Outdoor Explorations for Early Learners Workshop

June 25-26, 2015
8:00 am-5:15 pm (6/25); 8:00am-3:30pm (6/26)
Mines of Spain State Recreation Area/E. B. Lyons Interpretive Center (8991 Bellevue Heights, Dubuque, IA 52003)
Registration: Keystone AEA
Registration Deadline: June 18, 2015
Registration Fee: $175; 1 Teacher Recertification Credit: Additional $85

This inquiry-based outdoor exploration workshop is designed to help early childhood professionals lead children in age-appropriate, interdisciplinary outdoor experiences. You will be introduced to strategies, skills, and resources (including Growing Up WILD and Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood) to build upon children's sense of wonder about the world around them through relevant, inquiry-based exploration.

Both guides have been correlated to national standards for early childhood education – NAEYC Criteria for Curriculum, Head Start Child Outcomes Framework and the NAAEE Early Childhood Environmental Education Guidelines for Excellence. Additional activity correlations have been drafted to Iowa program and curriculum standards – Quality Preschool Program Standards, Iowa Early Learning Standards, Creative Curriculum Developmental Continuum and the Iowa Core Curriculum. Activities promote and support developmentally appropriate practice in multiple ways.

Activities are presented with a wide range of options to support children at various developmental levels focused on children ages 3 – 7 years. Participants will interact with a variety of professionals (i.e. classroom teachers, childcare providers, environmental educators) all leading early learners outdoors.