The Outdoor Learning Environment Early Childhood Education Network (ECE Network) fosters collaboration among Pathfinders and agencies to transform traditional outdoor playgrounds into dynamic outdoor learning environments that ignite outdoor play, movement and nature-based learning in early childhood programs across the state.

The ECE Network is partly funded through Texas Department of Health and Human Services as part of the long standing OLE! Texas initiative. OLE! Texas is based on the Preventing Obesity by Design (POD) model, which is associated with higher levels of physical activity and a 22 percent reduction in sedentary behavior among preschoolers. OLE! Texas mission is to create high-quality outdoor learning environments at every child care center and home in Texas to support physical activity and healthy childhood development for all our littlest Texans.

Why is outdoor learning and increased movement important?

• As of 2023 there is an estimated 16,000 licensed childcare center and home operations in Texas. Over 1.2 million little Texans attend these operations who can benefit from this work.
• More than 1 in 5 U.S. children ages 2 – 5 years are overweight or obese.
• Research shows outdoor time in intentionally designed spaces increases physical activity among preschoolers.
• Research indicates that gardening programs in childcare programs result in better eating habits and inspires families to garden at home.

OLE! Best Practice Indicators for high quality outdoor spaces:

1. Ten or More Play and Learning Settings
2. Looping, Curvy Primary Pathway
3. Multipurpose Lawn
4. Shady Settings (other than trees)
5. Natural, Loose Materials
6. Wheeled Toys, Portable Play Equipment and Play Materials
7. Support of Gross Motor Activities
8. Sufficient Trees
9. Edible Fruiting Tree Species
10. Shrubs, Vines, and Ornamental Grasses
11. Designed Vegetable Garden
12. Enclosed Outdoor Storage and Classroom Space

We invite early childhood educators to become a network Pathfinder to gain exclusive access to a powerful toolkit of resources, designed to support programs in implementing the steps to success!

Together, let's make a difference!

Benefits for Pathfinders include:

• A bank of resources that offer ideas and support in developing your outdoor learning environment
• Access to the latest research and articles about the benefits of nature play
• Access to events and webinars for ongoing professional development
• In person and virtual meetups for networking and support
• A quarterly newsletter listing network news and events, highlighting member projects and more!

Sample Pathfinder resources from the ECE Network:

The Texas Tech Coalition for Natural Learning has created a guided tour of these Best Practice Indicators

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has created a child friendly plant list to help you choose plants for your outdoor learning environment.

USDA edible plants by season and trees: Farm Fresh Challenge Resources

Additional Information

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and The Natural Learning Initiative (NLI) in the College of Design at NC State University have partnered to develop this exciting innovation in Texas. The project brings to Texas the following components: Texas Professional Development Opportunities, Outdoor Learning Environment Design - Online Certificate, POD Train-the-Trainer (TTT) Series and Development of Demonstration Sites, and The Regulatory Framework for Outdoor Learning Environments in Texas Childcare Facilities and the Early Childhood Education Outdoor Learning Environments Network (ECE Network) to support childcare centers and early childhood programs across Texas in developing high quality outdoor spaces.

To learn more about contact Beth Edwards Outdoor Learning Environments Early Childhood Education Manager.

Visit the links listed below that provide guidance and resources on outdoor learning environments efforts in Texas.

• NLI Texas Collaboration Project
• NLI Benefits of Connecting Children with Nature
• Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity: Data, Trends and Maps
• Backyard Guide developed by NLI
• TED talk by NLI
• Risk and Regulatory Report
• Nature Rocks Texas
• Growing Up Wild professional development for childcare providers
• Article on Natural Play Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine
• Texas Water Smart

Please have a look at these two short videos to get a better sense of the project and how it can help transform childcare centers into Outdoor Learning Environments.

• NLI POD video
• NLI Nilda Cosco TED Talk:

Partners, such as Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas Tech University, University of Texas School of Public Health, Texas Association for the Education of Young Children, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - The University of Texas at Austin, Natural Learning Initiative in North Carolina, Texas Department of Agriculture, Texas Workforce Commission, Healthy Living Matters, Harris County Public Health, United Way for Greater Austin, Texas Nursery & Landscape Association, San Antonio Zoo, Botanical Research Institute of Texas, and Texas Department of State Health Services, have ALL committed to supporting OLE! Texas.