Okay, so we want young children to #ThriveOutside... but what does that look like in small, urban spaces? Like this! And federal funding is available to support this in #earlyed!

"Time spent in high-quality outdoors spaces improves physical health, especially the immune system which has never more important than today. We know that children are 22% more likely to engage in moderate to vigorous activity playing outdoors." - From Early Childhood Health Outdoors (ECHO) #ThriveOutside

This is more than adding some sticks and rocks to playgrounds. We maximize the positive benefits for young children when place meets practice. It’s critical that providers have access to professional development that empowers them to engage young children outside. #ThriveOutside

"We have places that are quiet, sheltered, and that children can escape to." – Kim Shaw, Owner, A Safe Place Child Enrichment Center, Raleigh NC #ThriveOutside

Here's anecdotal evidence of small #childcare centers making outdoor learning environments a reality! "We are a small center... We wanted to create as many 'yes' 's as possible and so we said that outside, YES you can, jump, play and shout!" -Kim, #ThriveOutside

And here's evidence of state-level government taking interest in outdoor learning possibilities for young children too! #ECE From the CO Dept of Education at #ThriveOutside event:

“Some of the opportunities children have to climb trees, splash in puddles – you need to embrace and create these opportunities for safe risk-taking in outdoor play.” – Kim Shaw, Owner, A Safe Place Child Enrichment Center, Raleigh NC #ThriveOutside

If you need to win over the hearts and minds of your state policymakers to support #EarlyChildhoodEducation being outside, connect them with places like Washington state who has made it happen! Great ideas and points by Aliza Yair of WA State Department of Children, Youth & Families at #ThriveOutside

Thank you so much to everyone who joined our webinar this morning! We will be uploading a full recording to our website soon for all to watch. #ThriveOutside

Join us, along with Child Care Aware of America, on Friday, May 6 at 1 pm ET to say #thankyouchildcare and celebrate all that #childcare providers have done in the past year. hubs.li/Q018_FxC0

Today is #ProviderAppreciationDay! Skilled and dedicated early educators help our children learn and grow, supporting their healthy development with the skills they need to take on the world! Thank you to #childcare providers - the profession that makes all other work possible.

It takes a big heart to help shape little minds. #ThankYouChildCare! #ProviderAppreciationDay

Q4: More than 90% of child care providers are women, and 40% are people of color. In what ways did you see models of or movement toward a more equitable child care system? Or, how would you like to see change? #ThankYouChildCare

A4 If you want to explore further, view our racial justice webinar series, featuring honest dialogue with experts in the field about the mental health & health trauma that exists because of systemic racism. hubs.li/Q019Lpjz0 #ThankYouChildCare

Child Care Aware of America #Minnesota still has a lot of work to do, especially since the pandemic exacerbated existing racial disparities. Community Solutions Grant Program is one promising policy for supporting young children. Need to continue to remove barriers for BIPOC educators. #ThankYouChildCare

PAY PROVIDERS MORE! Over half of early educators rely on public assistance, and, on average, they make $13.51/hour (data: CSCCE at UC Berkeley). To make the model more equitable, we must commit to paying educators like the professionals they are. #ThankYouChildCare #ThinkBabies

ECHO is hiring! The National Wildlife Federation is seeking an experienced and innovative individual to lead Early Childhood Health Outdoors and foster nationwide efforts to improve and activate children’s built environments. See more info here: nwf.org/ECHO/Connect/j….