(1) ONB providers must have a written curriculum philosophy that describes the ONB programs' planned daily activities related to child development.
(2) ONB providers must include in their curriculum philosophy how nature is central to their curriculum, and how learning and being outdoors in a nature-based setting impacts the ONB program of daily activities and will benefit children.
(3) The curriculum philosophy must address all age groups being served. The curriculum philosophy may include, but is not limited to:
(a) How children develop emotionally, socially, cognitively, and physically in nature and through nature-based experiences and reasonable risky play;
(b) What ONB programming looks like or areas of focus for each age group being served;
(c) How the ONB provider will meet cultural, dual language learner, and special needs of children in care;
(d) How to guide learning and social interactions; and
(e) The importance of play to a child's learning process.
(4) Staff must be trained on ONB programs' curriculum philosophy.
(5) ONB program staff responsible for ONB program and activity planning must be given regularly scheduled time to plan and develop curriculum and activities. Planning may be done during rest time but all supervision requirements pursuant to WAC
110-302-0345 must be met. Planning time for ONB staff implementing emergent curriculum may be spent on activities such as documenting children's learning, making plans for individualized learning goals, and gaining knowledge of subject matter relevant to the children's learning goals, interests, seasons, and the environment.
[Statutory Authority: RCW
43.216.742. WSR 23-10-059, § 110-302-0305, filed 5/1/23, effective 6/1/23.]