Certificate in Nature-Based Early Childhood Education
The Nature-Based Early Childhood Education Certificate Program at Antioch University New England trains teachers, administrators, and founders of nature preschools and forest kindergartens. The forest kindergarten movement has been thriving in Europe for the last three decades and has taken root in the United States. Simultaneously, there has been a growing number of nature preschools in the United States. Both nature preschools and forest kindergartens have a uniquely different approach to curriculum than conventional indoor early childhood programs.
This degree is offered by Antioch University’s New England Campus.
Program Overview
The objective of the program is to make the courses as practical as possible. Therefore, the goal for each course will be to have each student generate a product that is tangibly useful in their work situation. This will include program brochures, policy development, business plans, curriculum documentation materials a la Reggio, grant proposals, and parent newsletters. Program faculty will provide assistance in content and tone so that founders of new programs can be supported in developing materials to launch their programs.
Related Centers and Institutes
Additional Information
Program Length
This is a teacher/administrator professional development option for current early childhood education professionals. The program takes 13 months and starts in the summer; courses are offered as continuing education credits or graduate school credits. Students are required to take 6 to 8 courses, and if the program is taken for credit, these courses will bear in the range of 12-15 credits. Participants who take these courses for credit will be able to transfer these credits into the Experienced Educators Program within five years if they are interested in a master’s degree (MEd).
This is a four-semester program. The program enrolls in the Summer or Spring term, with selected face-to-face weekend classes in Keene, NH, and required intensive face-to-face classes in Keene in July. Some elective classes are available online. Students take between 3 and 6 credits per term.
Looking for more than a certificate? Consider an MEd in Nature-Based Early Childhood Education.
The goals of this certificate program are:
- To create living examples, documentation, and research
- To provide training and professional development for teachers who wish to teach in nature preschools and forest kindergartens.
- To provide training and professional development for entrepreneurs and administrators who wish to create and administer nature preschools and forest kindergartens.
- To provide training and professional development for early childhood education professionals who would like to incorporate more nature/outdoors programming in their existing early childhood programs.
- To create a network of nature preschools and forest kindergartens in New England to support visitation and support.
- To create resources, (i.e. a website, policy books, parent education material) which support the development and evolution of these programs.
Faculty Spotlights
Ellen Doris
Core Faculty
Zoe Weil
Adjunct Faculty
Laura Thomas, MEd
Core Faculty
Rachel Van Hazinga, MEd
Adjunct Faculty
Admission
Education Programs at Antioch University New England value colleagueship and strong learning communities. We offer a 10% discount for 3 or more students from the same school or school district who attend any of our AUNE Education MEd or Certificate programs at the same time. Specific limitations and conditions apply. You can find more information here.
How to Apply
- Complete the online admissions application, including:
- Essay questions, admissions, and program-specific
- Resume/curriculum vitae (CV)
- Non-refundable $50 application fee
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities where you earned a degree or certificate.
- Email transcripts to [email protected] or
- Mail to Office of Admissions Antioch University New England 40 Avon Street Keene NH 03431-3516
- Two letters of recommendation are required from people who are in a position to evaluate your professional or academic work. The person making the recommendation may not be related to you.
- There are additional requirements for International applicants and applicants without a Bachelor’s degree.
- Interview with a faculty member of the department to which you seek entry if selected. This can be in person, by phone, or via Skype.
- Master’s and Certificate Programs do not require the GRE or any other standardized test for admissions. We consider all of your application materials and evaluate your academic potential in a variety of ways.
Official transcripts should be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to the Office of Admissions Antioch University New England 40 Avon Street Keene, New Hampshire 03431-3516. All application materials submitted become part of an applicant’s file and cannot be returned.
Application Deadlines
| Term | Date |
|---|---|
| Summer | May 1 |
| Fall | August 15 |
| Spring | December 1 |
Tuition & Financial Aid
A college education is an investment in your future. Let us help you understand the costs and explore the resources available to help make your college education even more affordable. The majority of AUNE students finance their education through some form of financial aid. You may not be sure which federal, state, public, and private aid packages – such as loans, scholarships, and grants – are right for you. Our staff is here to help you so you can focus on what’s most important: beginning your academic program at AUNE.
Cost
| Foundations of Education (Experienced Educators) Certificates | Tuition Cost per Credit | Total Program Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Problem Based Learning / Critical Skills Certificate | $816 | 15 |
| Educating for Sustainability Certificate | $816 | 12 |
| Place-based Education Certificate | $816 | 12 |
| Nature-Based Early Childhood Education Certificate | $816 | 12 |
| Mindfulness for Educators Graduate Certificate | $816 | 9 |
| Integrated STEAM Education Certificate | $816 | 15 |
| Certificate in Teaching and Learning | $816 | 15 |
| Certificate in Dyslexia Studies | $425 | 18 |
| Certificate in Reggio Emilia Approach | $816 | 18 |
| Certificate in Transformative Education | $816 | 9 |
| Certificate in Trauma Informed Education | $816 | 18 |
| View the Cost of Attendance Components | ||
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