The North American Association for Environmental Education produced Early Childhood Environmental Education Programs: Guidelines for Excellence in 2010. The publication provides guidelines for developmentally appropriate environmental education activities for young children. Along with health and safety considerations, the guidelines discuss child-directed, inquiry-based programming planned with the whole child in mind. The guidelines address the benefits of outdoor play for children, along with the role of adults in fostering outdoor play. NAAEE recommends a curricular framework fosters growth and development across social-emotional, cognitive, physical, and language domains. Programs that engage all five senses, motor development, math, and music are recommended, along with programs that encourage observation, invite curiosity, and help children to develop a sense of place.
North American Association for Environmental Education. Guidelines for Excellence in Early Childhood EE Programs. Washington, DC: North American Association for Environmental Education, 2010. Web. 6 April 2016.
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