​OUTDOOR PRESCHOOL LICENSING
WA schools are working towards licensing & full day classes

In May of 2017, Governor Jay Inslee signed legislation that directs the Department of Early Learning to create licensing rules for outdoor preschools. This bill created a four year pilot that starts on July 23, 2017. Outdoor preschools participating in the pilot can become licensed and offer full day classes. 

Currently Participating Schools:
Orcas Island Forest School (Eastsound, WA)
Washington Outdoor School (Roslyn, Ellensburg & Yakima, WA)
Tiny Trees Preschool (King County, WA)
Fiddleheads Forest School (Seattle, WA)

There is a Participant Cohort for schools that are interested in playing a larger role in the licensing process. Schools in this cohort will have the option to provide full day or longer-day classes for the 2018-2019 school year. There is also an Observation Cohort. This is for schools who would like to provide data & help influence the rules making process, but would like to wait before becoming licensed or offering full day classes. Members of the observation cohort may be able to pursue licensing and full day classes in 2019 or 2020. Schools in the Participant Cohort are the advisory group for this pilot with the Department of Early Learning. Responsibilities include attending regular monthly meetings, adapting your program to meet licensing rules, and providing timely feedback on new rules and guidelines created for outdoor preschools.