Mid-Missouri’s Forest Kindergarten
Childhood should be joyful and wholesome.
Our “NatureCare” philosophy is greatly influenced by the Waldorf forest kindergarten model and LifeWays North America pedagogy. We also draw from our own deep connection with the natural world and small farm lifestyle. This relationship underscores our commitment to child-centered, home- and nature-based learning for children 2 to 6 years of age (and sometimes beyond).
We believe that the earliest, most memorable kind of learning includes helping in the kitchen, tending to the garden, climbing trees, and playing in the creek.
We believe that empathy, love, curiosity and respect are the truest foundations of learning.
When thoughtful home- and nature-based curriculum are combined with direct experiences, a transformative change takes place. This connection is both powerful and empowering.
NatureCare philosophy encourages healthy minds and bodies. Being connected to nature and community is wired in the essence of every human being. Busy modern lives have left many people, including children, disconnected from this core.
Through NatureCare philosophy, children learn with all of their senses and build a lasting connection with nature and each other. Physical, social, emotional, cognitive and creative skills blossom in these formative years.
What NatureCare learning looks like:
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Children experiment, problem-solve and explore with their senses.
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Children develop friendships and learn from one another through cooperative play.
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Children care for each other and the world around them through meaningful work and caregiving.
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Children voice opinions and express ideas through language and the arts.
A Day at Forest Kindergarten
Our days flow naturally with our flexible but routine schedule, which we call rhythm. We invite and embrace emergent curriculum as we follow students’ interests. Our teachers are facilitators of learning, so they are in tune with students’ needs, skills and discoveries. The sample schedule provides a framework for our day.
SAMPLE CLASS SCHEDULE
● 8:30 a.m. Arrival and free play or morning chores/art project
● 9:45 a.m. Circle time (morning greeting and sharing circle or game)
● 10:00 a.m. Snack and bathroom
● 10:30 a.m. Hike to the forest and free play
● 11:45 a.m. Return to schoolhouse
● 12:00 p.m. Indoor free play
● 12:30 p.m. Story and songs circle
● 12:45 p.m. Lunch, bathroom, chores/quiet reading
● 1:15 p.m. Outdoor free play (or preparation for rest time for aftercare) and departure at 1:30
Meet the Teachers
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Megan Fox
Blue Fox Farm Owner & Teacher
Being a Missouri Master Naturalist, and her background in farming, gardening, wildcrafting and herbalism, Ms. Megan has a unique perspective with which to share the natural world with young children. She worked in two Waldorf inspired early childhood programs before developing her own in 2013.
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Willa Campbell
Art Director & Caregiver
Ms. Willa guides Blue Fox Farm’s students in nature-based process art and Waldorf-inspired art projects each week. She holds a B.A. in visual arts, is an award-winning fiber artist, and teaches adult art classes at the Columbia Art League.
Ready to Play Policy
We recognize the importance of physical activity for young people. Implementation of appropriate physical activity practices supports the health and development of children in care, as well as assisting in establishing positive lifestyle habits for the future.
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that children in care are supported and encouraged to engage in active play, develop fundamental movement skills, and to have limited screen time. In order to promote physical activity and provide all children with numerous opportunities for physical activity throughout the day, we will:
Spend most of our time together outside!
Utilize the varied geography and exploration opportunities on the 70 acres of Blue Fox Farm.
Never use screens or other media devices for viewing or listening with children.
Never withhold opportunities for physical activity, except when a child’s behavior is dangerous to himself or others.
Enrollment
Interested families should contact Megan Fox via the contact form or directly at bluefoxmo@gmail.com to schedule a school visit. If Ms. Megan and your family decide forest kindergarten will be a good fit for your child, an enrollment form will be provided.
A student may be accepted to forest kindergarten when the enrollment form, medical form and current immunization record, and a $100 non-refundable, annual administrative fee have been received.
Tuition is based on a monthly fee per student, regardless of the number of school days open or attended, and must be paid electronically through a monthly online invoice. All food and supplies are included in tuition.
One day: $180/month
Two day: $340/month
Three day: $480/month
Four day: $620/month
Five day: $750/month
Extended day (“aftercare” 1:30 to 3:30): one day $72/month, two day $144/month, three day $216/month, four day $288/month, five day $360/month