2017 – 2018 HIGHLIGHTS
- 25 infant toddler outdoor play spaces were enhanced for nature connection. Teachers, administrators and families worked with coaches to green educational spaces and increase nature-based curriculum through First 5 SF and the Office of Early Care and Education (OECE)
- 187 Early Childhood Educators received nature-based education training through First 5 SF, OECE and San Francisco Unified School District.
- Teacher Mabel Young was recognized for Excellence in Teaching for her efforts to connect children to nature in the Presidio through First 5 SF and the OECE. See heartfelt video.
- First Children in Nature themed convening and resource fair held with 200+ early childhood educators through OECE and First 5 SF. Phil Ginsburg presented the San Francisco Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights and shared the importance of nature connection every day.
- Piloted project to repurpose downed trees and provide natural loose parts to support nature play at Early Education sites through First 5 SF, SF Rec & Park and Presidio Trust
- Developed city-wide Youth Nature Survey for identifying nature connection baseline and barriers to access. Survey to be implemented in 2019.
- Developed and Implement, through Education Outside, a Green Schoolyards Assessment tool for Early Childhood Education (ECE) Sites. Piloted in 33 ECE sites across the city through a grant from Kaiser Foundation
- San Francisco Rec & Park designed and created Rolph Nicol Nature Exploration Area. 120 Stonestown YMCA youth test the space over three play days.
- Drafted recommendations for the SF Planning Department’s Family-Friendly City Initiative to ensure that access to parks and open space are part of the long term goals and vision.
- Developed a nature connection measure for Our Children Our Families (OCOF) outcomes framework which aims to provide insight into the well-being of children, youth and families in SF. The Controller’s city survey will measure the percentage of families that visit parks frequently every 2 years to track progress.
- 12 dedicated create-with-nature programs held for youth at 7 SF sites through SF Rec & Park, the YMCA, California Academy of Science, Department of the Environment, Department of Public Health, Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, and in collaboration with environmental artist Zach Pine
- Coordinated action and planning with over 25 governmental agencies, non-profit institutions, and community-based organizations.