eeCOURSES

eeCourses and other classes offer online, flexible, and ongoing professional development opportunities for formal and non-formal educators. Each course is designed to develop key competencies and skills in a specific subject or focus area. Take a look at what we have to offer.

This course runs from September 21 - November 22, 2026.

Deadline to register is September 18, 2026

Cost - $65 for PAEE Members, $100 for nonmembers, 15 Hours ACT 48 available ($10)

About This Program

This course provides foundational knowledge of theory, practice, and research on the emerging field of nature-based learning for young children in formal and non-formal settings.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Identify Developmentally Appropriate Practice with children and explain its importance.
Demonstrate an understanding of relevant research and various theories of child development and the intersection with nature-based play.
Evaluate play affordances in nature and how those connect to learning domains.
Explain the benefits of Environmental Education and nature-based play and learning in Early Childhood.

This course is made up of 6 modules outlined below.

Module 1: Child Development Theories & the Children and Nature Movement
Module 2: Analyzing Outdoor Spaces
Module 3: Risk v. Hazard and Children & Nature Design Principles
Module 4: Outdoor Learning Spaces for Formal and Non-formal Educators
Module 5: Introduction to Early Childhood EE
Module 6: Introduction to Early Childhood Education for Sustainability (ECEfS)

This course runs from October 4 - November 20, 2026.

Deadline to register is October 1, 2026

Cost - $65 for PAEE Members, $100 for nonmembers, 10 Hours ACT 48 available ($10)

This course uses the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework to guide the design of learning environments that are accessible and challenging for all, rather than making modifications for individual students. UDL improves and optimizes teaching and learning for all people based on scientific insights into how humans learn, giving all students equal opportunity to succeed. This course is designed to encourage you to reflect deeply on your practice to focus on how you plan and teach to support all learners. The course content and associated assignments are geared towards practicing environmental and outdoor educators. We hope this course will inspire you to strengthen your pedagogical practices so they are more welcoming, inclusive, and accessible.