Open Discussion Forum

We are planning to open a nature preschool and are looking for nature preschools already in existence as peer resources. In specific, are there any preschools out there in partnership with nature organizations and running a nature preschool?

------------------------------
Abigail Marsters
The Sharon Cooperative School
Sharon MA
------------------------------

Here is a link for a nature preschool outside of Midland MI
http://www.chippewanaturecenter.org/nature-preschool/

------------------------------
Lezlie Hauck
Preschool Director/Lead Teacher
Fulton Schools
Middleton MI
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-27-2017 11:23 AM
From: Abigail Marsters
Subject: Looking for Existing Nature Preschool

We are planning to open a nature preschool and are looking for nature preschools already in existence as peer resources. In specific, are there any preschools out there in partnership with nature organizations and running a nature preschool?

------------------------------
Abigail Marsters
The Sharon Cooperative School
Sharon MA
------------------------------

Copy and past the link below into your browser for a look at a nature preschool program in Philadelphia:
www.schuylkillcenter.org/nature-preschool


------------------------------
Stacey Sangtinette
Philadelphia, PA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-27-2017 11:23 AM
From: Abigail Marsters
Subject: Looking for Existing Nature Preschool

We are planning to open a nature preschool and are looking for nature preschools already in existence as peer resources. In specific, are there any preschools out there in partnership with nature organizations and running a nature preschool?

------------------------------
Abigail Marsters
The Sharon Cooperative School
Sharon MA
------------------------------

Hello!
I am the Nature Preschool Director at Chippewa Nature Center. We are always willing to support Nature-Based Education! Please visit Nature Preschool for more details and contact me at mpowell@chippewanaturecenter.org or 989-631-0830. 

Chippewanaturecenter		remove preview
Nature Preschool Chippewa Nature Center is pleased to offer a nature-based preschool, one of only about 20 others in the country when it first began in 2007. Classes take place in the LEED Gold Certified Margaret Ann (Ranny) Riecker Nature Preschool Center and in the Alden B. Dow-designed Nature Study Building. View this on Chippewanaturecenter >

------------------------------
Madison Powell
Chippewa Nature Center
Midland MI
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-27-2017 11:23 AM
From: Abigail Marsters
Subject: Looking for Existing Nature Preschool

We are planning to open a nature preschool and are looking for nature preschools already in existence as peer resources. In specific, are there any preschools out there in partnership with nature organizations and running a nature preschool?

------------------------------
Abigail Marsters
The Sharon Cooperative School
Sharon MA
------------------------------

Hello,
There is a nature preschool in Minnesota Dodge Nature Preschool - Dodge Nature Center. Good luck in your venture! We need more nature preschools, and for kids to have more access to nature experiences.

Dodgenaturecenter		remove preview
Dodge Nature Preschool - Dodge Nature Center Situated on a 110-acre area of our Environmental Educational Preserve, the Dodge Nature Preschool brings the natural world into the lives of young children. With their teachers and classmates, children discover the wonders of nature and play on the Model Farm where barnyard animals provide stimulating opportunities for learning and growth. View this on Dodgenaturecenter >

------------------------------
Doreen Jackson
Anoka County Community
Blaine MN
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-27-2017 11:23 AM
From: Abigail Marsters
Subject: Looking for Existing Nature Preschool

We are planning to open a nature preschool and are looking for nature preschools already in existence as peer resources. In specific, are there any preschools out there in partnership with nature organizations and running a nature preschool?

------------------------------
Abigail Marsters
The Sharon Cooperative School
Sharon MA
------------------------------

The Oswegoland Park District runs a nature preschool.  Here is the link to our website OswegolandParkDistrict.org. If you go to the programs tab and in the drop down click preschool.  You find some information regarding the program and curriculum.  If you have further questions please don't hesitate to reach out.  I would be happy to help you! I am a huge advocate for outdoor experiences!

Cheryl Keilson
Superintendent of Early Childhood Education

------------------------------
Cheryl Keilson
Oswego Park District
Oswego IL
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-27-2017 11:23 AM
From: Abigail Marsters
Subject: Looking for Existing Nature Preschool

We are planning to open a nature preschool and are looking for nature preschools already in existence as peer resources. In specific, are there any preschools out there in partnership with nature organizations and running a nature preschool?

------------------------------
Abigail Marsters
The Sharon Cooperative School
Sharon MA
------------------------------

Irvine Nature Center in Baltimore, MD

See link.

Nature Preschool | Irvine Nature Center

They have a conference coming up June 6th
Nature Preschool Conference | Irvine Nature Center

Know them a-only by reputation which is good.

------------------------------
Monica Ogara
Woodbine MD
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-28-2017 10:02 AM
From: Cheryl Keilson
Subject: Looking for Existing Nature Preschool

The Oswegoland Park District runs a nature preschool.  Here is the link to our website OswegolandParkDistrict.org. If you go to the programs tab and in the drop down click preschool.  You find some information regarding the program and curriculum.  If you have further questions please don't hesitate to reach out.  I would be happy to help you! I am a huge advocate for outdoor experiences!

Cheryl Keilson
Superintendent of Early Childhood Education

------------------------------
Cheryl Keilson
Oswego Park District
Oswego IL
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-27-2017 11:23 AM
From: Abigail Marsters
Subject: Looking for Existing Nature Preschool

We are planning to open a nature preschool and are looking for nature preschools already in existence as peer resources. In specific, are there any preschools out there in partnership with nature organizations and running a nature preschool?

------------------------------
Abigail Marsters
The Sharon Cooperative School
Sharon MA
------------------------------

Original Message------

We are planning to open a nature preschool and are looking for nature preschools already in existence as peer resources. In specific, are there any preschools out there in partnership with nature organizations and running a nature preschool?

------------------------------
Abigail Marsters
The Sharon Cooperative School
Sharon MA
------------------------------

This is very helpful! Thank you!

------------------------------
Abigail Marsters
The Sharon Cooperative School
Sharon MA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-29-2017 03:49 PM
From: Emily Weber
Subject: Looking for Existing Nature Preschool

There's a nature preschool at Irvine Nature Center in Maryland, just outside of Baltimore. They also have a nature conference every year. It's in June. 

http://www.explorenature.org/nature-preschool/nature-preschool-conference/

Hope that helps!

--

Sent from Gmail Mobile

I run a nature preschool called Little Leaf in Hastings on Hudson, NY:
Little Leaf at Andrus on Hudson

Happy to offer a visit to our school!

------------------------------
Theresa McCaffrey
Hastings on Hudson NY
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-29-2017 03:49 PM
From: Emily Weber
Subject: Looking for Existing Nature Preschool

There's a nature preschool at Irvine Nature Center in Maryland, just outside of Baltimore. They also have a nature conference every year. It's in June. 

http://www.explorenature.org/nature-preschool/nature-preschool-conference/

Hope that helps!

--

Sent from Gmail Mobile

Fabulous that you're looking to add more nature to your teaching approach! All of the nature-based preschools mentioned here are good ones to check out. Also, Natural Start Alliance has a map of programs that self-identify as nature-based. It might be helpful if you're trying to find some close to your area. They're also hosting a Nature Preschool National Conference in Seattle in August. Consider attending--it's a great group! Registration is opening next week I believe.

------------------------------
Rachel Larimore
Doctoral Student, Michigan State University
Midland MI
www.rachel-larimore.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-27-2017 11:23 AM
From: Abigail Marsters
Subject: Looking for Existing Nature Preschool

We are planning to open a nature preschool and are looking for nature preschools already in existence as peer resources. In specific, are there any preschools out there in partnership with nature organizations and running a nature preschool?

------------------------------
Abigail Marsters
The Sharon Cooperative School
Sharon MA
------------------------------

Here's the link to a program I read about in Seattle. 
https://tinytrees.org/about/

------------------------------
Peggy Ashbrook
Early childhood science teacher
Alexandria, VA
NSTA The Early Years columnist, Science and Children
Early Years blogger, www.nsta.org/earlyyears
Author: Science Learning in the Early Years, and
Science Is Simple
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-30-2017 01:54 PM
From: Rachel Larimore
Subject: Looking for Existing Nature Preschool

Fabulous that you're looking to add more nature to your teaching approach! All of the nature-based preschools mentioned here are good ones to check out. Also, Natural Start Alliance has a map of programs that self-identify as nature-based. It might be helpful if you're trying to find some close to your area. They're also hosting a Nature Preschool National Conference in Seattle in August. Consider attending--it's a great group! Registration is opening next week I believe.

------------------------------
Rachel Larimore
Doctoral Student, Michigan State University
Midland MI
www.rachel-larimore.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-27-2017 11:23 AM
From: Abigail Marsters
Subject: Looking for Existing Nature Preschool

We are planning to open a nature preschool and are looking for nature preschools already in existence as peer resources. In specific, are there any preschools out there in partnership with nature organizations and running a nature preschool?

------------------------------
Abigail Marsters
The Sharon Cooperative School
Sharon MA
------------------------------

You may want to consider joining the Natural Start Alliance (naturalstart.org). This group consists of many nature-based preschools across the US and the members are always very helpful. Joining is free. 

We are also happy to help - we are an independent nature based preschool in Atlanta, GA.

Thanks!
Lani Douglas
Director of Education
Inman Park Cooperative Preschool

Inman Park Cooperative Preschool		remove preview
Inman Park Cooperative Preschool Inman Park Cooperative Preschool was established in 1981 to serve the needs of parents and children in Inman Park and surrounding in-town neighborhoods. View this on Inman Park Cooperative Preschool >

 

------------------------------
Lani Douglas
Inman Park Coop Preschool
Atlanta GA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-27-2017 11:23 AM
From: Abigail Marsters
Subject: Looking for Existing Nature Preschool

We are planning to open a nature preschool and are looking for nature preschools already in existence as peer resources. In specific, are there any preschools out there in partnership with nature organizations and running a nature preschool?

------------------------------
Abigail Marsters
The Sharon Cooperative School
Sharon MA
------------------------------

We, at the Gesell Institute, do not run a nature preschool. However, I wanted to share two resources:

1) We are presenting at the In Bloom conference on Promising Practices in Nature-Based Early Childhood Education, in June in New Haven. 
In Bloom Conferences | Antioch New England

Antioch New England		remove preview
In Bloom Conferences | Antioch New England AU | New England * Resources Children stomp in puddles, whittle sticks, paint their faces with charcoal, plant seeds, take care of animals AND expand their vocabularies, do real math, conduct investigations and develop resilience in nature-based early childhood programs. We invite you to both join in the dialogue and actively participate in one (or more) of our In Bloom Conferences in 2017. View this on Antioch New England >

2) The Outdoor Classroom Webinar
We have a great resource, in the form of a webinar, for teachers looking to add the outdoors to their early childhood curriculum as well as for parents looking for support in encouraging schools to do so. 
| Webinars

Gesellinstitute		remove preview
| Webinars In addition to live workshops, Gesell offers high quality and relevant webinars hosted by the Institute's knowledgeable researchers and National Lecture Staff, who are a carefully selected, highly educated, and intensively trained group of professionals who vary from Early Childhood Specialists, former school superintendents, principals, elementary school teachers, and special education professionals. View this on Gesellinstitute >

Please do be in touch with successful programs or if you are interested in bringing us to your site for a live training on The Outdoor Classroom.

Regards,
Peg Oliveira

------------------------------
Peg Oliveira, PhD
Executive Director
Gesell Institute of Child Development
www.gesellinstitute.org
peg@gesellinstituteorg
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-27-2017 11:23 AM
From: Abigail Marsters
Subject: Looking for Existing Nature Preschool

We are planning to open a nature preschool and are looking for nature preschools already in existence as peer resources. In specific, are there any preschools out there in partnership with nature organizations and running a nature preschool?

------------------------------
Abigail Marsters
The Sharon Cooperative School
Sharon MA
------------------------------

The Painted Oak Nursery School in Hopewell NJ (near Princeton NJ) - https://www.paintedoak.org/  had gotten some amazing reviews. I haven't been there to visit yet, but it is on my to-do list

------------------------------
Pam Brillante
Flemington NJ
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-27-2017 11:23 AM
From: Abigail Marsters
Subject: Looking for Existing Nature Preschool

We are planning to open a nature preschool and are looking for nature preschools already in existence as peer resources. In specific, are there any preschools out there in partnership with nature organizations and running a nature preschool?

------------------------------
Abigail Marsters
The Sharon Cooperative School
Sharon MA
------------------------------

There is a school called Nature's Way Preschool in Kalamzoo, Michigan owned by the Kalamazoo Nature Center.  It was my first job out of college and I loved it!  My dream job, really.  Here's a link:  Kalamazoo Nature Center's Nature's Way Preschool

Naturecenter		remove preview
Kalamazoo Nature Center's Nature's Way Preschool Nature's Way Preschool located at Oakland Drive and Kilgore Road in Kalamazoo. Provides environmental education and Kindergarten readiness for 3 and 4 year olds. View this on Naturecenter >

------------------------------
Leslie Lee
ECSB
Helena MT
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-27-2017 11:23 AM
From: Abigail Marsters
Subject: Looking for Existing Nature Preschool

We are planning to open a nature preschool and are looking for nature preschools already in existence as peer resources. In specific, are there any preschools out there in partnership with nature organizations and running a nature preschool?

------------------------------
Abigail Marsters
The Sharon Cooperative School
Sharon MA
------------------------------

Hi Abigail, 
We offer a conference in June on nature-based practices. This year's Keynote Speaker is Claire Warden from Scotland who has developed forest school models. 
-Robyn 

Here is the link to our website: Early Learning Institute | Early Learning Center

Utk		remove preview
Early Learning Institute | Early Learning Center The Early Learning Institute is an annual event held each summer and began in 2015. The mission of the institute is to create an intimate, supportive, professional context for early childhood educators and natural leaders to collaborate and share nature-based practices and thinking. View this on Utk >

------------------------------
Robyn Brookshire
University of Tennessee
Early Learning Center for Research and Practice
Knoxville TN
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-27-2017 11:23 AM
From: Abigail Marsters
Subject: Looking for Existing Nature Preschool

We are planning to open a nature preschool and are looking for nature preschools already in existence as peer resources. In specific, are there any preschools out there in partnership with nature organizations and running a nature preschool?

------------------------------
Abigail Marsters
The Sharon Cooperative School
Sharon MA
------------------------------

I am so appreciative of all these resources and suggestions!

------------------------------
Abigail Marsters
The Sharon Cooperative School
Sharon MA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-03-2017 01:13 PM
From: Robyn Brookshire
Subject: Looking for Existing Nature Preschool

Hi Abigail, 
We offer a conference in June on nature-based practices. This year's Keynote Speaker is Claire Warden from Scotland who has developed forest school models. 
-Robyn 

Here is the link to our website: Early Learning Institute | Early Learning Center

Utk		remove preview
Early Learning Institute | Early Learning Center The Early Learning Institute is an annual event held each summer and began in 2015. The mission of the institute is to create an intimate, supportive, professional context for early childhood educators and natural leaders to collaborate and share nature-based practices and thinking. View this on Utk >

------------------------------
Robyn Brookshire
University of Tennessee
Early Learning Center for Research and Practice
Knoxville TN
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-27-2017 11:23 AM
From: Abigail Marsters
Subject: Looking for Existing Nature Preschool

We are planning to open a nature preschool and are looking for nature preschools already in existence as peer resources. In specific, are there any preschools out there in partnership with nature organizations and running a nature preschool?

------------------------------
Abigail Marsters
The Sharon Cooperative School
Sharon MA
------------------------------

Abigail - perhaps someone has already sent you a link to the Chippewa Nature Preschool.  I have been to workshops offered by staff - they're equally great naturalists and early educators!  Nature Preschool

Chippewanaturecenter		remove preview
Nature Preschool Chippewa Nature Center is pleased to offer a nature-based preschool, one of only about 20 others in the country when it first began in 2007. Classes take place in the LEED Gold Certified Margaret Ann (Ranny) Riecker Nature Preschool Center and in the Alden B. Dow-designed Nature Study Building. View this on Chippewanaturecenter >

------------------------------
Mary Manner
Great Start Collaborative of Traverse Bay
Traverse City MI
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-04-2017 09:52 AM
From: Abigail Marsters
Subject: Looking for Existing Nature Preschool

I am so appreciative of all these resources and suggestions!

------------------------------
Abigail Marsters
The Sharon Cooperative School
Sharon MA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-03-2017 01:13 PM
From: Robyn Brookshire
Subject: Looking for Existing Nature Preschool

Hi Abigail, 
We offer a conference in June on nature-based practices. This year's Keynote Speaker is Claire Warden from Scotland who has developed forest school models. 
-Robyn 

Here is the link to our website: Early Learning Institute | Early Learning Center

Utk		remove preview
Early Learning Institute | Early Learning Center The Early Learning Institute is an annual event held each summer and began in 2015. The mission of the institute is to create an intimate, supportive, professional context for early childhood educators and natural leaders to collaborate and share nature-based practices and thinking. View this on Utk >

------------------------------
Robyn Brookshire
University of Tennessee
Early Learning Center for Research and Practice
Knoxville TN
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-27-2017 11:23 AM
From: Abigail Marsters
Subject: Looking for Existing Nature Preschool

We are planning to open a nature preschool and are looking for nature preschools already in existence as peer resources. In specific, are there any preschools out there in partnership with nature organizations and running a nature preschool?

------------------------------
Abigail Marsters
The Sharon Cooperative School
Sharon MA
------------------------------

Contact "Forest Schools" in England  http://www.forestschoolassociation.org/what-is-forest-school/  . They have an amazing program in place...and are moving toward opening programs in the USA.

There are also


------------------------------
Karin King
Trumbull CT
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-27-2017 11:23 AM
From: Abigail Marsters
Subject: Looking for Existing Nature Preschool

We are planning to open a nature preschool and are looking for nature preschools already in existence as peer resources. In specific, are there any preschools out there in partnership with nature organizations and running a nature preschool?

------------------------------
Abigail Marsters
The Sharon Cooperative School
Sharon MA
------------------------------

Many nature preschools are popping up all over the US. Check out the Natural Start Alliance, and Google Claire Warden and Nature Pedagogy for more schools. David Sobel's new book, Nature Preschools and Forest Kindergartens, has a list of resources and contacts. 

Three programs I'm familiar with are:
Worldmind Nature Emersion School, Boulder/Denver, CO. http://mailchi.mp/899c5cdce745/metro-denver-forest-kidnergarten?e=64947214eb
Cedarsong School, Vashon Island, WA. Owner, Erin Kenney
Carbondale Waldkinder Adventure Preschool, Carbondale, CO. Owner, Karen Grey

------------------------------
Mary Russell
Journeys Out Yonder
Boulder CO
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-27-2017 11:23 AM
From: Abigail Marsters
Subject: Looking for Existing Nature Preschool

We are planning to open a nature preschool and are looking for nature preschools already in existence as peer resources. In specific, are there any preschools out there in partnership with nature organizations and running a nature preschool?

------------------------------
Abigail Marsters
The Sharon Cooperative School
Sharon MA
------------------------------

A brand new Nature Preschool in Central California is at Reedley College:

Reedley College Child Development Centerand Lab School - Nature Explore Program

Nature Explore Program		remove preview
Reedley College Child Development Centerand Lab School - Nature Explore Program After dreaming about creating a natural outdoor classroom for children, in the fall of 2016 the Reedley College Child Development Center and Lab School was able to make dreams come true. With the support of the College and the local US Forestry Service, we began the design phase of our space. View this on Nature Explore Program >

------------------------------
Kathie Reid-Bevington, Ph.D.
Associate Dean, Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology
Professor of Child Development
California State University, Fresno
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-14-2017 02:28 AM
From: Mary Russell
Subject: Looking for Existing Nature Preschool

Many nature preschools are popping up all over the US. Check out the Natural Start Alliance, and Google Claire Warden and Nature Pedagogy for more schools. David Sobel's new book, Nature Preschools and Forest Kindergartens, has a list of resources and contacts. 

Three programs I'm familiar with are:
Worldmind Nature Emersion School, Boulder/Denver, CO. http://mailchi.mp/899c5cdce745/metro-denver-forest-kidnergarten?e=64947214eb
Cedarsong School, Vashon Island, WA. Owner, Erin Kenney
Carbondale Waldkinder Adventure Preschool, Carbondale, CO. Owner, Karen Grey

------------------------------
Mary Russell
Journeys Out Yonder
Boulder CO
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-27-2017 11:23 AM
From: Abigail Marsters
Subject: Looking for Existing Nature Preschool

We are planning to open a nature preschool and are looking for nature preschools already in existence as peer resources. In specific, are there any preschools out there in partnership with nature organizations and running a nature preschool?

------------------------------
Abigail Marsters
The Sharon Cooperative School
Sharon MA
------------------------------

Trackers Earth in Portland, Oregon has a new outdoor nature school for preschool and elementary.  They also have amazing camps and after school programs all year long.

------------------------------
Kim Hill
Childswork Learning Center
Portland OR
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-15-2017 01:38 PM
From: Kathie Reid-Bevington
Subject: Looking for Existing Nature Preschool

A brand new Nature Preschool in Central California is at Reedley College:

Reedley College Child Development Centerand Lab School - Nature Explore Program

Nature Explore Program		remove preview
Reedley College Child Development Centerand Lab School - Nature Explore Program After dreaming about creating a natural outdoor classroom for children, in the fall of 2016 the Reedley College Child Development Center and Lab School was able to make dreams come true. With the support of the College and the local US Forestry Service, we began the design phase of our space. View this on Nature Explore Program >

------------------------------
Kathie Reid-Bevington, Ph.D.
Associate Dean, Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology
Professor of Child Development
California State University, Fresno
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-14-2017 02:28 AM
From: Mary Russell
Subject: Looking for Existing Nature Preschool

Many nature preschools are popping up all over the US. Check out the Natural Start Alliance, and Google Claire Warden and Nature Pedagogy for more schools. David Sobel's new book, Nature Preschools and Forest Kindergartens, has a list of resources and contacts. 

Three programs I'm familiar with are:
Worldmind Nature Emersion School, Boulder/Denver, CO. http://mailchi.mp/899c5cdce745/metro-denver-forest-kidnergarten?e=64947214eb
Cedarsong School, Vashon Island, WA. Owner, Erin Kenney
Carbondale Waldkinder Adventure Preschool, Carbondale, CO. Owner, Karen Grey

------------------------------
Mary Russell
Journeys Out Yonder
Boulder CO
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-27-2017 11:23 AM
From: Abigail Marsters
Subject: Looking for Existing Nature Preschool

We are planning to open a nature preschool and are looking for nature preschools already in existence as peer resources. In specific, are there any preschools out there in partnership with nature organizations and running a nature preschool?

------------------------------
Abigail Marsters
The Sharon Cooperative School
Sharon MA
------------------------------