Nature Play Regional Listening Session

Illinois is in the process of launching a new Department of Early Childhood. Preschool licensing will be overseen by the new state agency. There is an opportunity to update current licensing standards to give clear legal standing to outdoor nature-based programs.

Outdoor ECEC practitioners have first hand knowledge of the health and developmental benefits of nature play. The state of Illinois wants to build a nurturing system for healthy, high quality childcare. We have a responsibility to share our knowledge and experience for the benefit of all Illinois kids and families.

The Transition Advisory Committee (TAC) is responsible for getting the new agency up and running. They are currently soliciting input about parent and provider needs via Regional Listening Sessions. We’re invited to assemble our community and give feedback about what we want the new agency to do.

The Nature Play Regional Listening Session is an opportunity to find out more about the new Department of Early Childhood and to contribute to the statewide conversation about what an equitable system for high quality early learning looks like. Join us on 9/23 from 7-8:30pm via Zoom.

In this meeting, we'll be following a template provided by the TAC.