Testimony
HB 2717B passed the Oregon House on June 13, 2023. Check out the House Floor Letter carried by Representative Neron with a list of supporting organizations.
Do you think its important for more families to have access to outdoor preschool programs?
“Yes. It's a healthier way to spend the day outside. Whether it be with nature in a forest or playing at a playground. My son was fortunate to attend a Farm Kindergarten. It helped encourage a healthy work ethic, as well as a feeling of empathy as they tended to sheep and chickens year-round on a daily basis through sun, wind, rain, and snow.”
— Green Meadow Waldorf School
“Yes. Once children come home from school or daycare, busy parents often don't have the bandwidth to take their children outdoors, and screen time is on the rise. For children to get sufficient time outdoors, they need to get it during school hours, especially when daylight hours in the winter months are during school hours.”
— Acorn Waldorf School
“Absolutely. All children deserve outdoor access. What feels to us like a standard practice, daily access to lot of outdoors time with plenty of freedom to move, should really be more of a requirement in early childhood and less of an exception.”
— Little Root Children
“Yes. Many children do not have access to outdoor settings because parents expressed they must accompany their child when outdoors and simply do not have the time. Outdoor preschool programs would allow children to be outdoors in a safe environment.”
— Mid-Columbia Children's Council