Outdoor Preschool Licensing
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. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF)'s webpage.
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)
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)
