Outdoor Preschool Licensure
Oregon Passes Momentous Outdoor Preschool Legislation
The Outdoor Early Learning Alliance of Oregon expects new licensure rules to open up critical outdoor learning experiences for the next generation.
The new law adds “outdoor childcare programs” to the definition of a childcare facility, permitting outdoor preschools to become fully licensed. The Early Learning Council will adopt rules governing the certification of outdoor childcare programs, which will become operative on July 1, 2025.
Providing a path to licensure for outdoor preschools means that outdoor preschools can offer full day options and serve more children. It will help increase the state’s capacity for child care by offering an alternative, accessible option for parents who need full day care but are currently unable to access it.
What is Outdoor Preschool?
Outdoor preschool is a preschool that meets either entirely or primarily outside. Also called “forest kindergartens,” this model has been around for decades and offers children the unique health benefits of time in nature along with the skills your kid needs to succeed in school. Many of the physical, cognitive, and social development benefits are unique from those in a traditional indoor environment.
Why does Oregon need licensed outdoor preschool?
Outdoor preschool licensure is a simple way to increase childcare capacity and equity in our state.
Licensed Outdoor Preschool is Accessible
It’s official: there’s a severe shortage of preschool options in Oregon. There’s currently only capacity to serve 1 in every 5 young children who need child care throughout the state, and with physical space for child care centers limited, outdoor preschool provides an alternative that could help close that gap.
Providing a path to licensure for outdoor preschools would allow existing outdoor preschools to operate for full days and serve more children. It would help increase the state’s capacity for child care by offering an alternative, accessible option for parents who need full day care but are currently unable to access it.
Licensure also means low-income families and children enrolled in services such as Early Intervention will have access to outdoor preschool through subsidized systems that provide financial support, personalized coaching, and resources to the child’s learning experience. Currently, many funding avenues and resources are unavailable to nonlicensed programs. Licensure offers equal access to outdoor educational spaces that will better support and empower children, families, and their caregivers.
Licensed Outdoor Preschool is Affordable
In Oregon, the average annual cost of child care is over $14,000, twice as expensive as public university tuition. Though both the state and federal governments offer childcare subsidies and waivers to help offset the costs of childcare, less than 1 in 5 Oregon children who qualify are actually enrolled in programs that accept these subsidies. When combined with the shortage of available preschool options throughout the state, many Oregon families aren’t able to find an affordable solution to childcare, and our kids are the ones being left behind.
Outdoor preschools operate without the high costs associated with building rent and maintenance, utilities, etc. Lower building expenses mean that outdoor preschools can invest more money where it really matters: on hiring and retaining quality teachers and instructors to help facilitate your child’s early learning.
Licensed Outdoor Preschool is Equitable
Offering parents the power to choose where to send their children for preschool is a matter of equity. While several outdoor preschools already operate around the state, they aren’t able to meet licensure requirements that were specifically designed with indoor spaces in mind. (For example, it’s hard to ensure there aren’t insects in the child’s play area when the play area is a forest!)
No licensure option means these preschools can only operate for half days, and they are unable to accept state or federal child care resources or apply for programs like Preschool Promise or Preschool for All. This translates to outdoor preschools in Oregon being unavailable for families who rely on these programs, or who need to work full days and are unable to afford only half-day care.
Outdoor experiences are good for children’s physical, cognitive, and social development in ways that are unique from a traditional indoor environment. Yet many families lack access to outdoor and nature-based experiences, and these inequities often fall across socioeconomic and racial lines. By licensing outdoor preschools, we’re creating equitable and accessible opportunities for all families.
We Did It!
In 2023, Oregon passed HB 2717A. Oregon is now the third state to have licensed outdoor preschool, after Washington and a new pilot program in Maryland. Thank you to the many advocates who flexed their civic muscle during the 2023 legislative session.
“Kids need access to the outdoors and this bill provides a pathway for expanded outdoor early learning programs. Licensure pathways for outdoor preschools is an exciting solution for Oregon, where we are so fortunate to have so many amazing natural areas that we can leverage for high-quality early learning opportunities. This bill removes barriers and increases access to preschool offerings in our state.”
