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Exemplary Outdoor Classroom Contest Award to be given at the
2013 SECA Annual Conference in Mobile, Alabama
The Southern Early Childhood Association believes that quality outdoor learning spaces can provide valuable
learning experiences for young children. Therefore, the SECA Exemplary Outdoor Classroom Contest
has been designed to encourage early childhood programs to share their achievements in this area.
Outstanding outdoor spaces will be selected to receive special recognition.
The purpose of the SECA Exemplary Outdoor Classroom Contest is to:
1. Highlight quality, nature-friendly outdoor learning environments that can be used as models for
programs seeking to improve their own outdoor spaces.
2. Identify models of quality outdoor spaces which can be exemplified in each of the SECA Affiliate states.
Applications must be postmarked or sent electronically on or
before September 30, 2012. Applications should be mailed or
emailed to the SECA office at:
Mailing address
PO Box 55930, Little Rock, AR 72215-5930
Email address
Awards:
A maximum of one outdoor classroom per state will be recognized as the State Outstanding Outdoor
Classroom. Each state winner will receive a recognition plaque at the state conference. The classroom will
also be acknowledged in the SECA Dimensions of Early Childhood journal.
From the State Outstanding Outdoor Classrooms one overall SECA Exemplary Outdoor Classroom will be
selected. The Exemplary Outdoor Classroom will receive a plaque at the 2013 SECA Conference to be
placed at their center or school. Quality nature-friendly outdoor learning environments and the Exemplary
Outdoor Classroom will be featured in the SECA Dimensions of Early Childhood journal. The recipient of the
2013 SECA Exemplary Classroom Award will also receive a cash award to purchase outdoor equipment
from Nature Explore that will be utilized to establish or enhance their classroom. An example of the type of
equipment/materials that can be purchased through the grant:
Outdoor Music Area: Akambira, Mallets, SlapDrum, LapDrum, Dancing scarves, Breath of invocation
CD, 12 rainsticks
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Nature Explore and SECA will work with the recipient to select the equipment that will be purchased with the
award. Also included with this award will be the following from Nature Explore:
Learning with Nature Idea Book and more information about the Nature Explore design consultation
process.
Families Club Kit, Learning with Nature DVD, Growing with Nature Book.
A couple of examples of design plans from previously created music areas.
A basic implementation guide describing how to set up the area and make it functional.
Continued support to the site.
Examples of high quality, nature-infused outdoor classrooms may be found at:
www.natureexplore.org
http://progressiveearlychildhoodeducation.blogspot.com/2010/02/25-ways-to-improve
-your-outdoor-space.html
http://www.whitehutchinson.com/children/articles/outdoor.shtml
A Child’s Garden: 60 Ideas to Make Any Garden Come Alive for Children by Molly Dannenmaier
All applications must meet the following guidelines to be considered for recognition:
All criteria are addressed on separate pages.
Photographs are numbered successively throughout the document.
Photos placed in a separate document are clearly numbered (Photo 1, Photo 2, etc.) and referenced in
the body of the application so that it is clear to which criterion each photo corresponds.
Photos which include children are accompanied by publication release forms.
Photo Guidelines and Sample Release
1. Photo releases must be available for all recognizable children and adults. See the sample. Many
programs require signed releases at enrollment and keep them on file.
2. When submitting printed photos:
a. Number each photo, on the back of the photo, as it is referenced in the body of the application.
b. Do not staple or paper clip the photos.
c. Securely package the photos so they cannot bend or get wet. Use rubber bands, cardboard,
and/or plastic envelopes. SECA cannot be responsible for photos damaged in transit. Ship the
photos in sturdy packaging.
d. Upon selection as a winner, you may be asked to submit your photos digitally for display and
publication purposes.
3. When submitting digital photos:
a. Digital photos may be submitted on a CD if the application is mailed or as file attachments if
submitted via email.
b. Images should be high resolution.
c. Name individual image files with the number as referenced in the body of the application.
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Sample Photo Release
(print on program or photographer letterhead)
Name of child or adult ___________________________________________________
I hereby give my permission for photographs of the child named above (or myself) to be used in
educational publications.
Signature ____________________________________________ Date _____________
(signature of adult or parent/guardian of child)
Verification Visits
Once honorees are selected, a representative or group of representatives from the SECA state affiliate will
visit to verify the accuracy of the application. The center/school will be contacted to arrange for the visit.
Visits will take place between October 22 and November 21, 2012. After verification, recipients will be
notified of their award status.
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Southern Early Childhood Association
Outdoor Classroom Competition Application
Name of Center/School: ______________________________________________________________
Contact Person: ______________________________________________________________
Center/School Address: ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Phone Number: ______________________________________________________________
Email Address: ______________________________________________________________
Website (if applicable): ______________________________________________________________
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Criteria 1: Provide a scaled drawing of the outdoor classroom space. Identify each of the various “centers”
or areas in the outdoor classroom. Include at least 2 photos of each area listed on the drawing. (Photos
which include children must include a publication release. Please see attached.) Describe briefly how
children play in each area of the environment. In the description include the learning experiences that are
encouraged. Not all areas mentioned below need to be included or addressed, however at least 5 areas
must be addressed.
Appropriate outdoor areas include:
Large motor space
Climbing crawling space
Building area
Art area
Music and Movement area
Garden area
Storage
Water
Dirt digging
Sand
Wheeled toy area
Criteria 1 Response:
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Criteria 2: Describe how each area is visible for monitoring by the caregivers/teachers.
Criteria 2 Response:
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Criteria 3: List each natural material used in the classroom area. Include trees and other live plants in this
description. Tell how these are incorporated into the outdoor classroom. Photos must be included.
Explain how these natural materials enhance children’s learning and play.
Criteria 3 Response:
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Criteria 4: Describe how materials specific to your region are utilized in your outdoor classroom design.
Photos must be included.
Criteria 4 Response:
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Criteria 5: Describe how the outdoor classroom is maintained. Outdoor classrooms should be durable and
low maintenance while including many natural elements.
Criteria 5 Response:
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Criteria 6: How does your outdoor classroom meet local or state regulations? You may include copies of any
recent inspections by independent contractors, state licensing agencies, CPSI certified inspectors, etc.
Criteria 6 Response:
