Training website is optimized for Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Edge and Samsung Internet browsers. We do not recommend using Internet Explorer. Click here for more details.

Course Objectives

After reviewing training content and answering interactive and reflective questions, you will be able to do each of the following, as assessd by online discussions and quizzes:

  1. Explain the benefits and 3 basic components of farm to ECE
  2. Summarize how farm to ECE aligns with CACFP
  3. Identify first steps towards implementing a farm to ECE program in your own setting
  4. Describe at least one way to engage families and communities in your farm to ECE activities


STARS Credit: 

As of October 1, 2023, online trainings can provide Washington State providers with State Training and Registry System credits through the Continuing Education Proposal (CEP) application provided by the Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF). STARS credits will no longer be issued automatically upon completion of the course on the Nourished & Active website. For more information on the CEP process, please visit the FAQ page . You can also learn more about this process on the DCYF website.

The training should take about 2 hours to complete. 

We also offer this course in Spanish. 

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Overview and Introduction

    • Course Overview and Objectives

    • Training Outline

    • Check In

  • 2

    Part 1: Farm to ECE Basics

    • Farm to ECE Basics

    • What Do You Think?

    • What is Farm to ECE?

    • What Do You Think?

    • Farm to ECE Components

    • Check In

    • Benefits of Farm to ECE

    • Importance of Farm to ECE

    • The Influence of Farm to ECE

    • Farm to ECE and Families

    • Pause and Reflect

    • Benefits Beyond the Family

    • Local Foods and CACFP

    • What Do You Think?

    • CACFP Best Practices

    • Local Produce and CACFP

    • What Do You Think?

    • CACFP Seasonal Menu

    • Resources for Getting Started

    • Farm to ECE Basics Review

  • 3

    Part 2: Farm to ECE Experiential Education

    • Farm to ECE Experiential Education

    • What Do You Think?

    • Experiential Education Activities

    • Experiential Education Spotlight: Taste Tests

    • In the Classroom

    • Adapting Curriculum

    • Farm to ECE and the Creative Curriculum

    • The Creative Curriculum: Encouraging Engaged Thinking

    • Farm to ECE with Infants and Toddlers

    • Out of the Classroom

    • What Do You Think?

    • Farm to ECE Fieldtrips

    • Farmer Visits

    • In the Garden

    • Farm to ECE by Subject

    • Experiential Education Review
  • 4

    Part 3: Gardening & Local Food Procurement

    • Gardening and Local Food Sourcing- How

    • Farm to ECE in the Garden

    • What Do You Think?

    • An Introduction to Gardening

    • Steps to Starting a Garden

    • Types of Gardens

    • Working in the Garden with Children

    • Getting Started with Local Procurement

    • Local Food Procurement Options

    • Gardening and Local Food Procurement Review
  • 5

    Part 4: Family, Staff, and Community Engagement

    • Family, Staff, and Community Engagement

    • Benefits of Family Engagement

    • What Do You Think?

    • Family Engagement Best Practices

    • Family Engagement Activities

    • Family Engagement: Take Home Activities

    • Family Engagement: On-Site Events

    • Family Engagement: Community Supported Agriculture

    • Communicating with Parents

    • Engaging Communities

    • Engaging Staff

    • Funding Your Program

    • Family, Staff, and Community Engagement Review
  • 6

    Final Quiz and Wrap-Up

    • Final Quiz

    • Check In

    • Action Plan

    • Summary and Wrap-Up
  • 7

    Evaluation

    • Training Evaluation