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�鶹��ƵAPK is the first Minnesota institution to offer a Nature-Based Early Learning Certificate, which trains educators to explore the many ways nature benefits children's development, health, well-being and learning.

The program, introduced by the School of Education and Leadership this spring, is rooted in research that shows children with consistent and meaningful outdoor experiences enjoy a variety of benefits: better academic outcomes, improved social-emotional health and executive function skills, increased empathy and pro-environmental behaviors; and enhanced creativity, resilience and well-being.

“During early childhood years, children really learn well through play and are driven by curiosity and exploration, and nature really lends itself well to that,” said Dr. Patty Born, Co-Program Director of �鶹��ƵAPK’s Environmental Studies Department. “Also, kids are shown to learn more creatively and collaboratively when in nature-based settings.”

The certificate was developed for educators who work with children ages three to grade three, but is not limited to licensed teachers who work in a traditional school setting

“This certificate is a great fit for people who interact with children in non-formal education settings like zoos, museums, nonprofits and community organizations,” Born said. “Our population of students in the Natural Science and Environmental Education program is about 50/50 formal and non-formal education.”

In addition to its application to a variety of educational settings, the program was also developed with respect toward different geographic settings.

“Many children in America don’t live in a place that has access to huge tracts of nature, so we really think it's important at �鶹��ƵAPK to give our students the skills they can use whether their setting is in an urban environment or a rural or forested environment, and that is something that makes this a really unique program,” Born said.

�鶹��ƵAPK’s five-course Nature-Based Early Learning Certificate is offered fully online and can be completed in one year. The certificate can also be applied toward certain master’s degree programs offered at �鶹��ƵAPK.