A path toward licensing outdoor learning for everyone...​

The Outdoor Preschool Policy Action Framework, developed by the Willamette Partnership, is designed to help advocates — from parents and teachers to elected officials and early childhood administrators — find a pathway toward licensure that fits both their community and their state. This guide is designed to support advocates across the nation in taking the actions necessary to ensure outdoor learning programs can be licensed, thereby increasing access to high-quality outdoor and nature-based learning and taking an important step in addressing issues of equity in education and the outdoors.

Outdoor, Nature-Based Child Care
​Licensing in Washington State

In May of 2017, Governor Jay Inslee signed legislation that directed state regulatory agencies to create licensing rules for outdoor preschools. As part of a four-year pilot program,  Washington nature preschool leaders and state officials have worked together to develop and implement these standards. The first licensed outdoor programs began operating in fall 2019. 
Many WaNPA members are involved in the pilot program, and WaNPA continues to support this effort through advocacy for the passage of Senate Bill 5151, 2021-22, which authorizes DCYF to fully implement licensing of Outdoor, Nature-Based Child Care for preschool and school-age children. As of early April, this Bill has passed the WA State Senate and is awaiting a vote from the House.

For the most up-to-date information, please see the WA Outdoor Preschool Pilot final report to the WA State Legislature, which is now available online. In it you will find outcomes of the pilot and recommendations to the Legislature. Previous yearly reports are also available. The final report also includes Exhibits to support full implementation, such as the draft Nature-Based Competencies for Early Care and Education Professionals.
 
To view the reports, please see the Resources tab on the DCYF website, https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/about/government-community/advisory/opp
 
For up-to-date information on the progress of SB 5151, view the bill information on the Legislature's website.
In the news:
Press release from DCYF (October 2019)
"Learning in nature: Washington becomes the first in the country to license outdoor preschools" (Seattle Times, Oct 2019)
"Licensing Outdoor & Nature-Based Preschools, In Washington State and Beyond" (Natural Start Alliance, November 2019)