Nature Explore Certified Classroom Application

ADMIN NOTES:

Any changes to this form should be updated accordingly in the Application Guidelines Document (customer PDF in WordPress; original Word doc in Google Drive). This document is linked in the instructions on this page and in the Save and Continue notification email (which can be edited under Settings).

They will also need to be updated on the completed application PDF in JotForm that is attached to the applicant confirmation email.

This form is connected to Google Drive for access to the uploaded files.

The Application Guidelines document includes links to the Area Descriptions file stored in WordPress, the product page for the Learning with Nature Idea Book, and the Certified Classrooms website. If any of these items change location, the URLs will need to be updated in the Area Descriptions file.

Upon submission, this form redirects to the Demographic survey.
Nature Explore Certification Application
Thank you for your interest in becoming a Nature Explore Certified Classroom.

Before beginning your application, please review the Application Guidelines. This will help you prepare all of the information you need to complete the application.

Please share your story and photos with the knowledge that they will be used to honor your work on the Nature Explore website.

We are excited to get to know you and the work you are doing to connect children with nature.

To begin your application, click Next.

Lana Gilson and the Nature Explore team

PS - You can save your application at any time and return to it later by following these steps. We recommend saving after completing each page at a minimum. If you are submitting more than one application, you must complete one application before beginning the next.
1. Click Save at the bottom of any page.
2. Click Skip Create an Account at the bottom of the pop-up. You do not need to create a Jotform account.
3. Copy and save the link and/or email it to yourself. SAVE THIS EMAIL.
4. When you are ready to return to your draft and continue your application, use the link you saved/emailed.

Click for Save Instructions
You can save your application at any time and return to it later by following these steps. We recommend saving after completing each page at a minimum. If you are submitting more than one application, you must complete one application before beginning the next.
1. Click Save at the bottom of any page.
2. Click Skip Create an Account at the bottom of the pop-up. You do not need to create a Jotform account.
3. Copy and save the link and/or email it to yourself. SAVE THIS EMAIL.
4. When you are ready to return to your draft and continue your application, use the link you saved/emailed.

End Collapsible Section (Hidden)
General Information - Site

Please Note: Yearly recertification is required. Please send any changes in contact person to Lana Gilson at lanag@natureexplore.org immediately.
Your Name*

First NameLast Name
Your Email*

Confirmation Email
What is the name of your school or organization?*
Address of the Nature Explore Classroom*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
How should the name of your Nature Explore Classroom appear on your certificate and in media announcements?*
How many children are served at your site yearly?*
For the following question:

Click "Yes" if your outdoor classroom was designed by our Nature Explore Design Team.
Click "No" if your site is self designed.
Has your organization completed a Nature Explore Design Consultation?*

YesNo

Click for Save Instructions
You can save your application at any time and return to it later by following these steps. We recommend saving after completing each page at a minimum. If you are submitting more than one application, you must complete one application before beginning the next.
1. Click Save at the bottom of any page.
2. Click Skip Create an Account at the bottom of the pop-up. You do not need to create a Jotform account.
3. Copy and save the link and/or email it to yourself. SAVE THIS EMAIL.
4. When you are ready to return to your draft and continue your application, use the link you saved/emailed.

End Collapsible Section (Hidden)
General Information - Contact Person
Contact Person's Name*

First NameLast Name
Contact Person's Title/Position*
Contact Person's Email*

Confirmation Email
Contact Person's Phone Number*
Is the Contact Person's mailing address the same as the classroom?*

YesNo
Contact Person's Mailing Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Click for Save Instructions
You can save your application at any time and return to it later by following these steps. We recommend saving after completing each page at a minimum. If you are submitting more than one application, you must complete one application before beginning the next.
1. Click Save at the bottom of any page.
2. Click Skip Create an Account at the bottom of the pop-up. You do not need to create a Jotform account.
3. Copy and save the link and/or email it to yourself. SAVE THIS EMAIL.
4. When you are ready to return to your draft and continue your application, use the link you saved/emailed.

End Collapsible Section (Hidden)
Information on Your Outdoor Space
The following requirements are based on the Ten Guiding Principles outlined in the Learning with Nature Idea Book.

When submitting photos/documents, please name each file. For example: Concept Plan; Panorama; Entry Feature; Art Area; etc.
Map of Your Space: Please submit a concept plan or map of your space showing clearly the required delineated areas.*

File Type must be: pdf, doc, docx, jpg, jpeg, png, or tiff File size is limited to 10MB. Depending on the size of your files, it may take some time to load.
Cancelof
Panorama Photo: Please include a panorama photo of your space.*

File Type must be: .jpg, .jpeg, .png, or .tiff File size is limited to 5MB. Depending on the size of your files, it may take some time to load.
Cancelof

Click for Save Instructions
You can save your application at any time and return to it later by following these steps. We recommend saving after completing each page at a minimum. If you are submitting more than one application, you must complete one application before beginning the next.
1. Click Save at the bottom of any page.
2. Click Skip Create an Account at the bottom of the pop-up. You do not need to create a Jotform account.
3. Copy and save the link and/or email it to yourself. SAVE THIS EMAIL.
4. When you are ready to return to your draft and continue your application, use the link you saved/emailed.

End Collapsible Section (Hidden)
Information on Your Outdoor Space - Activity Areas
Please check each of the following requirements (as explained in the Learning with Nature Idea Book) to acknowledge that they are a part of your outdoor classroom.*

Each area is labeled with a sign.Each area is visible at all times OR there is enough supervision to allow visibility of all areas at all times.Each area has its own accessible storage area for materials.Space meets all regulatory standards for your region.

Please provide photos that show each area in its entirety. Click to hide examples.
Nature Art Area
Music and Movement Area

End Collapsible Section (Hidden)
What do you call your Entry Feature?*
Entry Feature Photo*

File Type must be: jpg, jpeg, png, or tiff. File size is limited to 5MB. Depending on the size of your files, it may take some time to load.
Cancelof
What do you call your Open Area?*
Open Area Photo*

File Type must be: jpg, jpeg, png, or tiff. File size is limited to 5MB. Depending on the size of your files, it may take some time to load.
Cancelof
What do you call your Climbing/Crawling Area?*
Climbing/Crawling Area Photo*

File Type must be: jpg, jpeg, png, or tiff. File size is limited to 5MB. Depending on the size of your files, it may take some time to load.
Cancelof
What do you call your Loose Parts/Messy Materials Area?*
Loose Parts/Messy Materials Area Photo*

File Type must be: jpg, jpeg, png, or tiff. File size is limited to 5MB. Depending on the size of your files, it may take some time to load.
Cancelof
What do you call your Building Area?*
Building Area Photo*

File Type must be: jpg, jpeg, png, or tiff. File size is limited to 5MB. Depending on the size of your files, it may take some time to load.
Cancelof
What do you call your Nature Art Area?*
Nature Art Area Photo*

File Type must be: jpg, jpeg, png, or tiff. File size is limited to 5MB. Depending on the size of your files, it may take some time to load.
Cancelof
What do you call your Music and Movement Area?*
Music and Movement Area Photo*

File Type must be: jpg, jpeg, png, or tiff. File size is limited to 5MB. Depending on the size of your files, it may take some time to load.
Cancelof
What do you call your Garden Area?*
Garden Area Photo*

File Type must be: jpg, jpeg, png, or tiff. File size is limited to 5MB. Depending on the size of your files, it may take some time to load.
Cancelof
What do you call your Gathering Area?*
Gathering Area Photo*

File Type must be: jpg, jpeg, png, or tiff. File size is limited to 5MB. Depending on the size of your files, it may take some time to load.
Cancelof

Click for Save Instructions
You can save your application at any time and return to it later by following these steps. We recommend saving after completing each page at a minimum. If you are submitting more than one application, you must complete one application before beginning the next.
1. Click Save at the bottom of any page.
2. Click Skip Create an Account at the bottom of the pop-up. You do not need to create a Jotform account.
3. Copy and save the link and/or email it to yourself. SAVE THIS EMAIL.
4. When you are ready to return to your draft and continue your application, use the link you saved/emailed.

End Collapsible Section (Hidden)
Information on Your Outdoor Space - Additional Information
Briefly tell us how you are incorporating natural materials, including trees and other live plants, into your classroom.*
Please describe how the elements in your classroom allow for durability and low maintenance of the space.*
How does your site maximize beauty, visual clarity, and aesthetics in the over-all design?*
How have you personalized the design of your space with regional materials, artwork, and ideas from children and staff?*
Were there any challenges in meeting the regulatory standards for your region?*

YesNo
Please describe these challenges and how they were overcome.*

Click for Save Instructions
You can save your application at any time and return to it later by following these steps. We recommend saving after completing each page at a minimum. If you are submitting more than one application, you must complete one application before beginning the next.
1. Click Save at the bottom of any page.
2. Click Skip Create an Account at the bottom of the pop-up. You do not need to create a Jotform account.
3. Copy and save the link and/or email it to yourself. SAVE THIS EMAIL.
4. When you are ready to return to your draft and continue your application, use the link you saved/emailed.

End Collapsible Section (Hidden)
Information on Your Outdoor Space - Resources
Which of the following helped you build your Outdoor Classroom? (select all that apply)*

StaffContractorsVolunteersOther
Please list any contractors or volunteer organizations you would recommend to others.

Click for Save Instructions
You can save your application at any time and return to it later by following these steps. We recommend saving after completing each page at a minimum. If you are submitting more than one application, you must complete one application before beginning the next.
1. Click Save at the bottom of any page.
2. Click Skip Create an Account at the bottom of the pop-up. You do not need to create a Jotform account.
3. Copy and save the link and/or email it to yourself. SAVE THIS EMAIL.
4. When you are ready to return to your draft and continue your application, use the link you saved/emailed.

End Collapsible Section (Hidden)
Staff Professional Development
Attendance at Nature Explore workshops of at least one staff member from the site applying for certification is required.
Which workshop(s) was/were attended?*

Bringing Learning to Life Outdoors online (formerly Using Your Outdoor Classroom - online) OR Learning Outdoors with Infants and Toddlers online (2 hours) AND one additional online workshop (2 hours)Using Your Outdoor Classroom OR Supporting Infants and Toddlers Outdoors in-person (3 hours)Certification Studio (three 1 hour sessions)
Name of Staff Member Who Attended*

First NameLast Name
Staff Member's Position*
Name of Other Workshop*

Click for Save Instructions
You can save your application at any time and return to it later by following these steps. We recommend saving after completing each page at a minimum. If you are submitting more than one application, you must complete one application before beginning the next.
1. Click Save at the bottom of any page.
2. Click Skip Create an Account at the bottom of the pop-up. You do not need to create a Jotform account.
3. Copy and save the link and/or email it to yourself. SAVE THIS EMAIL.
4. When you are ready to return to your draft and continue your application, use the link you saved/emailed.

End Collapsible Section (Hidden)
Family Involvement
Please provide a brief description of activities you have conducted to increase family awareness and ongoing involvement in the Nature Explore Classroom and nature education for young children.*
*Examples could include holding an open house, sending flyers home, providing Nature Explore Families' Club memberships, or recruiting parent volunteers.
Approximately how many families have been reached through these activities?*

Click for Save Instructions
You can save your application at any time and return to it later by following these steps. We recommend saving after completing each page at a minimum. If you are submitting more than one application, you must complete one application before beginning the next.
1. Click Save at the bottom of any page.
2. Click Skip Create an Account at the bottom of the pop-up. You do not need to create a Jotform account.
3. Copy and save the link and/or email it to yourself. SAVE THIS EMAIL.
4. When you are ready to return to your draft and continue your application, use the link you saved/emailed.

End Collapsible Section (Hidden)
Your Classroom Story for Your Nature Explore Webpage
Our network of Certified Nature Explore Classrooms may be found on our website. As a part of this network and as a benefit of certification, you will receive your own designated webpage on the Nature Explore website. This will allow you to showcase your classroom and your journey of transforming your outdoor space. Please tell us your unique story. Feel free to use the following prompts to help write your content.
- What would you like to highlight about your site?
- What makes your Nature Explore Classroom unique/special?
- Write about your success
- Describe your classroom for visitors
- Special acknowledgements
- Stories from children, staff, families, community members or volunteers
- Thank you notes
- List of donors and/or donor stories
- Fundraising efforts
- Artwork examples
- Exceptional features in your space
- Quotes/testimonials
- Annual/special event descriptions
- How your space is changing your business/organization/relationships
- Future plans
- Planting/gardening efforts
- Clean-up and maintenance effort
Please tell us your story below (maximum of 500 words)*

0/500
Facebook Page URL (optional)
Classroom Website URL (optional)
Please upload up to 6 additional, labeled photos to be included with your story. If none are submitted, we will insert photos from your application.

File Type must be: jpg, jpeg, png, or tiff. File size is limited to 5MB. Depending on the size of your files, it may take some time to load.
Cancelof

Click for Save Instructions
You can save your application at any time and return to it later by following these steps. We recommend saving after completing each page at a minimum. If you are submitting more than one application, you must complete one application before beginning the next.
1. Click Save at the bottom of any page.
2. Click Skip Create an Account at the bottom of the pop-up. You do not need to create a Jotform account.
3. Copy and save the link and/or email it to yourself. SAVE THIS EMAIL.
4. When you are ready to return to your draft and continue your application, use the link you saved/emailed.

End Collapsible Section (Hidden)
Photo Submission Agreement
Dimensions Educational Research Foundation (Dimensions) includes Nature Explore, as well as Dimensions Education Programs and Exchange Press. In addition, Dimensions also provides administrative support for the World Forum Foundation. I authorize the use of my appearance to support any of these entities.

I understand that Dimensions may produce and make use of my appearance—in forms both procured by Dimensions and submitted by me to Dimensions—in any promotional or educational materials including, but not limited to: website, videos, educational magazine, flyers, presentations, print materials, publications and social media (the Production).

I understand that I am to receive no compensation for this appearance, and that I am to receive no compensation of any kind as a result of any uses by the Production. My voluntary participation in the Production of materials shall be work made for hire for Dimensions under the copyright laws of the United States. To the extent that my voluntary participation cannot be considered a work made for hire, I assign all right and title, including all copyright rights in the Production of materials and its derivative works, to Dimensions.

Dimensions shall have complete ownership of the Production of materials, including full domestic and foreign copyright, and shall have the exclusive right and license to make such use of the Production as it wishes, including (but not limited to) the right of performance, display, reproduction and distribution in all media, and the right to create, perform, display and distribute
derivative works of the materials produced.

I agree that I have photo release information for all individuals (adults and children) representing my site that supports the above statements. I give Dimensions the right to use the likeness and/or information of any individuals representing my site to publicize the Production, derivative works of the Production, and the services of Dimensions. I agree that it is my responsibility to keep any individuals who do not have a photo release on file at my site from appearing in the media production process.

If person appearing is a minor, parent or legal guardian signature must appear on the site’s photo release information obtained and held by the site.

My signature indicates that I have read, understand, and agree to the terms of this Photo Submission Agreement.
Signature*

Clear

Click for Save Instructions
You can save your application at any time and return to it later by following these steps. We recommend saving after completing each page at a minimum. If you are submitting more than one application, you must complete one application before beginning the next.
1. Click Save at the bottom of any page.
2. Click Skip Create an Account at the bottom of the pop-up. You do not need to create a Jotform account.
3. Copy and save the link and/or email it to yourself. SAVE THIS EMAIL.
4. When you are ready to return to your draft and continue your application, use the link you saved/emailed.

End Collapsible Section (Hidden)
Press Release
Dimensions Foundation will distribute a press release to media outlets in your area in recognition of your outstanding efforts to make nature a part of children's daily lives. A press release draft will be sent to you upon certification. Your approval by email is needed.

We have found that many local papers will take our short press release and add to it. In that instance, they may contact you for additional information or pictures.

Please provide up to 6 media contacts, local, state, or national organizations.

	Name of Organization	Contact Name	Email Address or Online Submission Link
Outlet 1
Outlet 2
Outlet 3
Outlet 4
Outlet 5
Outlet 6

This completes your application. Once you submit your application, it cannot be edited. Sign below to indicate that you have read and agree with the following:

I am submitting this application on behalf of the school or organization listed above for certification as a Nature Explore Classroom, having achieved the required standards for the certification program.
Signature*

Clear
Date*

MonthDayYear
Should be Empty:

Nature Explore Certification Application

General Information - Site

General Information - Contact Person

Information on Your Outdoor Space

Information on Your Outdoor Space - Activity Areas

Information on Your Outdoor Space - Additional Information

Information on Your Outdoor Space - Resources

Staff Professional Development

Family Involvement

Your Classroom Story for Your Nature Explore Webpage

Photo Submission Agreement

Press Release