Nature and Science Experiences for Infants and Toddlers Deb Norris November 9, 2020

Incorporating nature and science experiences within the infant and toddler curriculum can feel extremely challenging at times. Early Childhood Educators worry about keeping children safe, while still providing meaningful materials and activities. During part one of this two-part workshop, we will explore the expectations articulated by the Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale, Third Edition (ITERS-3). We will also look at different materials and activities that educators can incorporate into daily practice to create and build upon current nature and science experiences. Participants will then use this knowledge to create and implement a nature/science activity with their children, or create a nature/science interest center in their classroom. In part two of this training, participants will come together to share their experiences with creating an experience or interest center for nature/science for the children in their classroom. Participants should email photographs or other pieces of evidence to the presenter (nikki@mjccvt.org) by Friday, December 11, 2020. Our discussion will center around what worked well with incorporating nature and science in the infant/toddler classroom, and what still needs work. 3 professional development hours will be available to participants who complete all portions of this training: 1 hour training on 12/2, 1 hour of implementation of knowledge learned, and 1 hour training on 12/16.