Advocacy
An environmentally literate community is an engaged community.
Advocacy in Kentucky
KAEE and its members work to advocate for environmental education (EE) in Kentucky in various ways. Because we have seen how significant advances in EE can be achieved through policies at both the state and federal levels, KAEE stays alert to opportunities to shape EE policy, develop strategies for advancing key initiatives, and build capacity for advocacy within the EE community. KAEE and its members work closely with state government employees; local, regional, and statewide elected officials; and communities around Kentucky to bolster EE around the state. We believe we can expand our impact in the EE field by advocating for policies, legislation, and government resources that affect our members and the greater EE community.
KAEE began working with the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators (NCEL) in 2023. NCEL, in partnership with KAEE, developed an Outdoor Education Fact Sheet which includes policy options, key points, and resources for communicating with legislators.
Current Initiatives
HOUSE BILL 496
HB 496 would open the door for programs that wish to pursue licensing to do so in a way that is clear, appropriate, and aligned with their outdoor-focused model. This bill would help expand childcare options in Kentucky by supporting innovative, high-quality early learning environments—especially in communities where childcare access is already limited. By allowing interested nature-based programs to pursue licensure, HB 496 supports families, strengthens the early childhood workforce, and increases access to safe, developmentally appropriate care.
Across the Commonwealth, there is a growing network of forest schools and nature-based early learning programs that have expressed interest in becoming licensed childcare providers. Under current rules, however, the lack of clarity around licensing for nature-based models can be a barrier—particularly for programs that would like to offer full-day or full-time care to families.
Updates on Kentucky HB 496: Nature Preschool Licensing
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Win: Our efforts have been partially successful! House Joint Resolution 50 (HJR 50) now includes a provision for a third-party review of child care regulations, specifically mentioning outdoor nature-based programs, by 2027 (see item g on page 2).
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Challenge: Unlike our original bill (HB 496), the current resolution does not mandate an advisory committee of nature school professionals and state-level experts. We are pushing to ensure these voices are included in this audit process so the resulting regulations actually work for our model.
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Strategy: We are working to fold the best parts of HB 496 into HB 6 (the EC Omnibus bill) or strengthen HJR 50.
Immediate Action Items:
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Continue reaching out to local legislators—especially those on the Senate Child Care Committee about HB 496.
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Schedule 1-on-1s: If you are comfortable, set up a brief meeting with your representative. If you'd like us to join you or need support materials, let us know!
More About Kentucky HB 496: Nature Preschool Licensing:
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HB 496 was developed in response to provider demand.
A network of forest schools and nature-based early childhood programs across Kentucky asked for clearer pathways to licensure so they could better serve families. HB 496 creates a pathway for programs that choose to pursue licensure.
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Current licensing is a barrier for some programs.
Without clear guidance, many nature-based programs are limited in their ability to offer full-day or full-time care, even when there is strong demand. Many programs are on waiting lists, and options are limited to families who do not need full-time care.
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Expands childcare options for Kentucky families.
By supporting nature-based programs that want to become licensed, the bill helps increase access to high-quality childcare—especially in communities with limited options.
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Supports safe, developmentally appropriate outdoor learning.
The bill recognizes that nature-based early learning can meet health and safety standards while operating in outdoor-focused environments.
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Strengthens the early childhood workforce.
Licensure can help programs stabilize operations, support staff, and better meet the needs of working families.
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Developed collaboratively.
HB 496 was drafted in partnership with legislators, state agencies, early childhood providers, and environmental education leaders, with an emphasis on practicality and implementation.
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Learn from other states and national resources.
Several other states have created pathways for outdoor and nature-based programs to become licensed, and national resources on best practices are available to inform implementation in Kentucky.
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Supports rural areas.
Nature-based programs in rural communities often face space or facility limitations. HB 496 helps increase childcare options for these areas, providing more flexibility to meet local needs.
Our organization is committed to supporting implementation.
If HB 496 passes, we will serve as a resource to providers and state agencies—sharing information, gathering feedback, and supporting thoughtful rollout.
By signing up, you’ll get:
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Legislation updates as HB 496 moves through the process
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Resources and guidance for early childhood providers and advocates
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Opportunities to help us track outreach and share your voice with legislators
Questions or want to get more involved?
Contact Ashley Hoffman, director@kaee.org.
Resources
COMMUNICATING WITH ELECTED OFFICIALS
As timely and important issues arise, we invite members to engage in civic action in order to affect change in the political realm. (And, of course, everyone is encouraged to contact their legislators any time about any issues that are important to them!)
EE ADVOCACY ON THE NATIONAL LEVEL
KAEE is an active member in the North American Association for Environmental Education’s (NAAEE) Advocacy Action Network. This group works to affect national legislation regarding EE. Want to stay up-to-date with the latest NAAEE advocacy initiatives? Join the Advocacy, Policy, and Civic Engagement group on eePRO, the online platform for environmental education professional development and resources. All are welcome to join!
ADVOCACY RESOURCES FOR NONPROFITS