Professional Development

Do you want professional training in nature-based early childhood education, early childhood environmental education, forest school teaching, or related disciplines? There are a variety of opportunities, from bachelors degrees to university certificate programs, certifications offered by organizations, and shorter-term workshops, institutes, and courses.

Do you have a training opportunity to share with the community? Use the link to the right to submit it!

 

Bachelors Degrees, University Certificates, and Certification Programs

 

Ongoing Workshops

 

Upcoming Workshops

2025

June

Nature-Based Prek Certification

June 16, 2025 to June 20, 2025
30 N. 152nd Ave.
Holland, MI 49424
 Transform your teaching with hands-on nature-based education. ODC Network is proud to offer a five-day Nature-Based PreK Certification designed for teachers, administrators, college students, and ISD professionals eager to learn more about the foundations of nature-based education and outdoor skill-building with students in a hands-on, innovative way. This unique program provides practical tools, outdoor skills, and a deep understanding of nature-based education to help you create transformative learning experiences for young children.

July

ECO Institute: Natural History Fundamentals for Educators

July 21, 2025 to July 25, 2025
713 Elm Street
Montpelier, VT 05602
 The purpose of this course is to deepen our understanding of the natural landscape and learn how to utilize this knowledge to build a partnership with the land that meets the needs of all students. Participants will develop a foundation of natural history knowledge through immersive study of bird language, tree and plant identification, wild edible safety, geology, and stream ecology. We will practice techniques for achieving a deeper level of inquiry and observation in nature while learning hands-on methods for embedding this knowledge into outdoor lessons and making classroom connections. The routines that we build throughout the week are designed to deepen your class’s sense of place within the outdoor learning environment. During...

October

IPA USA 2025 CONFERENCE

October 22, 2025 to October 25, 2025
Kentucky Science Center W/TH/Sat
Bernheim Arboretum FR
Louisville, KY 40202
 The IPA USA, Right 2 Play, RIGHT NOW October 22-25, 2025 The call for Proposals is now open. Submit a proposal for the IPA USA 2025 Conference in Louisville, KY - deadline May 1st--- Copy and paste this link - https://ipausa.org/events/2025-ipa-usa-conference/2025-call-for-presentations/ Thursday sessions will take place at the Kentucky Science Center Friday presentations at Bernheim Arboretum - 17 acre nature playground.

November

4 Seasons of Indigenous Learning 2025-2026 Course

November 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026
Beginning in the Fall and running until the Spring each year, this course serves to support participants in deepening their understanding of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives while strengthening connections with the local Land and supporting more respectful, reciprocal relationships. Learn more & register: https://outdoorlearning.com/4-seasons/