Making Outdoor Gear More Accessible and Equitable
to Early Childhood Classrooms.
The mission of MaineECO’s Gear Mini Grant Program is to increase the amount of time children can spend outdoors and to enhance those experiences so they foster deeper, more meaningful connections to the natural world. We believe that outdoor play and learning are essential to healthy child development—and that access to high-quality outdoor apparel is a basic need, not a luxury, for all children and early childhood programs in Maine.
Unfortunately, access to appropriate gear remains a significant barrier across our state, especially for under-resourced communities. This program, and others highlighted below, are designed to help remove that barrier, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to be outside safely, comfortably, and often.
Frequently
Asked
Questions
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Any person can apply on behalf of a licensed early childhood program in Maine who did not receive a MaineECO Gear Grant in 2024.
Having a current OCFS Childcare License # is a requirement. Programs of all type, size or philosophy are eligible and any person connected (regardless of role) may fill out the application and serve as the contact.
2024 Gear Grantees can not apply in 2025, there may be future opportunities to re-apply but not in this current year.
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No, all licensed childcare programs in Maine are encouraged to apply regardless of philosophical approach or caregiving practices.
The mission of this program is to increase a child’s time and experience outdoors so there should be alignment with that mission from applicants.
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Application portal is open September 1-15, 2025
Decisions will be made by October 3, 2025
Funding through the MaineECO Outdoor School Shop Ordering portal will be open starting October 6th
All grantees need to have ordered by October 31st and gear should arrive within 2 weeks after ordering
A grant report will be due from all grantees by May 15, 2026
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Grantees will need to submit a grant report by May 15, 2026 via another google form. Photos of the gear being used will be required as well as testimonials from teachers, parents or administrators.
Specifically programs will need to report back on the ways in which this gear increased time spent outdoors by children and enhanced their experience outdoors to offer a more meaningful connection with nature
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MaineECO has partnered with experts at Outdoor School Shop this year to offer the best gear at significantly discounted prices. All ordering will take place through this portal. Outdoor School Shop has assisted thousands of schools and childcare programs across the country in providing outdoor apparel for their children and teachers, their expertise is invaluable. All basic outdoor apparel will be available: rain pants & jackets, rain boots, rain over mittens, snow boots, snow pants & jackets, snow mittens & hats, infant apparel, base layers and socks
Grantees will be given direct access to our own customer service representative at OSS to help guide them in their ordering. We have taken the guesswork and hassle out of finding and obtaining gear!
Outdoor materials and gear such as backpacks, water bottles or strollers are not eligible for purchase this year
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Yes, if you are in need of a translator, need physical assistance filling out the application or have questions about the application please email info@maineeco.org
Classroom Outcomes of the Gear Grant
Increased Outdoor Play
The grant-provided gear significantly increased the amount of time children could spend outdoors, even in varying weather conditions like rain, mud, and cold.
Enhanced Comfort and Safety
The gear (rain suits, fleece, snowsuits, boots, mittens, hats, socks) kept children warm, dry, and comfortable, allowing them to engage in outdoor activities for longer periods.
Reduced Barriers to Participation
The gear helped remove financial or logistical barriers for families, ensuring all children could participate in outdoor play regardless of their ability to provide appropriate clothing.
Improved Behavior and Learning
Several reports noted that increased outdoor time, facilitated by the gear, led to improved self-regulation and behaviors in children. It also fostered learning, curiosity, sensory play, and a connection with nature.
Staff and Parent Appreciation
Staff members were more willing to go outside, and parents appreciated their children coming home dry and clean, as well as the extended learning opportunities.
Support for Diverse Needs
The grant benefited various programs, including those for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and children with special needs, making outdoor transitions smoother and more inclusive.
Partner Spotlight:
Maine Gear Share: Gear Rental Program
MaineECO is proud to partner with Maine GearShare (MGS) on an innovative early childhood gear rental pilot program. This collaboration aims to make high-quality outdoor gear more accessible to early childhood programs across the state by offering 9 month rentals for children and educators.
The pilot is currently in progress, providing valuable insight into how gear rentals can reduce barriers to outdoor learning. We’re excited to expand the program next year, reaching more programs and communities with the gear they need to get outside early and often—no matter the weather.
Maine Gear Share is a valuable resource to the environmental education field for all ages, please check out their website for the expansive services and programs they offer.
Public school teachers, administrators and curriculum coordinators. Those working in grades PreK through Grade 2.
All our services are free of charge.
Partner Spotlight:
Outdoor School Shop
MaineECO is honored to partner with Outdoor School Shop (OSS)—a company making a tremendous impact in the field of education by improving access to high-quality outdoor gear for children and educators. OSS understands that appropriate gear is essential for meaningful outdoor learning and has become a trusted, mission-driven resource with impeccable in-person customer service for programs across the country.
This year, Outdoor School Shop is generously supporting our Gear Mini Grant Program, helping ensure that more children in Maine can get outside comfortably and safely, regardless of the weather. In addition to this support, OSS is offering exclusive discount coupons to all applicants, making it easier for programs and partners to equip their staff and children—whether or not they receive a grant.
We’re deeply grateful for this partnership and for OSS’s commitment to equity, access, and the power of outdoor education. We recommend you visit their site for all your gear needs!
MaineECO Network Coordinator, Anne Adams, provides an overview of typical Maine weather hazards to be prepared for, gear layering techniques, brands to purchase from, design and quality aspects to focus on in gear, and more.
Testimonials
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"I think staff were more willing to go out in cold and wet weather, knowing we had the gear we needed to support them in staying warm and dry."
Pine Tree Society Early Learning Center
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Families no longer need to worry about packing appropriate outdoor gear for the weather because we now have that covered for rain, snow and cold. The kids have the time of their lives in the rain jumping in muddy puddles and stay so warm in their snowsuits for longer periods of time in the winter
Taylor Tots Child Care
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The gear provided by Maine Early Childhood Outdoors has increased our ability to be outside in more kinds of weather and for longer, this in turn has improved children's ability to self-regulate.
UCP of Bangor EC Education Center