Written by Dominick Bird, Community Education Associate
Early Care & Learning Council
As the Infant Toddler Program Coordinator at ECLC, Rachel Roberts is heavily engaged in supporting the network of infant and toddler specialists/consultants across New York State. I had the opportunity to sit down with Rachel and explore her insights on a crucial topic in the Infant Toddler Mental Health (ITMH) world: the dichotomy of nature and mental health in early childhood development.
A Passion for Nature and Child Development
Rachel’s journey into this topic is rooted in her lifelong love for the outdoors. From camping and hiking to kayaking, her connection with nature has been a driving force in her life. This passion for nature evolved into a professional focus as she recognized the growing importance of integrating nature into early childhood education.
“I attended two different national professional development events where there were trainings on this topic specifically,” Rachel shared. “I learned a lot about it and thought this would be a great topic to bring to the folks I support across the state.”
Key Takeaways from Trainings
One of the standout points from the training sessions was the significance of research demonstrating the benefits of nature on ITMH. Studies indicate that spending time outdoors, whether in a park or incorporating natural materials into the classroom, can lower cortisol levels, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being in children.
“It’s not just about the fresh air,” Rachel explained. “There’s a lot of science, research and data out there that children being exposed to nature does wonders for their mental health and actually having the information and the science to back it up should convince people ITMH work is essential.”
Rachel’s work involves equipping Infant/Toddler (IT) Specialists with the latest information to improve care quality. This includes highlighting the benefits of nature and guiding how to incorporate it into daily routines for infants and toddlers. “For us, it’s about sharing updated research and strategies with the IT specialists, who then support the caregivers and providers they work with,” Rachel noted.
Why Early Intervention Matters
The significance of early intervention cannot be overstated. Rachel emphasizes that by the age of three, a child’s brain is 90% developed. Introducing beneficial practices early on is important for creating healthy development of infants and toddlers.
“It is fundamental to get in at the early zero to three stages with kids and bring this information to the people that are caring for them,” Rachel explained. “It is going to further improve the quality of the care specialists are providing but also is improving the quality of the lives the children are leading.”
Personal and Professional Insights
Rachel’s experience as both a professional and a parent has deepened her understanding of the importance of nature in a child’s life. “I’ve been in this field for six to seven years professionally and I’m still learning,” she shared. “Because I have a toddler at home and I really see a difference on a day we spend time outside compared to staying inside, (…) From a parent point of view I see the positive effects and from a professional point of view I see this topic is not going anywhere and will keep expanding.”
She also acknowledges that climate change and environmental issues are relevant to future generations regarding ITMH in nature curriculums. “In terms of climate change, children are going to be the most affected by it as they grow up in new environments,” Rachel added.
Rachel Roberts’ insights into the benefits of nature for ITMH highlight an exciting and impactful area of early childhood education. By integrating nature into daily routines and advocating for evidence-based practices, we can support young children’s well-being and development in meaningful ways.
For those interested in learning more about ECLC’s infant/toddler work, visit the Infant & Toddler Network Page of our website.
Rachel ended our conversation with, “The resources available through ECLC and other organizations can be incredibly helpful for anyone looking to understand and implement nature-based practices.”
Further suggested reading about this topic:
