Establishing a Nature-Based Preschool – Outdoor Early Childhood Education Guide

Bringing a nature-based preschool from idea to reality takes more than a love of outdoor learning. Establishing a Nature-Based Preschool by Rachael A. Larimore provides a practical resource for educators and organizations exploring how early childhood education and environmental education can come together in a nature-based preschool program.

Created for organizations asking whether a nature-based preschool is right for them, this guide helps move the conversation from initial concept toward implementation. It offers a focused resource for thinking through the development of a program where young children can build meaningful relationships with the natural world as part of their early learning experience.

For nature centers, early childhood programs, outdoor educators, administrators, and teams considering a nature preschool, this book provides a valuable starting point for planning, professional discussion, and program development.

Why Educators Love It

• Focused on nature preschools: Written specifically for organizations considering the development of a nature-based preschool program.
• From concept to implementation: Provides a how-to approach for moving a nature preschool idea toward an operating program.
• Connects two fields: Explores a model that brings early childhood education and environmental education together.
• Useful for program planning: A relevant professional resource for educators, administrators, nature centers, and program development teams.
• Accessible professional resource: The 94-page format provides a focused introduction to establishing a nature-based preschool.

Built for Real Outdoor Learning

A strong nature-based preschool is more than a traditional preschool with extra time outside. It is an educational approach built around meaningful relationships between young children and the natural world.

Establishing a Nature-Based Preschool helps organizations begin thinking intentionally about what it takes to create that kind of program. For teams dreaming about muddy boots, outdoor exploration, seasonal discovery, and childhood learning rooted in nature, this book helps turn the idea of a nature preschool into a more concrete conversation about implementation.

Things to Know

• Professional resource: Intended for educators, organizations, and professionals exploring nature-based early childhood programming.
• Program-development focus: The book is designed to help organizations consider whether a nature-based preschool is appropriate for them and move from concept toward implementation.
• Nature-based education: Focuses on programs that combine early childhood and environmental education.
• Published in 2011: Readers should consider current local regulations, licensing requirements, standards, and organizational policies when applying program-development information.

Product Details

• Title: Establishing a Nature-Based Preschool
• Author: Rachael A. Larimore
• Publisher/Imprint: National Association for Interpretation
• Publication year: 2011
• Format: Paperback
• Pages: 94
• Illustrations: 26 color photos
• ISBN: 9781879931305
• Dimensions: Approximately 10 × 8 inches
• Topic: Nature-based preschool development, early childhood education, and environmental education

Why ODSS Recommends It

ODSS recommends Establishing a Nature-Based Preschool by Rachael A. Larimore for early childhood educators, nature centers, outdoor educators, administrators, and organizations interested in starting a nature-based preschool. This professional nature-based education book provides a how-to framework for exploring and developing preschool programs that combine early childhood education with environmental education. It is a relevant resource for nature preschool planning, outdoor preschool development, program implementation, professional learning, and organizations working to create meaningful nature-based learning experiences for young children.