Play, Learn and Teach Outdoors in the Early Years
The Play, Learn, and Teaching Outdoors in the Early Years college certification immerses early learning professionals in a specialized educational journey constructed around the national framework developed by the Canadian Centre for Outdoor Play.
- Enjoy a more personalized learning environment with our small classes
- Benefit from supportive and experienced faculty who are active in their industry
- Gain the latest and best industry-specific knowledge and skills to be career-ready upon graduation
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Availability varies by course. Click here to view availability for courses in this program.
Schedule
Given the part-time delivery of this program, there is not a standard schedule for all learners.
Program Summary
Credential
Program Code
Area of Interest
As you examine the pivotal roles of risky outdoor play in children's learning and well-being, you develop a strength-based lens in support of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Guided by the recommendations of the Canadian Pediatric Society, you engage with evidence-based knowledge, foster cultural competency, and hone pragmatic skills. You integrate perspectives from place-based learning experiences, cultivating advocacy and practical communication skills. You apply theory to practice in a culminating action-research project enhancing outdoor play experiences for children and families, in your own professional context.
Upon graduation, you emerge equipped to champion active outdoor play, contributing to the creation of inclusive, culturally sensitive environments that resonate with the evolving landscape of early learning. Graduates may apply the learning from this program in roles in:...(read more)
Overview
The Play, Learn, and Teaching Outdoors in the Early Years college certification immerses early learning professionals in a specialized educational journey constructed around the national framework developed by the Canadian Centre for Outdoor Play. In this program, you explore concepts of active engagement, nurturing holistic development, and building meaningful connections in outdoor pedagogical practice.
As you examine the pivotal roles of risky outdoor play in children's learning and well-being, you develop a strength-based lens in support of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Guided by the recommendations of the Canadian Pediatric Society, you engage with evidence-based knowledge, foster cultural competency, and hone pragmatic skills. You integrate perspectives from place-based learning experiences, cultivating advocacy and practical communication skills. You apply theory to practice in a culminating action-research project enhancing outdoor play experiences for children and families, in your own professional context.
Upon graduation, you emerge equipped to champion active outdoor play, contributing to the creation of inclusive, culturally sensitive environments that resonate with the evolving landscape of early learning. Graduates may apply the learning from this program in roles in:
- early learning programs
- community health agencies
- kindergartens
- child and family centres
- municipal and provincial government
- non-governmental agencies addressing the needs of families, children, and their communities
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Are curious about integrating outdoor learning into their practice with young children and families.
- Can work both independently and collaboratively.
- Value self-reflection as part of professional practice.
- Appreciate the benefits of teaching and learning outdoors across seasons.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Registration Note:
This program does not have a typical application process. Unless otherwise stated - you can register for courses online directly by clicking on the course title and selecting “Register Online”. Classes can take place online, or on campus in the evenings and weekends using our modern facilities. Different courses may be available each semester so don’t forget to check back regularly.
Courses |
| Course Number | Hours | Course Name |
|---|---|---|
| FAM0090 | 42.0 | Active Engagement in Outdoor Pedagogical PracticeFAM0090 Active Engagement in Outdoor Pedagogical PracticeActive engagement underscores our interconnectedness with nature, fostering health and well-being. Research supports the benefits of playing, teaching, and learning outdoors (PLaTO) for children, families, educators, and communities. Rooted in the principle of Active Engagement of the Canadian Centre for Outdoor Play?s National Framework, students cultivate a solid foundation for nurturing early learning within, about, and alongside the natural environment. This involves embracing circular pedagogy, an evolving approach that emphasizes continuous engagement with nature. Students consider the importance of the educator?s role in a continuum of play outdoors, emphasizing inclusive outdoor spaces that reflect diverse needs and experiences. Students reflect on their personal histories with the outdoor world and accept an invitation to embrace experiential, play-based, and inquiry-led learning in the outdoors. Students are encouraged to engage through a culturally responsive lens, honouring Indigenous knowledge and embracing anti-colonial and anti-racist practices. Students collaborate as co-learners within a community in support of collective learning. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. |
| FAM0091 | 42.0 | Nurturing Holistic Development in Outdoor Pedagogical PracticeFAM0091 Nurturing Holistic Development in Outdoor Pedagogical PracticeRelationships serve as the cornerstone for fostering well-being in children and communities. Students explore the dimensions of meaningful connections, including community building, environmental kinship and stewardship, historical understanding, and spiritual appreciation of the earth. Rooted in the principle of Meaningful Connections from the Canadian Centre for Outdoor Play's National Framework, students embrace the interconnectedness of children, educators, families, and the natural world. Through collaboration, students emerge as catalysts for change, empowering children to forge connections with their surroundings and nurturing respect for the earth. Through exploration, students develop the skills and mindset necessary to create enriching outdoor experiences. Students are encouraged to engage through a culturally responsive lens, honouring Indigenous knowledge and embracing anti-colonial and anti-racist practices. Students engage in reflective practice, collaboration, and experiential learning activities to deepen their understanding of meaningful connections. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. |
| FAM0092 | 42.0 | Meaningful Connections in Outdoor Pedagogical PracticeFAM0092 Meaningful Connections in Outdoor Pedagogical PracticeRelationships serve as the cornerstone for fostering well-being in children and communities. Students explore the dimensions of meaningful connections, including community building, environmental kinship and stewardship, historical understanding, and spiritual appreciation of the earth. Rooted in the principle of Meaningful Connections from the Canadian Centre for Outdoor Play's National Framework, students embrace the interconnectedness of children, educators, families, and the natural world. Through collaboration, students emerge as catalysts for change, empowering children to forge connections with their surroundings and nurturing respect for the earth.?Through exploration, students develop the skills and mindset necessary to create enriching outdoor experiences. Students are encouraged to engage through a culturally responsive lens, honouring Indigenous knowledge and embracing anti-colonial and anti-racist practices. Students engage in reflective practice, collaboration, and experiential learning activities to deepen their understanding of meaningful connections. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. |
| FAM0093 | 42.0 | Capstone Project in Outdoor Play-Based PracticeFAM0093 Capstone Project in Outdoor Play-Based PracticeAction research is a participatory process concerned with developing practical knowledge, and it seeks to bring together action, reflection, theory, practice, and collaboration together in the pursuit of practical solutions for real-life challenges. As a culminating learning experience, the capstone project immerses students in an intensive exploration of outdoor play-based action research within the context of early learning. Students negotiate the intricacies of fostering the rooted principles of the Canadian Centre for Outdoor Play's National Framework in their work with children and families in the outdoors. Students embark on a journey, intertwined with the outdoor world, where they explore the multifaceted dimensions of meaningful connections, from community building to spiritual appreciation. Students are encouraged to engage through a culturally responsive lens, honouring Indigenous knowledge and embracing anti-colonial and anti-racist practices. Through a process of collaborative inquiry and reflective practice, students identify, research, and implement a practical initiative within their own professional context. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. |
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
FAM0090 Active Engagement in Outdoor Pedagogical Practice
Active engagement underscores our interconnectedness with nature, fostering health and well-being. Research supports the benefits of playing, teaching, and learning outdoors (PLaTO) for children, families, educators, and communities. Rooted in the principle of Active Engagement of the Canadian Centre for Outdoor Play?s National Framework, students cultivate a solid foundation for nurturing early learning within, about, and alongside the natural environment. This involves embracing circular pedagogy, an evolving approach that emphasizes continuous engagement with nature. Students consider the importance of the educator?s role in a continuum of play outdoors, emphasizing inclusive outdoor spaces that reflect diverse needs and experiences. Students reflect on their personal histories with the outdoor world and accept an invitation to embrace experiential, play-based, and inquiry-led learning in the outdoors. Students are encouraged to engage through a culturally responsive lens, honouring Indigenous knowledge and embracing anti-colonial and anti-racist practices. Students collaborate as co-learners within a community in support of collective learning.
FAM0091 Nurturing Holistic Development in Outdoor Pedagogical Practice
Relationships serve as the cornerstone for fostering well-being in children and communities. Students explore the dimensions of meaningful connections, including community building, environmental kinship and stewardship, historical understanding, and spiritual appreciation of the earth. Rooted in the principle of Meaningful Connections from the Canadian Centre for Outdoor Play's National Framework, students embrace the interconnectedness of children, educators, families, and the natural world. Through collaboration, students emerge as catalysts for change, empowering children to forge connections with their surroundings and nurturing respect for the earth. Through exploration, students develop the skills and mindset necessary to create enriching outdoor experiences. Students are encouraged to engage through a culturally responsive lens, honouring Indigenous knowledge and embracing anti-colonial and anti-racist practices. Students engage in reflective practice, collaboration, and experiential learning activities to deepen their understanding of meaningful connections.
FAM0092 Meaningful Connections in Outdoor Pedagogical Practice
Relationships serve as the cornerstone for fostering well-being in children and communities. Students explore the dimensions of meaningful connections, including community building, environmental kinship and stewardship, historical understanding, and spiritual appreciation of the earth. Rooted in the principle of Meaningful Connections from the Canadian Centre for Outdoor Play's National Framework, students embrace the interconnectedness of children, educators, families, and the natural world. Through collaboration, students emerge as catalysts for change, empowering children to forge connections with their surroundings and nurturing respect for the earth.?Through exploration, students develop the skills and mindset necessary to create enriching outdoor experiences. Students are encouraged to engage through a culturally responsive lens, honouring Indigenous knowledge and embracing anti-colonial and anti-racist practices. Students engage in reflective practice, collaboration, and experiential learning activities to deepen their understanding of meaningful connections.
FAM0093 Capstone Project in Outdoor Play-Based Practice
Action research is a participatory process concerned with developing practical knowledge, and it seeks to bring together action, reflection, theory, practice, and collaboration together in the pursuit of practical solutions for real-life challenges. As a culminating learning experience, the capstone project immerses students in an intensive exploration of outdoor play-based action research within the context of early learning. Students negotiate the intricacies of fostering the rooted principles of the Canadian Centre for Outdoor Play's National Framework in their work with children and families in the outdoors. Students embark on a journey, intertwined with the outdoor world, where they explore the multifaceted dimensions of meaningful connections, from community building to spiritual appreciation. Students are encouraged to engage through a culturally responsive lens, honouring Indigenous knowledge and embracing anti-colonial and anti-racist practices. Through a process of collaborative inquiry and reflective practice, students identify, research, and implement a practical initiative within their own professional context.
Careers & Pathways
Careers
Graduates may apply this specialized practice to their existing roles as Early Childhood Educators, kindergarten teachers, child and youth care practitioners, or social service workers.
Pathways
Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Integrate the principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion into a pedagogy of early childhood outdoor play.
- Implement risk-informed practice in early learning outdoor play environments, including the identification, assessment, and communications of the benefits for children's holistic well-being.
- Engage in continuous professional learning through reflective practice, fostering a culture of collaborative learning and mentorship.
- Advocate for strategies to address policy and legislative gaps in early learning outdoor play at local, provincial, and national levels.
- Engage in action research to inform pedagogy, community building, and program evaluation to advance outdoor play in early learning.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2024/2025 Academic Year
Fees are subject to change.
Fees for part-time programs are charged on a course-by-course basis and are published on each individual course page. For questions related to fees, please call the Registrar's Office at 613-727-0002.
Graduation Fee:
Once you have completed all the courses in the program, it is the responsibility of the student to complete a credential application. A graduation fee is charged when the application is submitted. After your credential application has been approved, you will be invited to Convocation.
Additional program related expenses include:
- Books cost $75-100 for the program.
- Students need appropriate seasonal clothing to participate in outdoor activities throughout the program.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent; OR
- Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee will be charged.
Program Eligibility
- A diploma or a degree in early childhood education or a related credential.
- Recommended Requirement: experience with working with children in a play-based learning setting.
Application Information
Registration Note:
This program does not have a typical application process. Unless otherwise stated - you can register for courses online directly by clicking on the course title and selecting “Register Online”. Classes can take place online, or on campus in the evenings and weekends using our modern facilities. Different courses may be available each semester so don’t forget to check back regularly.
Additional Information
Program Resources
Contact
Lisa Lalonde
Program Coordinator
Room C230h
Lisa Lalonde is a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE), she is a graduate of Algonquin College’s ECE program, and has a Masters in Educational Leadership and Management from Royal Roads University. She currently is pursuing a PhD in Applied Psychology & Human Development, Early Learning through OISE, University of Toronto.
Lisa has over 15 years of experience working with children, families, and the broader early learning community. She participated in the College of Early Childhood Educators Leadership Project, and is engaged in building professional capacity within the early childhood sector, both locally, Ottawa, and provincially. Her areas of interest are examining the professional identity of ECE’s, and the use of technology in early childhood settings.