Policy matters—because lasting change for children happens when outdoor access is supported by systems, funding, and leadership at every level.

We advocate at the school, state, and national levels to shape policies that support outdoor learning, equitable access to natural spaces, and the integration of nature-based approaches in early childhood systems. From influencing local school policies to contributing to statewide and federal conversations, MaineECO works to elevate the importance of outdoor experiences as essential to healthy child development and learning.

Lisa Henderson is the
co-founder of Sprouts Farm and Forest in Kindergarten, Millis, MA, a MaineECO Steering Committee member; as well as an outdoor, Nature-Based Play educator, advocate and mentor.

Public Policy and
Advocacy Working Group

Meetings start September 24, 2025

Meets monthly on the 4th Tuesday from 1:00-2:00pm
excluding the third Tuesday in November
and no meeting in December.

Registration is required.
Register once to attend any of the meetings.
You will be added to the Public Policy & Advocacy mailing list.

MaineECO’s Public Policy & Advocacy Working Group meets monthly to advance policies that support young children’s access to nature and the outdoors.

Facilitated by Lisa Henderson the group will focus on: 

  •  Outdoor child care licensing

  • Nature based programs and the
    Quality Rating System: Rising Stars for ME

  • Access to land and gear for all

Current Work

Outdoor Childcare Licensing

MaineECO works to support and expand licensing pathways for outdoor and nature-based (ONB) early childhood programs across the state. In partnership with the Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) licensing team, we help ensure licensing practices reflect the unique needs of outdoor programs while maintaining quality and safety. This work is vital to creating more accessible, sustainable, and equitable opportunities for young children to learn and grow in the outdoors.

This work includes:

  • Conducting surveys and data collection to understand provider needs and barriers

  • Supporting training for OCFS licensors on outdoor program models

  • Hosting an annual outdoor licensing webinar to inform and engage providers

  • Convening the Outdoor Licensing Advisory Group, a group working to write ONB rules and regulations in Maine

Why it matters:

  • Creates more accessible and equitable opportunities to ONB programs

  • Supports and protects ONB childcare providers

  • Raises awareness in the general public on benefits of outdoor time for children

  • Brings resources to ONB programs in Maine

Climate Education

Two biggest factors contributing to environmental stewardship in adulthood:
Time spent in nature as a child.
Adult role models that care for nature.

MaineECO’s Climate Education Initiative recognizes that addressing the climate crisis begins in early childhood. By supporting educators, caregivers, and communities, we aim to build a foundation for lifelong climate awareness, resilience, and stewardship—starting with our youngest learners. This work is rooted in equity, sustainability, and the belief that early experiences in nature help children grow into adults who care for the planet.

What is early childhood climate education?

It’s not about teaching facts or fear about climate change. It’s not about studying something indoors. It’s not catastrophizing. Instead, it centers on 

  • Nurturing a relationship with nature 

  • Being supported by adults who themselves are connected to the natural world

  • Regular time outdoors in all seasons and weather

  • Develop small, place-based connections

  • Observing and being curious about natural phenomena

This kind of learning fosters the emotional and sensory connections that serve as a powerful foundation for environmental responsibility later in life.

We can not protect something we do not love. 
We can not love what we do not know. 
We cannot know what we do not see. Hear. Sense. -Richard Louv