NLI Newsletter – September 2021

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NLI NewsletterSeptember 2021

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Creating environments for healthy human development and a healthy biosphere for generations to come.

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Natural Learning Initiative

September 2021

Children play on a colorful, inclusive playground with natural elements and educational features.

The Healthy Starts for Infants and Toddlers project has been completed!

Healthy Starts for Infants and Toddlers was an innovative project supported by NC DHHS: Division of Child Development and Early Education, delivered through Shape NC, a long-term program hosted by the NC Partnership for Children (Smart Start). Its focus was to improve outdoor spaces for infants and toddlers, birth to 35 months. NLI offered expertise in evidence-based outdoor learning environments design and management to 19 childcare centers in Wake, Orange, and Guilford counties, North Carolina, who implemented amazing environments on the ground during challenging circumstances.

Outdoor play area with white picket fence, gazebo, and educational signs teaching garden skills.

Register for the Early Childhood Outdoor Learning Environments Certificate Course!

Registration is now open for the Fall section, Sept. 14 – Dec. 7. The online course is self-paced and worth 2.4 CEUs.

ACCESS SKiP Call

Strong connections were established with the National Community College early childhood associate degree teacher educators organization (ACCESS) via attendance to regional meetings, inclusion of resources in the ACCESS Newsletters (annotated bibliography), and a presentation to the national SKiP technical meeting (August 25, 2021).

Children play in a nature-based outdoor space with a playhouse, toy car, and climbing structure, promoting accessible and educational play.

Online Short Courses

NLI is offering online professional development courses on the Preschool Outdoor Environment Measurement Scale (POEMS) and Childcare Outdoor Learning Environments Quality Tool (COLEQT).
The courses show how these tools can be used to guide quality improvements of outdoor children’s environments & promote child development and learning.

Natural Learning at Home® September

This publication includes simple seasonal recipes, activities, and facts that can be used in both childcare centers and at home. These fun resources are a great way to celebrate the season!