Curriculum and Teaching

Get to know Natural Start member, Alaska Forest School, and learn more about their experiences operating a 100% outdoor preschool program in the coldest state of the U.S.

Learn more about Tomorrow River Community Charter School, a Waldorf-inspired, nature-based school in Wisconsin serving children in 4K-8th grade.

We are driven by a passion for learning and educating in our nature-based early childhood programs.

Building Blocks in Highland, MI, was home of the No Child Left Inside conference through Heavner Nature Connections, and many early childhood educators visit our school throughout our state. Educators were captivated by the nature preschool's design, teachers, documentation, and programs, so we decided to spotlight the center so others could get to know it, too. Building Blocks Preschool was established in 2004 with a vision to incorporate best practices and a holistic approach to early childhood learning. Our environment has been highlighted in the book “Outdoor and Nature Play in Early Childhood Education” by Beverlie Dietze and Diane Kashin on May 15, 2018. We asked Suzanne Gabli about what makes her school special, what advice she'd give to those just starting a nature preschool, and more.

In our November Member Spotlight, get familiar with the Child Development Lab School at UM, a fantastic program that incorporates nature-based learning and sustainability and helps prepare future educators to be the best they can be!

Muddy Boot Prints (MBP) is an all-outdoor, roving preschool in Vancouver. The school hosts four programs out of local parks, serving around 55 families and utilizing nine parks throughout Vancouver. Learn more about the program in our latest Member Spotlight.