Member Spotlight

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.

Little Schoolhouse in the Woods is a nonprofit outdoor early education program based in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing in-home childcare since 2010. The program was founded by Lee and Jason Hamzy, whose love of nature and professional experience in education led them to launch the program from their own two-acre property.

The Arlitt Child Development Center at the University of Cincinnati is one of the oldest demonstration preschools in the US. Arlitt is a diverse and inclusive program that incorporates nature and the environment on a regular basis.

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.

Get to know White Pine Programs, a nonprofit organization in Maine that connects children and adults to nature, beginning at age 4.

Read about the Environmental Nature Center’s Nature Preschool program, which we first profiled in 2014, to learn about their LEED Platinum Certification and sustainable design.

Get to know more about the Saint Louis Zoo Preschool, a Reggio-inspired, nature-based preschool, which opened in 2014.

Notchcliff Forest Preschool and Forest Kinder Co-op are nature programs offered by the Eastern Region of Forest and Nature Schools (ERAFANS) that, like most other nature-based programs, have adapted to serve families and children during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Durham Community Preschool transitioned to a 100% outdoor model this year as a solution to continue in-person learning during the pandemic. The lessons they learned will stick with them well beyond this school year.

Learn how the University of Delaware Lab School, which added a nature preschool program in 2017, supports the growth and development of University students while serving children, families, and their community.

Imua Inclusion Preschool is a place-based preschool on the Hawaiian Island of Maui, where every child’s social, emotional, physical, and educational needs are met through individualized instruction.

Takoma Park Cooperative Nursery School in Maryland, like many schools, is on a journey to create a more just, equitable learning community for their students and families. Hear from the school's director, Lesley Romanoff, to learn more about Takoma Park's story.