Bill > S06550

This bill directs the New York State Office of Children and Family Services to establish an innovative outdoor, nature-based child care program that allows licensed child care centers to operate primarily in outdoor settings. The bill defines an "outdoor, nature-based child care" as a program that enrolls preschool or school-age children, provides early learning services outdoors for at least four hours per day, and uses nature as a core teaching tool. The Office of Children and Family Services will be required to develop specialized regulations for these outdoor programs, including creating safety guidelines for outdoor settings, establishing training requirements for staff, and developing a nature-based curriculum. The bill mandates the creation of a pilot program to select up to ten outdoor child care programs, with priority given to existing nature-based programs, licensed child care centers seeking to expand, and areas with limited child care options. The pilot program aims to expand access to high-quality early learning environments and investigate the benefits of outdoor classrooms. Within two years of establishing the pilot, the Office of Children and Family Services must publish a comprehensive report on the program's activities and outcomes, reflecting a commitment to exploring innovative approaches to early childhood education that emphasize children's connection with nature.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6550