71. How to Navigate Licensing a Fully Outdoor Program with Jess Labbe from Village Nest Cooperative

How do you license a program without walls that is fully outdoors? Authorized by 2017 legislation, a limited number of pilot programs have been testing licensing standards to better adapt and fit outdoor early childhood education programs. In today’s episode, we have Jess Labbe from Village Nest Cooperative sharing her story about becoming the first fully outdoor program to be licensed in Maine and the Pilot Program for Maine. In this episode.

In this episode hear stories about:

• Troubleshooting outdoor bathrooms, hand washing, and the location of paperwork.
• How licensing is a partnership
• The licensing benefits both children and teachers
• How licensing has enhanced best practices at Village Nest Cooperative
• The importance of increasing access to the outdoors and benefits to children

MEET JESS:

Jessica Labbe is a Forest Preschool Educator/Ambassador committed to environmental education and improving early childhood development through nature-based exploration. She holds a BA in Early Child Education and worked with preschool-aged children in the outdoors for 15 + years before opening the Village Nest in 2020. 

​Jessica has a passion for inspiring imaginative play and often telling stories about unicorns and mermaids.  

​During her time off you can find her on nature walks with her dog Kota, kayaking, enjoying the beach, camping, or somewhere in her garden.

CONTACTS:

• Jess Labbe
• Village Nest Cooperative

CONNECT WITH VICTORIA:

• WEBSITE: www.outdoor-classrooms.com
• EMAIL: [email protected]
• Instagram: instagram.com/outdoor_classrooms/
• Facebook: Facebook.com/OutdoorClassrooms1

OUTDOOR CLASSROOM RESOURCES:

• The Outdoor Classrooms CIRCLE Membership
• The Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp
• Seeds of Inspiration for Outdoor Learning Card Deck
• FREE PDF Library of Nature-Based Children's Book & Weekly Seedling News