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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 retreat provides professional development on best practices in early childhood environmental education. There is a balance of sessions with at least 50% of them that take place outside. We incorporate opporutnities for participants to network, reflect, and re-energize as they dig into exciting topics that are relevent to nature-based programs. Want to bring an Outdoor Teacher Retreat to your region? Contact us to make it happen!
Nature-Based Teacher Certification
These five-day courses are offered as Level 1 (intro), Level 2 (intermediate), and Level 3 (capstone) experiences to deepen your practice as a nature-based educator or childcare provider. We also offer a six-week online option for our Level 1 (intro) credential.
Online Learning
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
Spring 2021 - coming soon!
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.
Custom Professional Development
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. We have a comprehensive list of training descriptions to meet your training needs.
Collaborative Training
We can help you partner with another ERAFANS member running a 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.