PROPOSAL FOR A FOREST PRESCHOOL ON SALT SPRING ISLAND B.C.
The Proposal : to offer a sustainably focused Forest Preschool to the community of Salt Spring Island. The Forest Preschool will meet children's needs for self-esteem, leadership skills, and kindergarten readiness, in addition to meeting a community need for alternative preschool options.
PLEASE COME TO OUR PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT SCHEDULED FOR
APRIL 14 from 4-6pm AT THE MAHON HALL
Little Nest Forest Preschool will prepare children for academic and real world success, while teaching sustainability principles, building life skills, and demonstrating ecological awareness to children ages 3-5. We will immerse children in local natural outdoor environments 2 days a week. We will offer a sustainably focused Eco Preschool 3 days a week. Our educational approach will come from a blend of place-based, Reggio Emilia / play-based philosophy. We will teach with the goal of developing a relationship between children and our earth.
Adventure is just around the corner
Tell me and I’ll forget; show me
and I may remember;
involve me and I’ll understand.
Chinese proverb
Programming
Our program is designed to operate within a community atmosphere in which children and families feel welcome. Families are considered active members of our community and are invited to participate in their children’s learning. Our goal is to build connections, model acceptance, encourage awareness.
At Little Nest children will experience:
· Small classes
· A holistic approach to education
· The natural world as their classroom ( we go outdoors in all weather)
· The garden as their classroom ( we learn through composting, planting and harvesting)
· An uplifting environment where their expansiveness and curiosity are nurtured
· Plants and food as medicine ( we practice developing awareness of the natural connections we have
with the earth. )
· Tools for life- how to work in cooperation with others, how to build relationships, how to deal with
stress and anxiety and how to understand and express emotions.
· Community
· Free Play
· Guest Teachers
· Child-run projects
· Self-regulation through yoga and mindfulness
We emphasize skills for living, a gentle guidance policy, and a small teacher to student ratio.
Our goal is to create an environment that intrigues, but does not overwhelm or over-stimulate the children. That is why we don’t have a jungle of bright colours, or flashing battery-operated toys. We offer an environment that is safe, healthy, and free from chemicals. Our toys and materials are free from PVC plastics. We use only non-toxic art supplies. We want children to think out of the box. The best place to do that is outside.
