Elementy – Association for Early Childhood Education in Nature
Who We Are & Our Story
Elementy – Association for Early Childhood Education in Nature (Asociace elementárního vzdělávání v přírodě) is the national umbrella organization and official representative of the forest kindergarten and nature-based education sector in the Czech Republic. Operating as a caring member-driven network, we believe that educational freedom/plurality, dedicated support for our members, and an active civil society are fundamental pillars of a healthy/sustainable democratic society.
Our story began in 2010 under the name Association of Forest Kindergartens (ALMŠ). We emerged as a grassroots response to a growing demand for opener, more nature-connected education. Over fifteen years, we paved the way from pioneer community initiatives to formal recognition of Forest Kindergartens within the state educational system.
In 2025/2026, we transformed and rebranded to Elementy. This step reflects our expanding scope: today, we support not only official forest kindergartens, but also community nature clubs, licensed child-care groups, outdoor classes in conventional schools, and academic initiatives. At the heart of our movement, however, the essence remains unchanged: uniting authentic community enthusiasm with expert authority, professionalism, and comprehensive member care.
Our Impact in Numbers
- 15+ Years of continuous advocacy, growing numbers of supported organizations, member care, and development of nature pedagogy in the Czech Republic.
- 150+ Member Organizations across the state.
- 3,160+ Children attending forest kindergartens and nature clubs daily.
- 180+ Registered Classes and outdoor learning groups.
- Systemic Milestone: Successfully embedding forest kindergartens into the Czech National Education Act (2017).
Vision
- Sustainable Development
- The Right to a Healthy Environment (Recognized by the UN Human Rights Council in October 2021)
- Nature-Based Pedagogy
We champion sustainable development as an ongoing process of balancing ecological, economic, and social needs at all levels—from organizational leadership to structural innovations in education. We view the right to a healthy environment as an integral component of sustainability. Our goal is to ensure that both children and educators have the necessary conditions for daily, meaningful contact with nature throughout the learning process.
Mission
- Innovation in Education
We are a recognized expert organization driving systemic change across educational institutions to support regular, direct engagement with nature in daily learning. We are reshaping public understanding of nature access, establishing it as a foundational requirement for healthy, holistic child development. We deliver the know-how to launch and grow forest kindergartens, nature clubs, outdoor after-school programs, and other forms of nature-based education. - Member Support & Advocacy
We connect and empower our member organizations while representing and protecting their interests. We foster their sustainability and professional standards through the Quality Framework for Forest Kindergartens and Clubs. We provide crisis support for members in challenging times and advocate for our network on a national level. - Adult Education & Professional Development
We elevate the professionalism of educators and caregivers, building deep expertise in pedagogy, psychology, environmental education, and nature-based practice. We provide diverse learning formats, professional consultations, supervision, methodological tools, and supporting resources. Furthermore, we actively encourage research initiatives and academic partnerships. - Organizational Sustainability & Resilience
We govern Elementy with strong financial stewardship, fully aligned with our vision and code of ethics. We continuously review and adapt our operations in response to internal growth and broader societal changes. We invest in our own professional expertise, foster open and compassionate communication, and actively care for our physical and mental well-being.
At our core, we stand for:
Nature-Based Childhood, Community Care, Expertise, and Openness.
Key Pillars of Our Work
Systemic Advocacy & Policy
- Representing member interests in negotiations with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, the Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Regional Development.
- Securing tailored legislative and operational frameworks—ranging from health and building structures (yurts, forest basecamps) to outdoor food service and safety regulations.
- Guiding community nature clubs through the transition into state-accredited forest kindergartens.
Member Care & Community Support
- Delivering a comprehensive support network: legal and operational helpdesks, crisis intervention, and safe spaces for sharing best practices.
- Prioritizing mental hygiene, leadership development, and burnout prevention for educators and directors.
- Securing strategic partnerships with premium outdoor gear manufacturers (e.g., Thermos, BOLL, Nobilis Tilia, Wamu), granting affordable access to high-quality equipment for year-round outdoor operations.
Quality Assurance & Certification
- Establishing national Quality Standards for Forest Kindergartens, defining pedagogical, safety, operational, and methodological benchmarks.
- Managing an independent certification process that guarantees parents and authorities high-quality, safe, and professional care.
Professional Education
- Škola lesem (School by the Forest) - Operating the accredited educational platform Škola lesem, delivering professional development courses for educators, guides, founders, and the public.
- National Summer camp for Forest Schools practitioners
- Hosting the International Forest Schools Summer congress (2024)
- Established professional training programmes (Forest Kindergarten Practitioner basis, Fox Teaching, Wood cutting with Children etc.)
- Hosting national conferences, summer schools, webinars, and study visits focused on psychomotor development, outdoor risk management, and environmental education (EVVO).
Data, Research & Public Relations
- Conducting annual nationwide sector mapping to collect empirical data on capacity, deferred school entry, age demographics, and safety statistics.
- Cultivating public and policy discourse, delivering data to national media, and dismantling myths regarding year-round nature based education.
International Engagement
Through fifteen years of systematic effort and legislative integration, the Czech Republic stands as a European leader in nature-based early childhood education. We actively collaborate with international partners, research institutions, and sister associations across Europe and beyond (including Germany, Scandinavia, and the UK). We share our expertise in accreditation, policy design, and member-network management while participating in international initiatives defending children's right to outdoor play.
Connect & Collaborate
Whether you are an international researcher, educational institution, journalist, or global partner seeking cooperation, inspiration and proven expertise to advance nature-based pedagogy in your country, Elementy is your partner in the Czech Republic.
