Early Learning Symposium
Nature-Based Education for Early Childhood Educators
May 1, 2026 | Bernheim Forest & Arboretum | 10 am - 4 pm
 Kids Gardening |
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 Image by Sandie Clarke |
 Kids Exploring with Magnifier |
 Image by Laura Ohlman |
 Image by Marcus Wallis |
 Child sitting on fallen tree |
 Image by Emile Foncha |
 Autumn Walk |
 Happy children lying outside |
 Kids playing in puddle |
 Outdoor Education |
 Kids in Vegetable Farm |
Make plans to join us on Friday, May 1, at Bernheim Forest & Arboretum for KAEE's inaugural Early Learning Symposium. This one-day professional learning event is designed for early childhood educators across Kentucky interested in nature-based learning or environmental education. Sessions and speakers will focus on the foundational skills needed to take young learners outside safely and effectively use the power of the outdoor environment for learning. This event is a new platform for educators to discuss best practices, build skills, and network with peers who are committed to fostering a new generation of environmentally conscious and curious learners. Plus, educators can join us on April 30 for a Pre-Symposium Workshop, a training in PLT Trees & Me and Growing Up WILD!
ECE-TRIS credit will be available. Registration is open!
KAEE is proud to host this event in partnership with Bernheim Forest & Arboretum with the support of our Early Childhood Action Team. Learn more about our work in early childhood learning at kaee.org/early-childhood.
Schedule at a Glance
Friday, May 1
9:00 am - Coffee & Check-In
9:30 am - Welcome & Keynote Address
11: 15 am - Concurrent Sessions
12:30 pm - Panel & Lunch (provided)
1:45 pm - Concurrent Sessions
3:00 - pm Concurrent Sessions
4:15 pm - Closing Remarks & Reflections
4:30 pm - Adjourn
More details coming soon!
Pre-Symposium Workshop
Thursday, April 30 | 1:00 - 4:30 PM ET
Bernheim Forest & Arboretum
Cost: KAEE Member: $50 | Non-Member: $60
Come early for a training in premier environmental education early childhood curriculum programs—Project Learning Tree's Trees & Me and Project WILD's Growing Up WILD. Educators who complete this training will receive physical copies of each guide and 3.5 hours of ECE-TRIS credit. Learn more about each guide below! Add your ticket for the Pre-Symposium Workshop during registration!
Growing Up WILD: Exploring Nature with Young Children is a multi-award-winning curriculum having received the 2009 Family Choice Award and the 2011 Renewable Natural Resource Foundation Excellence in Journalism Award.
It features 27 field-tested, hands-on, nature-based, ready-made thematic units and over 400 experiences in a full-color activity guide, and is written especially for early childhood educators of children ages 3-7.
Trees & Me: Activities for Exploring Nature with Young Children includes 12 activities and more than 250 learning experiences for families and teachers to connect children ages 1–6 to nature, with a focus on trees.
Through fun, indoor and outdoor activities, toddlers and preschoolers explore nature through their senses, experience trees throughout the seasons, and connect with their community.