Rooted in Play:
Foundations of Nature-Based Learning

A 20-Hour Hybrid Training for Early Childhood Professionals
April-June 2026, View Course Content

Registration

Why Rooted In Play?

Nature-based learning is more than taking children outside—it is a pedagogical approach rooted in relationships, play, and place.

Rooted in Play supports educators in slowing down, reflecting deeply, and building practices that are developmentally appropriate, responsive, and sustainable…while outdoors.

This course is offered by Maine Early Childhood Outdoors (MaineECO) as part of our commitment to strengthening early childhood nature-based learning across Maine.

What Is This Course?

A 20-Hour Hybrid Training for Early Childhood Professionals

Rooted in Play is a 20-hour foundational training designed for early childhood professionals who want to deepen their practice and confidently incorporate nature-based learning into their work with young children.

This hybrid course blends in-person and virtual sessions, offering participants both community connection and flexible learning opportunities. Rooted in Play is ideal for educators working with children ages 2–7, and welcomes those with beginner to intermediate experience in Outdoor Nature-Based (ONB) learning.

The Spring 2026 Course has been generously subsidized by Quimby Family Foundation and Educare Central Maine. There is a $75 training fee for each participant.

Who Is This Course For?

This training is designed for:

  • Early childhood educators, caregivers, and program leaders across all settings

  • Professionals working with children ages 2–7

  • Educators new to nature-based learning or looking to strengthen and expand an existing outdoor practice

  • Those seeking a pedagogical foundation, not just activities or curriculum

Participants should come with curiosity, openness, and a strong desire to reflect on their role as educators in outdoor learning environments.

Course Format

  • Cost: $75.00 Training Fee

  • Total Hours: 20

  • Format: Hybrid (in-person sessions combined with live virtual learning)

  • Learning Methods:

    • Facilitated discussions

    • Content Presentations

    • Reflective exercises

    • Real-world examples from Maine-based programs

    • Real life assignments that pertain to your current teaching site

Spring 2026 Course Overview

Rooted in Play builds a strong foundation in early childhood nature-based pedagogy, grounding participants in theory, reflection, and practical application.
Rather than focusing solely on “what to do outdoors,” this course explores the why behind nature-based learning and how educators can thoughtfully support
children’s play, learning, and development in outdoor spaces while keeping them safe and healthy.

Through guided reflection, discussion, and experiential learning, participants will deepen their understanding of play, nature, and teaching outdoors,
while connecting with others doing similar work.

Session 1

Independent Work

Saturday, April 11, 2026, 9:00-1:00pm
Educare Central Maine, Waterville

Course Intro, Connection to Selves & Nature, Fundamentals of Play

Independent Work

Session 2

Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 6:00-7:30pm
Virtual Session

Nature Based Play

Session 3

Independent Work

Saturday, May 2, 2026, 9:00-1:00pm
Educare Central Maine, Waterville

Teaching Outdoors and Risky Play

Two Hours

Risky Play Content & Risky Play Assignment

Session 4

Independent Work

Session 5

Two Hours
Play Theory, Nature Based Site Observation

One Hour

Nature Based Pedagogy, Site Observation Assignment

Saturday, May 16, 2026, 9:00-1:00pm
Educare Central Maine, Waterville

Common Considerations for Nature Based Programs

One and a Half Hours

Policy Reading Assignment
Policy/Communications Assignment

Wednesday, June 11, 2026, 6:00-7:00pm
Virtual Session

Closing session
Reflections and Next Steps

Core Learning Themes & Topics

Participants will explore:

  • Personal Relationship with Play & Nature
    Reflecting on how our own experiences shape how we support children outdoors

  • Play Theory & Child Development
    Understanding play as a central driver of learning in early childhood

  • Time, Space, & Relationship
    A core framework for understanding nature-based pedagogy and teaching outdoors

  • Teaching & Learning in Outdoor Environments
    Observation, facilitation, and the educator’s role in nature-based settings

  • Common Considerations in Outdoor Programming
    Weather, gear, routines, materials, flora & fauna, water, fire

  • Risky Play
    Supporting children’s agency, confidence, and safety through thoughtful risk-taking

  • Policies, Practice, & Advocacy
    Navigating regulations, aligning practice with policy, and advocating for outdoor learning in your community

What You'll Gain

By the end of the course, participants will:

  • Develop a clear understanding of nature-based learning pedagogy

  • Gain confidence in understanding why nature based learning is a positive practice and how to support play-based learning outdoors

  • Build language and frameworks to explain their practice to families, colleagues, and administrators

  • Connect with a community of educators committed to outdoor learning

  • Leave with goals and tools to thoughtfully grow or refine their outdoor teaching practice