Taking the First Step Outside
Hosted and Facilitated by Nathalie James, ECC Coach | Parent & Family Relationships Specialist
Event Details
Stepping into outdoor learning can feel exciting, but also overwhelming. Taking the First Step Outside is designed to support early childhood educators in confidently beginning (or re-igniting) their journey with outdoor environments.
This session offers a grounded, realistic look at the common barriers educators face: such as access, time, safety concerns, and confidence, and provides practical, achievable ways to move forward.
Through reflection, discussion, and actionable strategies, participants will explore how to build their own outdoor awareness while discovering how nature can become an extension of their everyday learning environments, both outside and indoors.
Location
Online Webinar on Zoom
Date + Time
Thursday, May 14th, 2026
6:30pm - 7:30pm EST
Fee
This event is $10.00.
Who is this session for?
- Early Childhood Educators
- Early Childhood Leaders
- Supervisors
- Directors
- Childcare Owners
Meet Our Host & Facilitator!
Darren Barkhouse
ECC Coach | Outdoor Learning & Play Specialist
Darren Barkhouse holds an MEd in Curriculum and Instruction and an active RECE, is a passionate and energetic educator, facilitator, coach, mentor and father. Starting his career as a Kindergarten teacher abroad and now teaching numerous ECE diploma courses focusing on Play Based Learning, STEAM, Outdoor Learning and Risky Play, Relationships and Child Development.
Meet Your Workshop Producer!
Sophie Rayner-Grignon
ECC Coach & Workshop Producer
Email: sophie@anishatheecc.com
Each session is supported by a dedicated Workshop Producer who helps ensure a smooth, welcoming, and well-organized experience for all participants. Your Workshop Producer will be available to support with registration questions, technical assistance, and any needs that arise before or during the event.
They also work behind the scenes alongside the host to help facilitate the flow of the session, allowing presenters to focus fully on delivering an engaging and meaningful learning experience.
Understand the experiences of children and families in outdoor learning environments and how these experiences shape engagement and connection.
Reflect on your own comfort, assumptions, and habits around outdoor learning, and recognize how they can influence your practice.
Learn practical strategies to intentionally create meaningful, engaging, and developmentally appropriate outdoor experiences.
Explore ways to overcome common barriers, including limited space, safety concerns, and time constraints, with creativity and confidence.
Discover simple, playful ideas for bringing nature into indoor learning spaces to extend outdoor learning benefits.
Build awareness of the developmental, therapeutic, and health benefits of nature-based learning for both children and educators.
What You'll Learn:
Why attend this event?
Move Beyond Hesitation
Step confidently into outdoor learning with practical strategies that meet you where you are: whether curious, overwhelmed, or ready to try something new.
See the Possibilities in Every Space
Discover creative ways to bring nature into both outdoor and indoor environments, no matter your program’s size or limitations.
Build Lasting Confidence and Awareness
Develop your own comfort and understanding of outdoor environments while uncovering the therapeutic, developmental, and health benefits for children.. and yourself.
Turn Barriers Into Opportunities
Learn how to navigate challenges like time constraints, safety concerns, and limited access so you can make outdoor learning realistic and achievable.
Connect Deeply with Children Through Nature
Explore intentional strategies that foster meaningful, developmentally rich experiences in outdoor settings.
FAQ
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Are there any membership fees to join The ECC Learning Lounge?
Nope, there are no membership fees to join The ECC Learning Lounge.
Instead, there will be a $10 admission fee for this event.
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Will there be a recording available of this event?
For virtual events, yes, recordings will be available.
However, it's important to note that not all events will be recorded. Details regarding recording availability will be shared upon registration for each specific event. The recording will be made available through our Podia platform. Details on how to access the recording will be sent to all registered attendees after the event.
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How can I contact the ECC Learning Lounge team for further inquiries?
You can contact here or email us directly at info@anishatheecc.com. We're here to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have.
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What topics are covered in The ECC Learning Lounge events?
Our events cover a wide range of topics relevant to early childhood education, including but not limited to child development, curriculum planning, social-emotional learning, cultural competence, inclusive practices, and leadership skills.
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How can I suggest topics or speakers for future ECC Learning Lounge events?
We welcome suggestions for topics and speakers! You can submit your ideas by contacting us directly with your recommendations via email at info@anishatheecc.com.
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