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Outdoor Learning Environments (OLE! Texas)


 

Outdoor Learning Environment (OLE!) Texas is a statewide initiative that promotes healthful, nature-based outdoor learning spaces at early childcare and education (ECE) programs. A healthful outdoor learning environment helps young children be more physically active while they play, discover, and connect with nature. TXAEYC supports the OLE! Texas statewide initiative by facilitating the Outdoor Learning Environment ECE Network and administering the Outdoor Learning Environment Quality Seal program. 

 

Here at TXAEYC we believe quality outdoor learning environments are instrumental when it comes to preventing childhood obesity. The physical benefit is not the only outcome of outdoor learning, children also show improvements in their social/emotional functions as well as cognitively. By implementing the principles of outdoor learning, you are creating a space where children can focus on the foundation of their learning and interaction with nature.

 
The Outdoor Learning Environment ECE Network is a community filled with ECE professionals who are looking for support and resources to help them on the journey of naturalizing and improving their outdoor space. The support that this network houses focuses on actionable and accessible change to activate your outdoor space for outdoor learning and play. We understand that centers are at different stages in their journey, but nonetheless we still want to support in any way we can, because any improvement matters. 

The Outdoor Learning Environment Quality Seal Program gives ECE professionals and their centers the recognition for their hard work. By awarding recognition, we are creating a hopeful standard as to what a quality outdoor space should look like, and it allows the centers to market as such. Parents and families are constantly looking for a space that their children can thrive in, and centers who earn the Quality Seal should typically be on the top of that list. 

 

As a part of OLE! Texas, TXAEYC ensures that ECE providers have outdoor learning environment best practice sessions at TXAEYC conferences and supports roll out of these programs to acknowledge the many childcare programs and early childhood educators striving for higher quality outdoor learning environments so that ALL of our children have access to developmentally appropriate outdoor learning experiences!

Learn more about each program below: 


ECE Network Badge



The Outdoor Learning Environment ECE Network is a community of individuals and early learning programs passionate about getting children outside and interacting with nature. The network provides newsletters, free webinars, social media engagement, and resources. 

The purpose of this network is to provide support and partnerships so that centers have the ability and knowledge to reimagine and improve their outdoor space based on the 12 best practice indicators.

The network is open for anyone to join! To become part of the Outdoor Learning Environment ECE Network, sign on to the Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights in Early Education Childhood Education programs by using this form

Network

The Outdoor Learning Environment Quality Seal Program recognizes early care and education (ECE) centers that have high-quality outdoor learning environments aligned with best practice indicators.

The Quality Seal Program is open to all ECE centers and all ECE centers are invited to work towards earning this recognition! TXAEYC will guide you throughout the recognition process and support you in your efforts to improve and naturalize your outdoor learning environment.

An Outdoor Learning Environment Quality Seal will be awarded to an ECE center that meets the requirements for recognition. The Quality Seal is valid for a 5-year term, after which the center would need to re-apply for recognition.

Interested in starting your Quality Seal journey? To apply for recognition, ECE centers must complete the following steps: