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Council adopts rules to license outdoor nature‑based child care programs starting July 2025
Summary
The Early Learning Council voted to adopt rules implementing HB 2717 to create a licensing pathway for outdoor nature‑based child care programs, finalizing definitions, safety guidance (risky play, plant foraging) and data/implementation steps; DELC will begin licensing July 1, 2025.
The Oregon Early Learning Council voted to adopt administrative rules establishing a licensing pathway for outdoor nature‑based child care programs, fulfilling a statutory requirement from HB 2717. The new rules add the certified outdoor nature‑based program type to the child care licensing code, set health and safety standards tailored to outdoor settings, and amend general child care facility rules to reflect the new license type.
DELC staff said the rules were drafted after a year of engagement that included a community work group and a 15‑member Rule Advisory Committee representing practitioners, advocates and subject matter experts statewide. Key updates in response to RAC feedback included clarified language on risky‑play activities and scaffolding, guidance on plant foraging and poisonous plant notifications, and flexible emergency planning that balances outdoor program operations with child safety.
DELC said licensing is optional for providers that prefer to remain exempt and that licensed outdoor programs may serve children ages 3 through 12. The agency will publish implementation forms, update data systems and provide licensing guidance for the small cohort of programs DELC expects to apply; staff estimated the initial cohort will be modest — Washington's multi‑year pilot licensed about 19 programs — and DELC will gather ongoing feedback.
Council action: The motion to adopt the proposed administrative rules (as listed in the council action packet dated March 26, 2025) was moved and seconded on the record and carried with no recorded opposition or abstentions.
Why it matters: The rules create a regulated pathway for programs that center nature in children's learning, potentially expanding access to outdoor‑focused early learning and giving programs access to the supports and funding available to licensed providers.
What’s next: DELC will finalize forms, provide guidance to licensing staff and providers, and track implementation barriers and successes to inform any future rule or policy adjustments.
