Nature Play for Tiny Texans

Type
Course
Date of Publication
August 10, 2021
Price
See Agrilife Learn

Topics:

Overview

This course will teach Master Gardener/Master Naturalist volunteers and nursery/landscape professionals how working with early childhood programs differs from working with elementary schools, key elements of quality early childhood outdoor learning environments, and how to work with early childhood educators.

Course Information

This course is designed to help Master Gardener and Master Naturalist volunteers as well as nursery and landscape professionals tap into the growing movement toward nature-based outdoor learning environments in early childhood education settings. Participants will learn how working with early childhood educators is different from working with elementary school teachers, what kinds of elements should be included in a quality outdoor learning environment for young children and how they relate to your expertise, and how to provide programs, services, and/or products that can help early childhood educators improve their outdoor learning environments.

This course was developed with funding from the Texas Department of State Health Services as part of a statewide movement toward improving the outdoor play environments in early care and education facilities, known as OLE! Texas. OLE! Texas is an initiative of the Texas Department of State Health Services in partnership with other state agencies, universities, and organizations across Texas. For more information and a full partner listing, visit the Department of State Health Services OLE! Texas website https://dshs.texas.gov/ole.

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand how working with early childhood educators is different from working with elementary school teachers
  • Describe key elements of a quality outdoor learning environment for young children and how they relate to your expertise
  • Provide programs, services, and/or products to help early childhood educators improve their outdoor learning environments

Looking for solutions in your county? Contact your local extension experts

County Offices

More choices in Health, Nutrition & Wellness

  • Publication

    Created by teachers, this multifaceted garden, nutrition, and physical activities curriculum is evidence-based and academically rich.

  • Course

    1 out of every 13 children have one or more food allergies, which can be life threatening. This course will equip child care providers with the latest regulations and standards related to food allergies in child care settings. Participants will learn how to manage food allergies in the day care and on field trips.

  • Course

    Infants’ experiences early in life literally influence the physical structures of the brain, opening the way for patterns of thought and behavior for the rest of a child’s life. This 1-hour course addresses critical topics related to caring for the youngest and most vulnerable population of children, infants and toddlers.

  • Course

    In this course, you will learn all about infant care. We discuss foundations of infant development, the importance of a loving caregiver, infants’ amazing abilities, and best practices for supporting their development. Through an emphasis on daily activities we show how you can build relationships and promote development.

  • Course

    During play, children escape the constraints of reality where the usual meanings of objects can be ignored and new meanings substituted. Explore the definitions and theories important to the concept of play, appropriate play materials and how to support learning and play in early childhood classrooms.

  • Course

    In this course, you will learn about infant mental health. We discuss key contributors and barriers in the infant mental health field, the role of early relationships for healthy brain development and self-regulation, infant stress signals, and why infant mental health matters in early childhood settings.

See More Results
Back to top