Duluth, GA/ December 26, 2011 – ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI), an IACET approved, nationally accredited distance training institution dedicated exclusively to the child care and early education workforce, is proud to announce the addition of CUR103: Outdoor Learning to the online child care training course catalog.

Outdoor experiences are essential in early childhood. Nothing engages the five senses and a child’s natural curiosity like a walk in the woods or a tour through the garden. In addition to promoting learning across all developmental domains and core academic subjects, outdoor play and exploration can help ensure overall health, fitness, environmental awareness, positive social relationships, and emotional wellbeing. This three-hour course provides recommended strategies for planning and incorporating Outdoor Learning in the curriculum, with a focus on nature walks, gardening, and designing and maintaining outdoor learning space.

“Outdoor learning is good for the mind and body, providing exercise along with intellectual and sensory stimulation,” says Maria C. Taylor, President and CEO of CCEI. “CCEI’s new course was created to show the benefits and possibilities of moving the classroom outdoors.”

Outdoor Learning is an intermediate level course and students will receive 0.3 CEUs and the ability to print or save their course certificate immediately upon course completion. Outdoor Learning is available at no cost to students with an active, annual subscription. Without a subscription, this course may be purchased individually through online enrollment at www.cceionline.edu.