Welcome to the Certification!

Registration Options

Upcoming Courses

About the Nature-Based Teacher Certification

Level 1 Introductory Course

The level 1 course provides a solid foundation of practices and skills to help practitioners delve into high-quality nature-based early childhood education. Level 1 is ideal for those working with children birth to age 8. This course is a pre-requisite for Levels 2 and 3.

Topics include working in and with the local landscape; risk management and safety routines; developmentally appropriate practices outside; emergent curriculum; licensing considerations; outdoor inquiry, literacy, creative arts, math, and games; making learning visible through documentation and assessment; breathing nature in classroom spaces; gear, supplies, and tools; honing naturalist skills and personal sense of wonder; and ways to support your learning community. We will also touch on relevant research, standards, NAEYC positions statements, and policies that impact delivery of nature-based ECE.

Level 2 Intermediate Course
is designed for participants who have already completed the intro credential. The intermediate course delves into more nuanced facets of running a nature-based program, managing/mentoring teachers, and promoting your program. During the registration process, you may also include special topics for deeper study. Participants will document outdoor teaching practices for an online learning component as part of the culminating credential. Topics include:

• Preparation of the Guide
  Reflective practices for deep, rich personal nature connection; approaches to hone clarity of mind, intentions, and purpose
   
• Teaching Practices & Outdoor Curriculum
  Emergent and intentional curriculum; application of skill development across developmental domains in outdoor settings
  
  
• Authentic Assessment & Documentation
  Assessment of child growth and development in the context of outdoor learning
  
  
• Administration
  Shaping your program’s vision; key considerations for nature-based administrators; hiring; on-going staff mentoring; staff and program evaluation
  
  
• Earth Skills & Handcrafts
  Practical skills using tools and local natural resources; fire-making, foraging, and cooking with young children
  
  
• Risk Management
  Health and safety topics; policies and procedures that protect children, families, and staff; special considerations for administrators
  
  
• Land Values & Stewardship
  Implementing and instilling sustainable approaches to sharing the land and its natural resources; local natural history, ecology, and conservation topics surround a given site; identification of native flora/fauna and ecological communities; cultural and ethical considerations about land use
  
  

Which format is right for you?

Schedules at a Glance

Schedules for Levels 1 & 2 courses
In-person training experience

We gather from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, with an altered schedule on Thursday, which includes program observations, afternoon sessions, and an evening earth skills night (until 9 p.m.). Yoga is included on select mornings from 7:45-8:30 a.m. 

Complete schedule, training agenda, and materials list is provided following registration.

Work Study Option
In-Person training experience

For those needing financial assistance to attend our in-person course sessions (please also see our scholarship opportunities) we now offer work study volunteer opportunities. Work study volunteers provide support during the course with set-up/clean-up, presenter support, meal preparation, and more. In exchange for volunteer hours, work study volunteers receive a discount on registration fees. For additional information, please contact our Programs Coordinator at programs@anbe.org.

Payment plans may be available upon request. Once a payment plan is initiated, remaining installments will be deducted automatically. The total tuition balance must be paid in full prior to attending the event. To inquire about a payment plan, please reach out to Jasmine Atkins at admin@anbe.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

If you've got questions, we've got answers! Review the frequently asked questions below. If you need to reach out, contact Kirsten Mize, Programs Coordinator at programs@anbe.org.

How do I obtain Nature-Based Teacher Certification (NBTC) status?

1) Complete the course. You may attend a live, weeklong training event or our six-week online option. Successful completion is determined by:

• Active participation and attendance for the full training; if you do not participate for the full training, you will not be eligible for full certification, which is for 36 clock hours
• Completion of assignments including journaling/reflective practice, readings, cohort projects, and action plans
• Demonstrate thorough understanding of nature-based education and pedagogy based on training experiences

2) Documentation of teaching requirements OR resume. This will vary depending on whether you work in a licensed setting or a non-licensed or informal setting.

For those working in a licensed setting, you may submit completion of early childhood training, often referred to as a 90-hour certification OR the equivalent Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. This ensures that participants have basic knowledge of early childhood education principles, which is required to work in a licensed setting.

For those working in a non-formal or unlicensed setting, you may submit a professional resume instead (e.g. home school parent, Montessori teacher, college student, outdoor educator, etc.). 

3) Current Infant/Child First Aid and CPR credentials.*
*Note: NBTC participants receive a discount on the first aid/CPR course offered by the Institute for WildMed. Participants also receive a discount on WildMed's wilderness first aid course. 

You must upload these documents to fulfill the certification requirements, so please be sure to have them available if you would like to receive full certification at the conclusion of the training. We will provide a training certificate to acknowledge either a "certificate of attendance" or "full certification". If you do not meet requirements stated above or some aspect is pending, we will award a certificate of attendance. If you would like the full certification, you may submit outstanding documents up to sixty days following the final day of your course for full certification status. Participants who successfully complete the training and provide required documentation will receive full certification.

Who should attend?

Educators, administrators, and child care providers are ideal participants for the Nature-based Teacher Certification. Others who could benefit include: parents, camp leaders, church leaders, retired teachers, scout leaders, after school youth programmers, etc. The course is designed for practitioners working in a range of learning environments including nature preschools, forest kindergartens, traditional preschools, public schools, childcare centers, or daycare settings. Participants will consider their unique locations to determine how to make the most of their indoor and outdoor learning environments.

Who are the trainers?

Experienced nature-based educators and naturalists from across the region share their knowledge throughout the course. You can count on outstanding expertise throughout your course experience. Details are forthcoming for registered participants.

How long is the certification current?

The certification is good for (3) three years from date of completion. After that, you must take the Level 2 certification (good for another three years) or at least 12 clock hours of nature-based training with ANBE each year thereafter to remain current. 

When can I expect to receive my certification after taking the course?

Be sure you have submitted all required coursework within the 60-day time frame. We review each submission carefully, so it can take thirty to sixty days before you receive a response. If you have questions about the status of a submission, contact teachertraining@anbe.org.