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Training
We offer extensive programming designed to support early childhood practitioners at any career stage. Whether you are new to nature-based learning or a seasoned educator - or even if you need guidance starting your own nature program - ERAFANS can help.
OUTDOOR TEACHER RETREATS
Topics are carefully selected based on requests from ERAFANS members in a given region or state.
Each day-long retreat provides professional development on best practices in early childhood environmental education. In addition, there is space for participants to network, reflect and re-energize. Outdoor Teacher Retreats are offered year-round in different parts of the region. Want to bring an Outdoor Teacher Retreat to your region? Contact us to make it happen!
ONLINE TRAINING
We know you don't want to be behind the screen, but don't worry - our online formats beckon you back outside! Online training formats include webinars and webinar series, nature e-courses and our own hybrid field courses.
NATURAL WONDER SUMMIT
June 5-7, 2020
Ashland Nature Center, Hockessin, Delaware
Wonder and curiosity is at the heart of what we do. Join us for the an ERAFANS gathering that celebrates nature-based early childhood education. This summit rotates among nature preschools, forest kindergartens and nature-based schools concentrated in the eastern region of the U.S. Seasoned nature-based early childhood practitioners share inspirational training on topics that matter to you. Click here to learn more.
TEACHER SWAP
Let us facilitate a swap between one of your teachers and a teacher from another nature preschool or forest kindergarten program. This is an invaluable way to gain insight into the varied approaches of nature-based curriculum and the application of best practices in early childhood environmental education. You spend 1-2 days working in a partner program while another teacher spends time working in yours.
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If you want to transform an existing outdoor playground into a natural play space, we can get your project moving in the right direction. Informative and highly empowering, ERAFANS consulting helps schools harness their resources to make natural play spaces a reality. This is ideal for programs who have limited access to wild spaces (like forest, meadow, or park), as well as programs that want to transform an urban outdoor space into a natural oasis.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OUTREACH
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Do you have a training topic in mind but haven’t come across anything that meets your needs? Our trainers will develop a specialized training experience for your team and facilitate it at your school or center. View sample training topics here.
COLLABORATIVE TRAINING
We can help you partner with another local nature preschool or forest kindergarten for a combined training experience. This is a fantastic way to share and learn from others in the field.