Outdoor Play

Outdoor Play Strategy: Phase 2 (2021-2023)

From 2021 to 2023, the Lawson Foundation implemented the second phase of its Outdoor Play Strategy, investing $4.95 million in eight demonstration projects across Canada. These projects aimed to build capacity within Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) by supporting educators and institutions in embedding outdoor play into their practices.

Phase 2 emphasized adults’ critical role in enabling high-quality outdoor play experiences. It addressed gaps in training and resources, ensuring educators and caregivers were equipped to support outdoor play in licensed child care settings.

Final Report and Knowledge Translation Resources

An evaluation of Phase 2 by Taylor Newberry Consulting captured key learnings from the eight projects, emphasizing the role of values-driven approaches, collaboration, and professional development in promoting high-quality outdoor play.

The final report and additional knowledge translation resources shared below offer insights and recommendations for future efforts, along with practical resources for ELCC professionals and policymakers.

Outdoor Play Strategy 2.0 Full Report

Outdoor Play Strategy 2.0 Full Report (French Translation)

Executive Summary and Press Release

Executive Summary (French Translation)

Practical Resource for ECE Leaders

Briefing Note for Policymakers

Transforming Post-Secondary Early Childhood Education

As the OPS Phase 2 drew to a close, the Lawson Foundation convened a working group to develop a framework to transform post-secondary ECE education in Canada, equipping Early Childhood Educators to implement Outdoor and Land-based approaches and guiding senior administrators and policymakers to support these practices through necessary policy and practice changes.

This led to the development of More Than a New Course: A Framework for Embedding Outdoor and Land-based Pedagogies in Post-Secondary ECE Programs., which can be accessed below.

Executive Summary and Press Release

More Than a New Course: A Framework for Embedding Outdoor and Land-based Pedagogies in Post-Secondary ECE Programs

Bien plus qu’un nouveau cours : Un schéma pour intégrer les pédagogies inspirées de la Terre et de l’éducation en plein air aux programmes postsecondaires en EPE

Staff Contact

Christine Alden

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Related News and Updates

Report | Funding for Outdoor Play in Canada

Report | Funding for Outdoor Play in Canada

"Funding for Outdoor Play in Canada" supports funders and grant seekers in finding common ground and building partnerships to advance the multiple issue areas that overlap with outdoor play July 29, 2021 - A new report from The Lawson Foundation and Outdoor Play...

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