My name is Becky DelVecchio and I am currently in the dissertation phase of my doctoral program in Early Care and Education at UMass Boston. My research project is about nature play for young children.

Through this research project, I hope to better understand how caregivers feel about nature play. For this study, nature play is defined as play that happens in or with nature. For example, your child may play in the backyard, collect sticks and help water the garden. Or, your child may splash in puddles on the sidewalk after a rain storm. Or, your child may pick dandelions as they find them in their daily lives. Your child may help care for a family pet, like a goldfish or guinea pig. These are all ways (and there are a lot more!) ways your child might be interacting with nature. I want to know what you think about this play.

Your voice, and your child’s voice is important. You are the expert on your child, and your family. I hope you will share your thoughts about nature play by completing this online survey. The survey will take 10-15 minutes to complete If you choose to complete the survey, you may also be selected for an optional interview. If you are interviewed, you will receive a $40.00 Amazon gift card will be sent to your email address as a token of appreciation. Click this link to complete the survey- https://umassboston.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1MlAdHTUApeipql