Apply for Certification
Grounded in over a decade of research and field-testing, the Nature Explore Classroom Certification Program is a national initiative of Dimensions Educational Research Foundation.
Benefits of Certification
When you become a Certified Nature Explore Classroom, you will receive:
- A designated page on the Nature Explore website highlighting your program and outdoor classroom.
- Official Certified Nature Explore Classroom sign, certificate and logo.
- Recognition in a press release.
- Opportunities to share ideas and advocate with other organizations in the network.
Certification Requirements Include:
1) Well-designed outdoor space — Provide evidence that principles from the Learning with Nature Idea Book were used in the design of new spaces, or the redesign of existing spaces. For renewal, provide evidence of annual maintenance.
2) Staff development — Provide evidence that staff have attended the Nature Explore Using Your Outdoor Classroom or Learning Outdoors with Infants and Toddlers
in-person workshop or two* online workshops.
*One of the workshops must be Using Your Outdoor Classroom or Supporting Infants and Toddlers. The other may be any online workshop of your choice.
For renewal, provide evidence of annual professional development relating to nature education.
3) Family involvement — Provide evidence that activities or materials designed to increase family awareness and involvement in nature education for young children are provided regularly.