- (1) The purpose of OAR 414-320-0100 through 414-320-1620 is to protect the health, safety, and wellbeing of children when cared for outside their own homes by providing requirements for inspecting, certifying, monitoring, and otherwise regulating care in a certified Outdoor Nature Based (ONB) program.
(2) "Certified Outdoor nature-based child care program" means a child care program that:
(a) Enrolls preschool through school-age children;
(b) Provides child care to children in a primarily outdoor natural space approved by DELC. The program may have non-regular or emergency use of indoor space approved by DELC; and
(c) Utilizes a philosophy where nature is central to children’s learning and development, as demonstrated by curriculum requirements outlined in OAR 414-320-0525(4).
(3) A certified outdoor nature-based child care program may utilize indoor space of a building for non-regular use, or to utilize indoor bathroom facilities. The building and indoor space must be approved by environmental health and the fire marshal, where applicable, for that particular use. The program must submit all approvals to DELC when seeking approval for use of the indoor space.
(4) "Non-regular use" is defined as other than regular, daily use and includes, but is not limited to:
(a) Use due to severely inclement weather conditions; or
(b) "Emergency use" due to hazards, the need to shelter in place, or other conditions that prohibit normal outdoor program operations.
(5) A person or entity may not operate an ONB program without a valid certificate issued by DELC, unless providing care not requiring a license as provided in OAR 414-075-0250.
Statutory/Other Authority
ORS 329A.260
Statutes/Other Implemented
ORS 329A.280
History
DELC 2-2025, adopt filed 03/26/2025, effective 07/01/2025