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Outdoor & Nature-Based Learning

The National Institute for Early Education Research leads a National Workgroup to develop and strengthen policies related to outdoor and nature-based learning in state-funded preschool programs and other publicly funded settings.

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Participating States
NIEER Publications
Other Research
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National Outdoor & Nature-Based Learning Workgroup

Tap a highlighted state or select one below to see its participating agencies.

Click on a highlighted state to see its participating agencies.

DC

Supported by the George B. Storer Foundation, this project brings together state leaders and experts to remove policy barriers and promote outdoor access. The initiative spans three cohorts across 16 different states and jurisdictions:

  • First Cohort, seven states, began 2024: Colorado, Maryland, Michigan, Oregon, South Carolina, Washington, and Wyoming.
  • Second Cohort, four states, began 2025: Alabama, Hawaii, Maine, and Minnesota.
  • Third Cohort, five states, began 2026: District of Columbia, Kentucky, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Oklahoma.

Agency leaders from each state focus on reviewing child care licensing, health codes, and early learning and development standards (ELDS). They work directly with top experts from groups like the Children & Nature Network (C&NN) and the Natural Start Alliance (NSA). Together, they create real-world solutions to expand high-quality outdoor play for young children.

In addition to national meetings, group members vote on ONBL-related topics of specific interest to their states. NIEER then hosts peer learning sessions featuring experts and experienced state leaders. Recent and upcoming topics include inclusion in ONB settings, finding funding for ONB initiatives, developing regulatory language, managing risk and hazard, sanitation, and weather conditions.

NIEER Publications

Other Research

The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry: Early outdoor play predicts trajectories of child mental health in a population-based cohort
Early Childhood Education Journal: Examining Differences in Teachers’ Beliefs About Play in Rural, Suburban, and Urban Settings
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice: Nature and success: Outdoor play is linked to school readiness
Brookings: Teaching in the way human brains learn

Contact

kate hodges

Kate is an Early Childhood Education Policy Specialist at NIEER, where she primarily focuses on state and national policy analysis. Her current work includes collecting, analyzing, and disseminating data for the annual State of Preschool Yearbook report, providing technical assistance to New Jersey school districts and private providers applying for and implementing the state-funded preschool program, among other projects.

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Learn More About Our Work

    Policy Landscapes

    NIEER's policy landscapes offer insights into early childhood education policies, enrollment, and nationwide funding. Advocates, policy-makers, and researchers rely on them to improve the quality and accessibility of early childhood education.

    Research & Program Evaluation

    We evaluate nationwide early childhood programs, rigorously assessing impact. Data-driven evaluations span years, revealing strengths and weaknesses for targeted improvements. 

    NIEER Developed Tools

    NIEER has created numerous proprietary research tools that include assessments, surveys, cost calculators, and evaluations, used by researchers and educators to gather data, analyze information, and evaluate the effectiveness of early childhood education programs. 

    International Journal of Childcare & Education Policy

    The International Journal of Childcare and Education Policy (IJCEP) is a scholarly, peer-reviewed journal focusing on childcare and education policy research for young children.

    Technical Assistance

    NIEER provides technical assistance to state advocates on improving the quality of early care and education programs and understanding the costs associated with high-quality programs. NIEER is producing a series of Guides to PreK Expansion and other resources to support state and national advocates in their efforts to ensure all children have access to high-quality early care and education. 

    Partnership with New Jersey

    New Jersey has a rich history of supporting early learning, evidenced by the state's Supreme Court decisions, legal regulations, financial investments, and committed state leadership. However, a pivotal turning point came with a landmark legal decision that sparked significant changes and laid the groundwork for progress over the last two decades.