Nov 09, 2024  
University Catalog 2021-2022 
    
University Catalog 2021-2022 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Nature-Based Early Childhood Education, Certificate


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Certificate in Nature Based Early Childhood Education
Location:
AU New England
Credits for Degree: 12-15 semester credits
Standard Mode of Instruction: Online, classroom
Standard time to completion: 16 months

Program Overview

This certificate can be added to the M.Ed. in Elementary Education if students take all required courses and include nature-based early childhood electives in their course plan. Students should speak to their advisor regarding details.

The Certificate in Nature-Based Early Childhood Education 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.

This is a four semester program. The program enrolls in the Summer or Spring term, with selected face-to-face weekend classes in Keene, NH, and required intensive face-to-face classes in Keene in July. Some elective classes are available online. Students take between 3 and 6 credits per term.

Current Tuition and Fees

University Tuition and Fees  

Plan of Study


To earn the Certificate in Nature-Based Early Childhood Education, students must successfully complete a total of 12-15 credits as outlined below.

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