Page 16 - NatureStart Network

Crane Centers, and FPDCC sites to provide mentoring Symposium
and support, as well as to conduct observations of play-
based nature and science programs being implemented. At the culmination of the pilot project, we invited
all NatureStart Network participants for a two-day
Family Involvement symposium to discuss findings, services, practices,
Family involvement is a key component of early emerging patterns, and new knowledge derived from the
childhood programs at the Chicago Zoological activities of the NatureStart Network, and to provide a
Society and Head Start programs. Fundamental to the roadmap to incorporate the learning into future planning
NatureStart Network approach was to involve parents and endeavors.
and caregivers in the project’s goals, purpose, activities,
and progress, to empower and enable families to increase
children’s opportunities for nature play and science
learning at school, the Zoo, the forest preserves, and at
home. CZS provided all participating families admission
passes to the Zoo, and FPDCC included family activities
as part of NatureStart Network.

The NatureStart symposium
delved into six themes:

1. connecting to nature at multiple scales

2. engaging and supporting families

3. ntegrating nature play and exploration into daily life
in the city

4. cross-organizational and cross-disciplinary
collaboration

5. expanding your influence for planning and
sustainability

6. envisioning the future

Ongoing Evaluation
We conducted ongoing evaluation to gather information
from program staff, advisors, the training participants,
and families that participated in programs developed
from the trainings.

NatureStart Steering Committee
An ongoing advisory and steering committee includes
representatives from the NatureStart Network
organizations’ leadership, as well as advisors from a local
university that focuses on professional development for
child development professionals. The steering committee
meets quarterly fostering input between early childhood
and environmental educators.

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