Ontario, like many other provinces and territories in Canada, has no system for licensing outdoor early learning and childcare. While the pandemic presented an opportunity to think differently about childcare spaces, there was a general failure to take advantage of this to build a system that included licensed nature-based care. As Ontario looks to add more affordable spaces, now may be the time to play catch-up on this missed opportunity. Could licensed nature-based early learning and childcare be part of the solution to the growing need for spaces, as well as a way of improving early learning outcomes? With examples of successful outdoor early learning now established in Washington State and Scotland, OMSSA Members are now better-equipped to evaluate the case for this approach and are more likely to be able to create a system that works effectively for both children, parents, and providers. This session will include experts with knowledge of the benefits of nature-based early learning and childcare and who have had success implementing such systems elsewhere.

Resources:

• Outdoor Nature-Based Facilities – Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families (VIDEO)
• Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families Outdoor Preschool Pilot Final Legislative Report