We advocate at the school, state, and national levels to shape policies that support outdoor learning, equitable access to natural spaces, and the integration of nature-based approaches in early childhood systems. From influencing local school policies to contributing to statewide and federal conversations, MaineECO works to elevate the importance of outdoor experiences as essential to healthy child development and learning.
Public Policy and Advocacy Meetings
-
Outdoor Childcare Licensing Group
This is your opportunity to get involved while regulations for outdoor early education are being drafted.
Meetings are the first Monday of the month from 10:30-11:30am
Participation is open for drop-ins and the meeting link is ongoing. Join us when you can.
-
Public Policy and Advocacy Group
Calls are on hiatus until September 2026.
Focus areas of the 2025-2026 school year:
How Maine’s QRIS Rising Stars for ME could better support outdoor nature based learning for young children
MaineECO has joined the Maine Green Schools Network Guiding Board to advocate for accessible and appropriate early childhood climate education and school environments that support that.
Facilitated by Lisa Henderson, co-founder of Sprouts Farm and Forest in Kindergarten, Millis, MA, a MaineECO Steering Committee member; as well as an outdoor, Nature-Based Play educator, advocate and mentor.
Current Work
Outdoor Childcare Licensing
MaineECO works to support and expand licensing pathways for outdoor and nature-based (ONB) early childhood programs across the state. In partnership with the Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) licensing team, we help ensure licensing practices reflect the unique needs of outdoor programs while maintaining quality and safety. This work is vital to creating more accessible, sustainable, and equitable opportunities for young children to learn and grow in the outdoors.
This work includes:
Conducting surveys and data collection to understand provider needs and barriers
Supporting training for OCFS licensors on outdoor program models
Hosting an annual outdoor licensing webinar to inform and engage providers
Convening the Outdoor Licensing Advisory Group, a group working to write ONB rules and regulations in Maine
Why it matters:
Creates more accessible and equitable opportunities to ONB programs
Supports and protects ONB childcare providers
Raises awareness in the general public on benefits of outdoor time for children
Brings resources to ONB programs in Maine
Climate Education
Two biggest factors contributing to environmental stewardship in adulthood:
Time spent in nature as a child.
Adult role models that care for nature.
MaineECO’s Climate Education Initiative recognizes that addressing the climate crisis begins in early childhood. By supporting educators, caregivers, and communities, we aim to build a foundation for lifelong climate awareness, resilience, and stewardship—starting with our youngest learners. This work is rooted in equity, sustainability, and the belief that early experiences in nature help children grow into adults who care for the planet.
What is early childhood climate education?
It’s not about teaching facts or fear about climate change. It’s not about studying something indoors. It’s not catastrophizing. Instead, it centers on
Nurturing a relationship with nature
Being supported by adults who themselves are connected to the natural world
Regular time outdoors in all seasons and weather
Develop small, place-based connections
Observing and being curious about natural phenomena
This kind of learning fosters the emotional and sensory connections that serve as a powerful foundation for environmental responsibility later in life.
We can not protect something we do not love.
We can not love what we do not know.
We cannot know what we do not see. Hear. Sense. -Richard Louv