This conference will explore how to implement outdoor activities with early learning programs.WW

Keynote Speaker:  ECHO – Adrienne Sedlak

“Building an Outdoor Classroom from the Ground Up”

Learn how the power of patience and perseverance paved the way for play and possibility as one program designed an Outdoor Classroom in partnership with teachers, families and the community. We will discuss everything from architecture to financing to gardening and design. The presentation will culminate with a video of the project from start to finish.

Competencies:  Child, Growth & Development. Family & Community Partnerships. Teaching Practices.

“Playground Safety”

This course was developed for Child Care Providers according to Colorado State Licensing Regulations and Consumer Product and Safety Commission (CPSC) best practices. This course will give you the knowledge and tools to identify hazards and actively manage and maintain playgrounds to keep children safe.

Competencies:  Health, safety and nutrition

“Quality Outdoor Environments, Assessment Tools and Colorado Shines”

This presentation will help participants understand the importance of assessing and maintaining a quality outdoor environment by using the Preschool Outdoor Enviroment Measurement Scale.  We will look at how to use the tool to assess your outdoor space, creating a quality improvement plan and how this tool can be used to earn points in Colorado Shines.   The learning objectives are as follows: 1. Through review of the POEMS tool participants will have a basic understanding of how to assess the quality of their outdoor learning environments. 2. Quality environments will be discussed to assist participants with determining areas for improvement within their own programs. 3.  By comparing the POEMS, CPSI and Colorado Shines requirements participants will understand how to earn points towards their quality rating.

Competencies:  HSN8.1: Describes learning opportunities for all children that integrate physical development within all curriculum areas, outdoors and indoors, and using both fine and gross motor skills.