Bridging the Gap: The inequity of communities impacted by poverty and structural violence in outdoor nature-based preschools. What can we DO?

This is a guest post by Talia Rennert, one of our DU Graduate School of Social Work Interns. 

Inequity in Nature

Outdoor Nature-based preschools, which emphasize learning through experiential, outdoor experiences and environmental interactions has grown tremendously in recent years.

However, this unique and valuable approach, while enriching, often highlights a significant inequity: the underrepresentation of families impacted by poverty and sturctural violence, especially families of color.

This disparity not only limits access to the benefits of nature-based education, but also perpetuates broader social inequities related to accessibility and belonging in nature. 

Known Data

According to the Natural Start Alliance’s 2022 survey of 121 nature-based programs in the United States, the percentage of white students in nature preschools is 78%, well above the percentage of white children in the United States (47.3%). There are only about 4% of Black children and 7% Latino children in nature preschools, and Asian and American Indian children are represented in nature schools at similar rates as they are represented in that of the overall population (Natural Start Alliance, 2022).

There are several factors that contribute to this inequity 

• Geographic Barriers: Many nature-based programs are located in suburban or rural areas, making them less accessible to urban populations, where minority groups are often concentrated.

• Economic Barriers: The costs associated with nature-based programs, including transportation, tuition, and appropriate gear, can be prohibitive for low-income families.

• Cultural Barriers: Nature-based education programs may not always reflect the cultural backgrounds or experiences of minority students, leading to a sense of exclusion or alienation.

• Historical Context: Historical and ongoing marginalization and exclusion from natural spaces have left many minority communities with a lack of generational connection to these environments.

Outdoor Nature-Based Preschools or Forest Preschools are for ALL. Everyone deserves to experience the positive benefits of nature and nature-based education.

Bridging the Gap:

What do we DO to take steps toward equity

1. Location: Develop nature-based education programs in urban areas to make them more accessible to minority communities. Utilize city parks, community gardens, and local green spaces as educational resources. The Nature School Cooperative operates right outside of Denver, CO near community parks and Joe Shoemaker elementary school  

2. Reduce economic barriers: With the new state law passed, lower-income families could tap into Colorado's universal pre-K program and get up to 30 free hours at outdoor preschools. 

3. Promote cultural relevance and inclusion: Ensure the curriculum includes diverse perspectives and respects cultural differences.

4. Community Engagement: Involve communities in the planning and implementation of nature-based programs. Solicit input from parents, community leaders, and local organizations to create programs that reflect the needs and values of the community. We have several partnerships, including the Colorado Collective for Nature-Based Early Education, Forest Schools, and involved parents. 

5. Foster Partnerships: We partner with the local schools, community leaders and organizers, and co-op development groups, like the ROCK Center and University of Denver's Graduate School of Social Work. We are also co-founders of the statewide network Colorado Collective for Nature Based Early Education to help replicate and expand these steps to promote equity and reconciliation.

Raise awareness and advocate for policy change:

By licensing Outdoor Nature Based (ONB) preschools, we will be able to subsidize tuition and improve our “pay what you can” model. Our partnerships with outdoor, nature-based practitioners involved in the state legislature will not only help our preschool, but other ONB schools in the state to diversify nature-based education.

Summary

The inequity in outdoor nature-based preschools is a complex issue rooted in historical, cultural, and economic factors. The Nature School Cooperative works endlessly to bridge the divide by taking the steps in community and local government planning, collaborating with parents and partners, and advocating for and succeeding in policy changes. With these steps, we are creating a more equitable system where all students have the opportunity to benefit from the enriching experiences of nature-based education. 

Nature School Cooperative blog posts are written for a diverse audience of families, guardians, parents, practitioners, graduate students and other adults with topics covering a “Tangled Bank” (one of Darwin’s most enduring metaphors) of interests, initiatives, and networks. Through Outdoor Nature Based Preschools (ONB Preschools), Forest School for older grades K-8 and Emergent Strategy Bushcraft Workshops for Adults, we explore the perception, observation, interpretation and reciprocity of senses from human and non humans’ perspective. Central to the topics for all age groups is the concept that Early Childhood is “Not just cute, but powerful and incredibly important”.

Find out more about our Outdoor Preschool here.

Stay tuned to our blog posts for adult learning workshops both online and in person in 2024.