2016 Conference Participants Shared:
“I am completely enamored. I am walking away with insight, tools, and happiness.”
"This conference has opened my eyes about outdoor play!”
“Seeing the space, materials, and the many creative ways the outdoor areas are set up expanded my outdoor ideas to work with children. I am leaving with a list of things I want to add to our center.”
WHEN
Full-Day Conference
Saturday, January 28, 2017
8:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Check-in, breakfast, networking, and self-guided tour of the Child Educational Center yards from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. The conference starts promptly at 8:45 a.m.
Special Half-Day Outdoor Classroom Observation and Workshop Option Available for Directors and Site Supervisors
Friday, January 27, 2017
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
This workshop has reached capacity. Please email our office to be placed on the wait-list.
626.296.1770
outdoor-classroom@caltech.edu
The Outdoor Classroom Project is dedicated to increasing the quantity, quality, and benefit of outdoor experiences for children in early care and education programs through providing education and consulting services on the value and design of engaging outdoor learning environments and programs to teachers, administrators, and parents.
We believe that all children need and benefit from more time outdoors and that full development and integration of outdoor and indoor programs creates the optimal learning and growing environment for young children.
There will be exciting new workshops for returning and experienced participants and entry level workshops for those just beginning their Outdoor Classroom. A major focus will be on supporting the physical and psychological well-being of children through play and learning in natural outdoor classrooms, creating and enhancing robust outdoor environments and programs that provide opportunities for children to develop a meaningful, personal connection to the natural world. Learn how nature connections and spending regular time outdoors helps children experience a deep appreciation for life and develop greater compassion for themselves and others. Experience how you can bring magic to ECE programs, manifesting a community of joyful and successful learners that includes children, teachers, and parents alike.
Early childhood professionals will be able to connect with ECE professionals experienced with outdoor classrooms to gain enhanced skills for creating nurturing outdoor spaces for children and bring more joy and effectiveness to their work with children.
Conference activities will include:
Come reconnect with your sense of play and join the fun!
ADDITIONAL HALF-DAY OUTDOOR CLASSROOM OBSERVATION AND WORKSHOP FOR DIRECTORS AND SITE SUPERVISORS
The Friday 1/2 Day Directors Workshop has reached capacity. Please email our office to be placed on the waitlist.
This morning workshop will be led by Eric Nelson, Director of the Outdoor Classroom Project, and will provide participants the unique opportunity to observe the CEC program in action. Enrollment is limited to 30 participants; each participant will have the benefit of open observation of the staff and children engaged in the outdoor classroom. Please note: Only one person from a center may attend this Friday event.
The fee for the Friday Directors workshop is $110. If the Director also attends the Saturday Conference, the half-day workshop is only $60!
CONFERENCE DATE/TIME
Full-Day Conference
Saturday, January 28, 2017
8:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Registration, CEC yard tours, media display viewing, store, networking, and a light continental breakfast will begin at 7:30 a.m. The conference is from 8:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Half-Day Outdoor Classroom Observation and Workshop for Directors and Site Supervisors - Reached capacity. Please email our office to be placed on the waitlist.
Friday, January 27, 2017
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
LOCATION
The Child Educational Center - Outdoor Classroom Project Model Site
Oak Grove Elementary School Site
140 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada-Flintridge, CA 91011
CONTACT
Lynn Farwell
outdoor-classroom@caltech.edu or lfarwell@caltech.edu
626.296.1770 or 661.360.3573
Early Bird Registration: $219 Good for the period 10/20 - 11/23/16 (Closed)
General Registration Price: $249 Good for the period 11/24 - 1/20/17
Late Bird Registration: $329 Good for the period 1/21 - 1/28/17
A group discount is available for 6 or more staff from a center. Please contact us to arrange.
OCP DEMONSTRATION & RECOGNIZED SITE DISCOUNT (Demonstration Site Network staff receive a 10% discount.)
DSN Early Bird Registration: $197 Good for the period 10/20 - 11/23/16 (Closed)
DSN Full Registration Price: $224 Good for the period 11/24 - 1/20/17
DSN Late Bird Registration: $296 Good for the period 1/21 - 1/28/17
The full-day program includes: opening session, workshops, continental breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, resource package, tours of CEC yards, closing session, resource book & display room, raffle prizes, and Certificate of Completion for 7 hours of professional development credit.
ADDITIONAL HALF-DAY OUTDOOR CLASSROOM OBSERVATION AND WORKSHOP FOR DIRECTORS AND SITE SUPERVISORS - FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017
$60 WITH full-day Saturday registration
$110 half-day Friday workshop ONLY
This workshop has reached capacity. Please email our office to be placed on the waitlist.
REGISTRATION
Due to space limitations, enrollment is limited. First registered, first served. Conference registration will be closed when full. "Wait List" registration will be taken once the conference capacity has been reached, so please register early. The Conference filled to capacity the past two years. Each person attending from your center must register individually, using separate email addresses.
In order to receive regular updates regarding the workshop, it is important to follow these three steps:
1. When registering please use an email address OTHER THAN your center's main email
address.
2. Please also register using an address that does not block incoming emails.
3. Add outdoor-classroom@caltech.edu to your accepted addresses to receive emails.
Cancellation Policy: You can obtain a partial refund of your fee minus a $35 administrative charge as late as Monday, January 16th. A cancellation request must be submitted, via email, to our office. Beginning January 17th, any fee paid is non-refundable.