Risk Management for Nature-based Early Childhood Education

Course Overview

Children enjoy learning that is challenging and adventurous, where they can reach beyond their abilities and test themselves. Nature readily provides such experiences. Being outdoors with children in all kinds of weather requires another level of risk management beyond fire drills and correct hand washing instructions, and teachers must prepare to provide it. Topics that will be considered in this course include: hazard identification, appropriate planning for risk, what kinds of risky play to allow and which to discourage, and research on the relationship between nature play and overall health and development. The course will include opportunities to observe a nature-based early childhood program in action.

Course Materials: Students should contact the course instructor and review the course syllabus for information related to course materials/texts.