Licensing Outdoor Preschools Increases Childcare Capacity
Childcare capacity is not just about how many slots, but where slots are filled.
There are outdoor preschools in both urban and rural parts of Oregon. Many rural outdoor preschools have long waitlists and provide care in “childcare deserts.”
In areas where facilities are hard to come by — either because rent is expensive or there isn’t enough infrastructure — outdoor preschools allow schools to provide, safe, high quality care in the out of doors.
Licensure would allow families to choose outdoor preschools through Preschool Promise, Preschool for All, or other important programs.
“I love the children’s ability to use their imagination to play with whatever the forest has to offer - sticks, stones, leaves, and water. We’re fortunate to have a fairy stream in our classroom.”