Explore the true value of outdoor play in children's learning and discover strategies to support and advocate for it.
About this Event

Let’s Go Outside! How To Promote & Support Outdoor Play

Date: May 27, 2025 (7-8:15PM EST)
Speaker: Cindy Curry
Hosted by: Dr. Scott Mesh
Format: Online Webinar

- Join for FREE: get a Certificate of Attendance at the end.

- CE Certificate/CEUs $9
○ 1.0 CTLE CE Hours (CE Certificate)
○ 1.0 NYSED SW CE Hours (CE Certificate)

REQUIREMENTS TO OBTAIN CE Certificate/CEUs:
○ You MUST attend the webinar from start to finish
○ You MUST fill out the attendance form (will be sent via email)
○ You MUST answer & submit the evaluation form after the webinar (will be sent via email)

Failure to fulfill requirements may result in delays receiving your certificate/credits, or in some cases, non-receipt of your certificate/credits.

Webinar Description:
There is a belief that real learning for children happens inside, usually at a table or sitting cross- legged, passively listening to an adult. It is believed that time spent outside only has value in providing children with an opportunity to ‘blow off steam.’ It’s time to bust this myth! We need to be able to identify all the learning that happens naturally when children are outdoors. Through this, we begin to value outdoor experiences and then loudly and confidently advocate for outdoor play. As we unpack our own concerns and challenges about spending time outside, can we begin to overcome our apprehension and plan our days around spending large amounts of time outdoors.

Objectives:
The participants will be able to…
1. Describe the benefits of outdoor play.
2. Analyze the challenge of adults spending time outdoors with children.
3. Identify possible solutions to supporting children playing outdoors.
4. Identify key components of an outdoor program that supports both children and adults
5. Identify strategies for capturing, reflecting, and making children's learning visible during outdoor play.

Speaker's Bio
Cindy Curry is a passionate leader in Early Childhood Education with over 35 years of experience. She is the director of a rural child care program and a CBA Advisor with ELCC Manitoba. Cindy also facilitates workshops for Children, Naturally EL&CC and has been an instructor at Red River College, Portage Campus, guiding Early Childhood Education students as well as operating Growing Wild Forest & Nature School.

Her extensive career includes operating a licensed family child care program and advocating for children’s connection to nature. Cindy is committed to continuous professional development, with certifications such as the Playworker Development Course and Forest & Nature School Practitioner. She has written for publications such as Play Outdoors Magazine and Bridges, the Manitoba Child Care Association quarterly magazine. Cindy has received multiple accolades, including the Exceptional Family Child Care Provider award in 2022.

Host's Bio
Dr. Mesh is a clinical psychologist and the co-author of the book “Early Childhood Assessment: A Practical Guide to Psychological and Developmental Evaluations in the Early Intervention Program.” He has worked with families for over 30 years. Dr. Mesh is the Co-Founder and CEO of Los Niños Services, an award-winning Early Childhood Special Education program in New York City, and the Founder of Young Child Learning which provides professional development to teachers and all professionals working with young children. He consults with professionals and parents on the challenges they face in helping young children achieve their full potential. Dr. Mesh is the author of upcoming book Tapas: Tasty Inspirational Poems(www.inspire.nyc).

Cancellation Policy:
If you cancel within 30 days before the event, the registration fee is not refundable. However, you will receive a credit for the registration fee which can be applied to another Young Child Learning event within the following 12 months. The processing fee is non-refundable.

Special Accommodations or Requests.
Individuals with disabilities in need of special accommodations should contact the Admin, Cari Laroza at (212) 787-9700 ext. 3330 to make a request. The Admin will work with the team to provide the necessary accommodations. Requests for special accommodations must be made at least a month prior to the webinar date. Once accommodations are found, the Admin will confirm need for accommodations. Once the individual confirms, the special accommodations will be secured. If the individual finds that he or she is no longer in need of the accommodations, he or she must contact the Admin a week before the webinar date.

Grievance Policy & Procedure
Young Child Learning will comply with all legal and ethical responsibilities to be non-discriminatory in promotional activities, program content and in the treatment of program participants. The monitoring and assessment of compliance with these standards will be the responsibility of Young Child Learning. All grievances must be submitted in writing (via e-mail or mail) within 30 days of the end of the webinar date. Any supporting documents must be included with the submitted complaint. For all grievances, contact information (name, phone number, and email) must be provided in the case that the Young Child Learning team may need clarification.
Submit complaints in writing to Young Child Learning, 505 8th Avenue, Floor 12A Room 02, New York, NY 10018 or via email at [email protected]. If you have any additional questions or concerns, contact Cari Laroza at (212) 787-9700 ext. 333 or at [email protected]

This webinar is presented by Young Child Learning & sponsored by Los Niños Services.

About Young Child Learning
Young Child Learning (YCL) organizes Early Childhood Webinars. The mission of YCL is to help all early childhood professionals learn, grow, and help young children get a good start in life and achieve their full potential. YCL carries on the tradition of the Young Child Expo and Conference.

About Los Niños Services
Los Niños Services is an award-winning multilingual agency that has been serving young children with developmental delays and autism for 25 years. Los Niños is one of the leading early chilhood special education providers in NYC and surrounding communities. Los Niños serves all children and families from all communities providing services such as the Early Intervention Program, Preschool Special Education, & Private Services/ABA Private Insurance Services.

If you have further questions, contact Cari Laroza (Administrator) at [email protected]

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