Gathering for Our Planet & Young Children Deb Norris August 30, 2023

Are you eager to learn more about the resources and systems that exist in Vermont to support nature based approaches for young children? Ready to gather in person and connect with other early childhood educators who value nature and sustainability as a way to help children feel connected to the earth? VTAEYC Exchange Fellow April Zajko, M.Ed. will be offering four in-person sessions around Vermont and one virtual session of the workshop Gathering for Our Planet & Young Children. Participants will engage in a facilitated conversation defining nature based early childhood education (NBECE) and the existing resources and supports that exist in Vermont. Participants will divide into small groups to focus on challenges they are facing in implementing NBECE. Each group will identify gaps or obstacles that they face and identify supports or resources that can support them in overcoming those barriers. As we wrap up our time together, we will engage in a nature connection game to identify one action we will take to widen our circle. Following the workshop, we will ask each participant to complete a short survey, sent via email, that will help identify other supports and systems that are needed to implement NBECE for more of Vermont's young children.