What is a Forest or Farm School?

Forest and Farm Schools, also known as Forest Kindergartens, believe that young children learn best and develop in healthy ways when they can play and connect to the natural world around them. Our programs follow the American Forest Kindergarten Association‘s model, which values place-based education, child-direct learning, and small class sizes.

What curriculum do you use?

We are a play-based early childhood program committed to helping families raise happy, healthy, and capable children. We use an ’emergent curriculum’ to support individual and group learning processes, allowing for our activities and agenda to be interest-led and child-driven. We are also inspired by the traditions of Waldorf and Reggio Emilia; protecting the senses, promoting beauty and reverence, using the environment as our 3rd teacher, and viewing children as competent, capable, and creative learners.

Will my child be outside the whole time?

Yes! We are a full nature-immersion program so we will be spending all of our time outside, rain or shine.

Is snack/lunch provided?

For our full-year preschool programs, we provide a snack each day and invite children to participate. Examples of our snack include organic fruits and vegetable’s. Throughout the year, we may also have herbal tea, prepare baked potatoes, warm apple sauce, vegetable soup, homemade bread and muffins, and eat local berries, fruits, and veggies when they are available. We are a meat and dairy free program.

For Summer Nature Camps, we provide one snack of seasonal fruit or vegetables. Families will bring a sack lunch for their child to enjoy at the end of our camp day.

What kind of equipment/clothing must my child bring?

All registered families will be given a seasonal gear list. It is imperative that children come to school prepared for the weather so that they are able to spend all of their energy on playing and learning, and less on trying to stay warm and dry. We are happy to assist families in acquiring proper outdoor gear/clothing when needed.

Does my child need to be potty trained to participate?

No. We understand that the timetable in which young children master toilet learning is wide and unique to each individual child, and we don’t believe children should be excluded for not yet reaching this milestone. If your preschooler has not yet made the transition from diapers to underwear, please let us know and we will be happy to work with and support you. We do ask that you consider your child’s discomfort, though, in the event they might need a diaper or clothing change outdoors.

What does a mixed age group look like?

Mixed age groupings provide unique opportunities for children to learn and grow as part of a home-like community. We engage 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds according to their age and abilities, while they imitate the mood, gestures and work of our teachers (and their older friends). Our 5 and 6-year-olds develop the independence and sense of responsibility necessary to become leaders in the class, while also working on extended projects and goals.

Is before and after school care provided?

At this time, we are unable to offer extended care to children in our program. However, we realize there is a great need for full-day care, especially for our working families, and hope to add this service as our program grows.

Can caregivers participate and/or volunteer?

Yes, and we encouraged it! We welcome parents and community volunteers to participate in all aspects of our programming. We appreciate the talent, enthusiasm, and loving presence of parents in our community who are willing to share their work and wisdom with us. Volunteering can take on many forms – helping us reach out to new families, staffing our school booth at community events, sharing musical and artistic talents with our students, providing leadership for special events, or joining our Board of Directors.

Does your program incorporate religious teachings?

No. However, we do believe that all humans (and all living things) exist as part of a spiritual dimension and are deeply connected. Our program emphasizes peace, thankfulness, and respect for self, others, and the natural world.

What are your current COVID-19 safety policies?

Greenplay Northwest will follow the guidelines set by the Washington State Department of Health for Childcare, Youth Development and Day Camps to the best of our ability .

We are committed to following the most up to date advice from the Department of Health and we will adjust our policies accordingly. Your health, your child's health, and the health of our staff are first and foremost on our minds.

Regular hand washing will be promoted, especially before food is consumed and between activities with shared items. We will use the hand sanitizer thoughtfully, with an eye towards preventing overuse. Nothing takes the place of simple hand washing in terms of safety and efficacy. We will also adhere to a strict illness policy to ensure that children and grown-ups who are ill stay home.

Is financial assistance available for attending your programs?

Scholarships and alternate payment options may be available. Please contact us through the form on the bottom of this Early Learning Programs page to request our Scholarship Application Form or to discuss a possible alternative payment arrangement.