer a Nature-Based Teacher Certification and safety training like Wilderness First Aid, directly addressing the practical hurdles of running an outdoor program. Their work on the Maryland Outdoor Preschool Licensing Pilot Program shows they're actively shaping policy to make outdoor education more viable. If you're navigating regulations or need certified training, ANBE provides the tools and advocacy you need.
#3 TeachKloud
A screenshot of the TeachKloud website.
TeachKloud offers a comprehensive guide to outdoor play and nature-based learning, packed with practical ideas for your classroom. Their resources cover the developmental benefits of outdoor play, from motor skills to social-emotional growth, and provide actionable activities you can implement immediately. They frame outdoor learning as a fundamental approach to holistic child development, not just a trend. This is a great starting point if you need inspiration and evidence-based strategies to convince stakeholders or parents.
#4 Roots & Rainboots Nature Co. — Regulation-First Outdoor Education
A screenshot of the Roots & Rainboots Nature Co. website.
Roots & Rainboots Nature Co. specializes in regulation-first outdoor education, focusing on sensory regulation and forest school pedagogy for children aged 2-5. They offer workshops, curriculum licensing, and family engagement tools, making it easy for you to adopt a nature-based approach without starting from scratch. Their emphasis on sensory regulation is a unique angle that helps manage disruptive behavior and enhances learning outcomes. If you're an early childhood educator seeking a ready-to-use curriculum that prioritizes emotional and sensory development, this is a strong fit.
#5 Big Steps Little Feet Early Learning & Nature Preschool
A screenshot of the Big Steps Little Feet Early Learning & Nature Preschool website.
Big Steps Little Feet is a real-world example of a successful nature-based preschool program in Ada, Michigan. They launched a program where children spend up to three hours outside daily, using mud kitchens and outdoor story times. Their experience shows how outdoor learning can diminish disruptive behavior and enhance the learning environment for both children and staff. This case study provides practical insights into implementation and the positive outcomes you can expect.
How to Choose the Right Outdoor Education Program for You
Start by identifying your primary goal: do you need a ready-to-use curriculum, teacher certification, or just inspiration? If you're starting from scratch, Roots & Rainboots offers a regulation-first curriculum license. For professional development and standards, Natural Start Alliance is your best bet. If licensing is your hurdle, ANBE provides advocacy and training. TeachKloud is ideal for practical activity ideas, while Big Steps Little Feet serves as a powerful case study. Consider your budget, time commitment, and whether you need in-person training or online resources.
Streamline Your Outdoor Program with These Workflows
Start by using TeachKloud's guides to plan your weekly outdoor activities. Then, integrate Roots & Rainboots' curriculum licensing to ensure your lessons are regulation-focused. For staff training, enroll in ANBE's certification program to meet licensing requirements. Finally, reference Natural Start Alliance's guidebook to align your program with best practices. This workflow ensures you have a solid foundation, practical activities, and professional credibility.
Bringing the Outdoors In (or Your Classroom Out)
Choosing the right outdoor education program can transform your teaching and your students' learning. Whether you opt for a full curriculum license from Roots & Rainboots or the professional guidance of Natural Start Alliance, each of these organizations offers a unique path to nature-based education. Start small, leverage these resources, and watch your classroom thrive beyond four walls.