FOREST PRESCHOOL
Nature Tots Preschool offers an outdoor preschool program for children ages 2 through kindergarten. We have daily creative art projects and guided learning activities but are committed to nature immersion, flow learning, and authentic play above all else. We believe in intentionally slowing down to promote mindfulness, kindness, social connection, as well as self-empowerment. Our aim is to stimulate children’s innate curiosity, while fostering compassion and empathy for the earth and all living beings. Teachers’ roles are as guides; actively modeling engagement in nature by using inquiry-based teaching strategies, making observations, and documenting learning.
Our nature preschool program is in session from September through the end of May, 7:30am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday, and follow the RPS schedule. We offer full-day summer camps in from June - August.
Our nature preschool program is in session from September through the end of May, 7:30am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday, and follow the RPS schedule. We offer full-day summer camps in from June - August.
SCHEDULE OPTIONS & TUITION
- Full Week (Monday - Friday) $1,235 monthly
DAILY RHYTHM
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7:30 am
8:00 am 8:30 am 9:00 am 9:15 am 10:15 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 3:00 pm 3:30 pm 3:45 pm 4:30 pm |
Light Breakfast + Indoor Free Play
Prepare for Nature Play Nature Walk Morning Gathering + Snack Guided Play + Nature Exploration Closing Circle + Clean Up Lunch Story Time & Rest Nature Journal + Snack Prepare for Nature Play Outdoor Free Play Pick Up |
Down our charming gravel road, our lively nature tots start each day with a leisurely mile walk through a beautiful trail in the woods, we enjoy a shared snack and bonding time in our morning circle. Through immersive nature exploration, children guide their own learning with the support of their forest teacher. Our curriculum focuses on social and emotional development, evolving naturally from teamwork, problem-solving, and playtime.
With a comfortable 1:5 teacher to child ratio, we provide the flexibility and patience to allow an organic and child-centered curriculum to blossom. Our "free-range" approach fosters a unique childhood experience, promoting mindfulness and self-empowerment.
With a comfortable 1:5 teacher to child ratio, we provide the flexibility and patience to allow an organic and child-centered curriculum to blossom. Our "free-range" approach fosters a unique childhood experience, promoting mindfulness and self-empowerment.
OUR CLASSROOM
Nestled in the woods, we have a three warming tents complete with heaters, outdoor tables and tons of play equipment. Our indoor classroom is located in the lower level of our residence and this is where the children reside during their rest time. Although we spend most of our days immersed in nature, our warming tents and lower level provide comfortable gathering places, especially during winter months when a break from the cold is needed. When we are inside, children often create art, use the sensory table, journal, build with various blocks and small world items, engage in playing kitchen or simply rest and read a book.
WHAT IS FOREST SCHOOL?
This innovative approach to education traces back to Germany's original Kindergarten, founded in 1837 by Friedrich Fröbel. The model nurtured children like "plants in a garden," prioritizing individual learning needs and emotional development with nature as the primary educational tool. However, as World War I approached, education shifted towards a more structured, indoor-centric model, emphasizing language and math. Despite increasing standardization and "academification" of early childhood education in the US, educators began advocating for more nature-focused, inquiry-based learning, inspired by European Forest Schools. Today, over 500 Forest Schools operate across the country, demonstrating a growing demand for this developmentally appropriate, evidence-based approach to education.
THE BENEFITS OF FOREST SCHOOL
When integrated with traditional learning methods, offers a myriad of benefits. It encourages experiential learning across various subjects like science, mathematics, engineering, literacy, writing, and art, enabling children to apply the scientific method in real-world contexts. This educational approach cultivates independence, emotional intelligence, and a sense of community, focusing on the holistic development of the child rather than solely on academic milestones. Research has shown several positive outcomes for children such as enhanced retention, enhanced resilience and critical thinking abilities, improved problem-solving and spatial skills, sustained pro-environmental behaviors into adulthood and so much more!
"Sometimes, when we can't seem to push ourselves through an obstacle, our grit and resiliency shows us that we can go around, over, or under... this is how we cultivate a growth mindset."
MEET AMBER NELSON
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Primary Forest School Leader and Owner
With over 8 years of experience in childcare, I take pride in my job and truly enjoy it. Alongside my wonderful husband and three school-age children, I am also a proud owner of a lovable golden retriever. I like to start my day with a cup of coffee and engage in hobbies such as golfing, gardening, and painting. My personality is best described as patient, easy-going, and caring. Exploring nature with my little friends has been an absolute dream job, and I look forward to continuing to nurture and support their growth. |
OUTDOOR CLOTHING
As a forest school, we often spend 80% or more of our day outdoors immersed in nature. Children must have appropriate clothing and outdoor gear each day. To keep children warm, dry, and ready for action to the day is a success, we require the following items: Wool Socks, Rain Boots, Winter Boots, Merino Wool Base Layer, Fleece Jacket, Winter Jacket, Snow Pants and Hat.
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It's our one stop shop to easily pickup everything you need all at one time.
Click the logo and use code NATURETOTS to get 15% off |
GEAR PACK
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The proper attire for all-weather play is critical for the success of any outdoor preschooler. Because it is our mission for all children to have access to outdoor learning, a school gear pack is provided prior to their first day. Some items will be left at school and some will be sent home each day. Please use with care as we aim to reuse items for years to come!
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OUTDOOR TOILET
We schedule in potty time breaks at 8:30am; 10:30am; 12:00pm and 3:00pm into our daily routine. Children are allowed "wee pee" which is urinating outside in a designated area at least 100ft from water that is sufficiently private. We also have a portable camp toilet housed in a privacy pop-tent as well as our inside bathroom. Hands are always washed or sanitized after each potty break.
REST TIME
Building a rest time routine is important to children. Our routine includes story time, potty break, children preparing their own sleep space, tuck in time and quiet nature sleep music. Each child is provided a Wildkins sleeping bag. We remain in the room while children settle in and monitor frequently while preparing for the afternoon. Our nap time is from approximately 12:15 pm to 2:30 pm. Older preschoolers are expected to nap or rest quietly without disturbing the other children who are napping. We understand that as children grow, their needs evolve and if your little one gradually moves past their nap phase, it might be time for us to discuss the next steps in their care journey.
MEAL TIMES
At Nature Tots Preschool, we prioritize the health and well-being of your child by providing well-balanced and nutritious meals. During meal and snack times, we join the children, encouraging conversations and modeling appropriate table manners. Our menus are emailed to parents each week for review.
