MEd for Experienced Educators, Nature-Based Early Childhood Education
Use Nature to Inspire and Grow Young Learners
Using nature as a method to achieve educational results is a powerful methodology that builds upon the tradition of using the outdoors to inspire young learners. Positioning nature at the heart of the curriculum stimulates creativity, arouses curiosity, and gives children a deep respect for the outdoors. Nature preschools and forest kindergartens are trending in the United States, and their progressive approach to education has fueled a rise in interest. Become part of this powerful, environmentally focused movement.
This degree is offered by Antioch University’s New England Campus.
Program Overview
The Nature-Based Early Childhood Education concentration 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 recently 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. 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
This program can be completed in 5-7 semesters. Students may begin in any semester. Some classes are offered online, and some classes are face-to-face in Keene, NH, on selected Fall and Spring weekends and for weeklong intensives in July. Students typically take 3-6 credits per term.
If you choose to come to a summer residency instead of doing your program fully online, you can expect one or two weeks of a retreat-like experience in beautiful Keene, NH. Small classes offer lots of hands-on activities, community-based learning opportunities, and a socially engaging week of meeting with your online classmates and AUNE faculty. In most concentrations, you can choose whether to attend face-to-face classes for either one or two weeks in the summer, and you don’t have to decide in advance. You can consult with your adviser and see what fits your schedule and learning style best.
Summer Residency Courses are held the first two full weeks of July following the week of the Fourth of July holiday- typically the first and second or second and third weeks of the month. Depending on your program, you can attend for the first or second week or come for both weeks.
Not ready to commit to a full Master’s Degree program?
Consider beginning with a certificate in any of our concentration areas.
Connect with Us
Faculty Spotlights
Paul Bocko, Ph.D.
Director
Laura Thomas, MEd
Core Faculty
Ellen Doris
Core Faculty
Mary Pat Champeau
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 Degree | Tuition Cost per Credit | Total Program Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MEd for Experienced Educators | $816 | 33 |
| View the Cost of Attendance Components | ||
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