The Certified Outdoor Nature-Based Program License
The Child Care Licensing Division issues four types of child care licenses:
While all four licenses have health and safety requirements, they are very different licenses. In most cases, both Registered Family and Certified Family Child Care licenses are in residential homes, Certified Center licenses are in commercial buildings, and Outdoor Nature-Based programs are in primarily outdoor locations.
Each type of license operates under a different set of Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs). Outdoor Nature-Based Programs operate under OAR 414‐320‐0000 – through 414‐320‐1620. Your program will be regulated according to these requirements.
What is a Certified Outdoor Nature-Based Program?
A "Certified Outdoor Nature-Based Child Care Program":
- Enrolls preschool through school-age children;
- Provides child care to children in a primarily outdoor natural space approved by Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC); and
- Utilizes a philosophy where nature is central to children's learning and development.
In addition:
- The licensed space for ONB programs must have at least 4000 square feet of outdoor space per child which may be public or private land. The program must have a permanent location to be eligible for this type of licensing.
- Programs must follow the Child Care Licensing Division’s application process and pass an inspection by a licensing specialist and an environmental health specialist.
Staff to Child Ratios and Maximum Group Sizes
- Preschool Age (36 months through eligible for kindergarten):
- Ratio of 1 staff to 8 children, with a maximum group size of 16 children
- School Age (Eligible for kindergarten through 12 years old):
- Ratio of 1 staff to 10 children, with a maximum group size of 20 children
Qualification Requirements
In addition to the standard licensing training, ONB qualification requirements include:
For Directors
- At least 21 years of age
- 20 hours of approved outdoor nature-based education or training
- 250 hours of work experience in an outdoor education environment
- Have attained at least one:
- Step 9 or higher on the Oregon Registry
- 1 year as a provider at a Certified Family Child Care Home
- Have verifiable knowledge of adult management and of child development for the primary ages served per OAR 414-320-0320.5.e.C
For teachers
- At least 18 years of age
- 10 hours of approved outdoor nature-based education or training
- Meet the experience and training qualifications defined in OAR 414-320-0340.2.d and OAR 414-320-0340.e
For all staff
- Meet initial and annual training requirements
- Depending on the location, wilderness first aid and CPR may be required for staff
How were the ONB rules developed?
In 2023, House Bill 2717 added outdoor child care program to the definition of “child care facility” opening the way for the DELC to develop a path for outdoor programs to become licensed. The process for developing Oregon’s Certified Outdoor Nature-Based child care rules included consulting with current programs in Oregon, using Washington’s ONB rules as a guide, conducting site visits in Washington and Oregon, and gathering feedback from an advisory committee of advocates and professionals knowledgeable in this type of care. Throughout the process DELC has remained focused on foundational health and safety standards.
To begin the process of directing a Certified Outdoor Nature-Based Child Care Program, use these documents:
Outdoor Nature-Based Child Care Program Fast Facts(CCLD-0950): English (PDF)
Outdoor Nature-Based Child Care Getting Started(PTA-0989): English (PDF)
Guide to Outdoor Nature-Based Child Care (CCLD-0983): English (PDF)