What we do at Arrowhead Forest Farm looks and feels like play most of the time, but our thoughtful teachers are weaving in peacemaking skills, empathy for other living things, and a deep love for learning.
Children go home each day tired, dirty and happy!
Gratitude circle is a daily ritual at our forest preschool & summer camp program
What is a Forest Preschool?
Forest Preschools are the U.S. version of Forest Kindergartens (Waldkindergarten), which have been popular in Germany, Switzerland, and Scandinavia for decades. There are a growing number in the U.S. We are on the cutting edge of nature-based early childhood education!
Our days are guided by the children's interests. We try to focus on giving children activities to do that encourage compassion and empathy, such as caring for our farm animals, or making bird feeders for the wild birds outside. We believe that when children care for an animal and our earth the seeds of compassion and feeling of importance are planted.
We are an all-year program, and we do have an indoor space dedicated to our preschool age group with books, art supplies, and cozy nooks to keep the kids feeling comfortable, when necessary.
We are a public prekindergarten partner. We have a licensed teacher and our curriculum aligns with Vermont Early Education Learning Standards (VELS). We support children’s learning in all academic domains such as literacy, math, science, social studies, geography, art, and music. Our emerging curriculum focuses on an understanding of the natural environment, changing seasons, environmentalism, and community development. It is guided by children’s interest, and incorporates interdisciplinary learning opportunities.
We offer ACT 166 funding & are eligible to receive childcare subsidy - if affording our program is an issue let us know. We believe all children should have access to high quality childcare and enjoy nature regardless of financial background.
schedule
Monday - Friday
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Late pickup until 3 p.m.
WE ARE AN ACT 166 PREQUALIFIED PREKINDERGARTEN PROGRAM
We are a S.E.E.D. certified school
Ages: Children Can enroll older than two and younger than six years old.
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We have a 1 : 6 teacher to student ratio. We believe this helps us to give every child the attention they deserve.
Indoor activities
Reading, art projects, dramatic play, writing, baking, construction, science experiments, and more!
Outdoor activities
Nature observation, tracking, sit spots, gratitude, singing, dancing, running, games, mud kitchen, shelter building, natural art projects, sledding, and much more! The list could go on forever, as our outdoor classroom without walls allows us to have space for endless activities, games, and imagination.
