State Policies and Guidance Relating to Outdoor and Nature-Based Experiences in Preschool
September 3, 2024
Outdoor nature-based learning is vital for young children's health, development, and education. Increased screen time and reduced exposure to nature are linked to serious health problems, such as obesity, diabetes, hyperactivity, stress, asthma, and allergies. These issues are particularly concerning for low-income children who often have limited access to safe outdoor spaces. By prioritizing nature-based learning in early childhood programs, states can help mitigate these health risks.
Nature-based programs encourage beneficial play, foster appreciation for the environment, and support learning in biological and environmental sciences. State policies, including child care licensing, quality standards, and preschool education regulations, play a crucial role in promoting or limiting outdoor experiences. States should consider updating their policies to support more outdoor time, ensure safe and accessible outdoor spaces, and provide appropriate staff training to maximize the benefits of nature-based education.
The Authors
Tracy Merriman Jost is an Early Childhood Education Policy Specialist at the National Institute for Early Education Research at Rutgers University. In that capacity, Ms. Jost works on State and City PreK expansion, costs, and quality benchmark analysis.
W. Steven (Steve) Barnett is a Board of Governors Professor and the founder and Senior Co-Director of the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) at Rutgers University. Dr. Barnett’s work primarily focuses on public policies regarding early childhood education, child care, and child development.
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.
About NIEER
The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) at the Graduate School of Education, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, conducts and disseminates independent research and analysis to inform early childhood education policy.
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