Early Learning Institute of Children's Outdoor Play research centre
Long Term Vision
The Okanagan College Early Learning Institute of Children’s Outdoor Play is Canada’s most focused educational centre committed to children’s outdoor play research. It draws upon tenets of Indigenous knowledge, environmental education, and early learning development to conduct research, professional learning opportunities, and programming that supports children in having access to and opportunities for outdoor play.
Our faculty, researchers, and staff collectively influence the lives of children, and they are committed to supporting, modeling, and advancing the highest standards in children’s outdoor play through their work with children, communities, educators, and government. By linking Okanagan College’s applied research mandate, communities, students, training, and experiential learning, Okanagan College positions outdoor play as a national signature research center.
How the Early Learning Institute of Children’s Outdoor Play Supports the Okanagan College’s Strategic Plan
Excelling in Teaching, Programming and Applied Research – To support students, faculty, and researchers to engage in programming and applied research related to outdoor play and that is reflective of current outdoor play research, innovative programming, indigenous culture, and community development. To support the continued development of applied research activities at Okanagan College across all campuses and their communities.
Working With, and Learning From the Indigenous Community – To support the work of the Indigenization Planning Committee through the provision of research and community development on Indigenous knowledge and its relationship to outdoor play programming.
Serving and Engaging the Community – To expand partnerships and collaboration with other institutions and community partners to share expertise in outdoor play research, theory, and application.
Focusing on Organizational Sustainability – To develop a signature research hub for outdoor play that positions Okanagan College as a national leader in children’s outdoor play research.
Books and resources
An Assessment Tool in Support of Creating Children's Outdoor Play Environments with a Sense of Wonder - Assessment Tool and Scoring Tool
Authors: Dr. Beverlie Dietze and Bora Kim
To purchase this workbook set, please contact Dr. Beverlie Dietze directly at 250-762-4554, 4528.
Foundations of Early Childhood Education: Learning Environments and Childcare in Canada
Author: Dr. Beverlie Dietze
Purchase book
Outdoor and Nature Play in Early Childhood Education
Authors: Dr. Beverlie Dietze and Diane Kashin
Purchase book
Nature Ideas
Explore...Discover...Connect
Authors: Dr. Beverlie Dietze and Diane Kashin
To purchase this workbook, please contact Dr. Beverlie Dietze directly at 250-762-4554, 4528.
Playing and Learning in Early Childhood Education
Authors: Dr. Beverlie Dietze and Diane Kashin
Purchase book
Empowering Pedagogy for Early Childhood Education
Authors: Dr. Beverlie Dietze and Diane Kashin
Purchase book