It’s exciting to hear teachers and childcare providers will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine beginning February 24! However, we know it’s still probably going to be a while until field trips, summer camps, and in-person EE programming outside the classroom are running at pre-pandemic capacities.
Over the next year, EENC will be working to help collect, create, and distribute best-practices guides, resource lists, and professional development opportunities that respond to emerging needs in EE.
To help you develop your spring and summer 2021 plans, we wanted to share some resources created and posted publicly by other amazing organizations.
Virtual Learning
In fall 2020, our EE and COVID Advisory Council concluded that online programming is probably here to stay. As you build your virtual portfolio, here are some resources to help you design better learning experiences:
“Designing Outdoor Science and Environmental Education Distance Learning Experiences” from BEETLES
“Promising Principles to Enhance Distance Learning in Environmental Education” article co-authored by EENC member Troy Frensley and “Design Principles for Online EE Programs” webinar from the same team!
“Virtual Programs: Make Your Program Awesome” presented by Marsha Sirkin and Lauren Daniel at the Annual Nonformal Educators Meeting hosted by the NC Department of Public Instruction and the NC Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs
Virtual Program Resources from the American Camp Association, including some resources about online tools, platforms, and program evaluation.
In-Person Programming
Whether you’re thinking about camp, field trips, individual registration programs, or public events, there are a lot of resources being shared on how to do in-person programming safely. Be sure to look beyond “programs like mine” because there are a lot of potentially transferable recommendations!
“COVID-19 Nature Center Toolkit” from the Association of Nature Center Administrators
“Let’s Get Outside: Reduce risk of disease and improve health during COVID-19—and beyond” features resources for early childhood providers from the National Wildlife Federation
“Field Guide for Camps on Implementation of CDC Guidance” from the American Camp Association
CDC Recommendations for Schools which now includes moving classroom outside!
Putting it into practice - an NC Example: COVID Policies and Procedures from the Piedmont Wildlife Center
As many of us know, social distancing, mask wearing, and proper handwashing are all key in preventing coronavirus transmission. If you teach indoors or work inside a shared office, you should also be paying attention to air flow and ventilation.
Ventilation and Coronavirus recommendations from the EPA
Guidance for Building Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic from ASHRAE
Additional Resources
Looking for support on other topics? Check out these other resource collections.
COVID-19: Resources, Tips, and Support from NAAEE
Pandemic/COVID-19 Services & Resources trom the Association of Nature Center Administrators.
Toolkit from REALM Project: REopening Archives, Libraries and Museums, including links related to surfaces and collections.
Nonprofit Pandemic Resources from the NC Center for Nonprofits
You all have been doing amazing research as we all continue to navigate the evolving situations. Do you have another resource you’d like to share? You can post it in EENC’s Facebook Group or email it to Lauren Pyle.
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