Member Spotlight

Meet some of the members of the Natural Start Alliance!

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Photo credit: Washington Outdoor School

Washington Outdoor School

Explore how Washington Outdoor School, which started as a small pilot program in 2013, has blossomed into an organization that serves 130+ families through a variety of outdoor, nature-based immersive classes.

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White Pine Programs

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

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Environmental Nature Center Nature Preschool

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.

Location

Newport Beach, CA

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Photo credit: St. Louis Zoo Preschool

The Saint Louis Zoo Preschool

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

Location

Saint Louis, MO

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Notchcliff Forest Preschool and Forest Kinder Co-op

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.

Location

Glen Arm, MD

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Camp STEM Club

At Camp STEM Club in Gilbert, AZ, small groups of children learn in a desert oasis all while practicing coping skills, exploring STEM concepts, and having fun. Learn more about the program in a Q&A with director Carolyn Mowery.

Location

Gilbert, AZ

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Photo credit: MCCC

Mid-Columbia Children’s Council Tygh Valley Head Start

Mid-Columbia Children’s Council Tygh Valley site moved entirely outdoors in 2020. We spoke with the COO to learn how they continue to meet licensing requirements and Head Start learning domains in the fully outdoor classroom.

Location

Tygh Valley, OR

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Photo credit: Durham Community Preschool

Durham Community Preschool

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.

Location

Durham, NC

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University of Delaware Lab School

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.

Location

Newark, DE

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Photo credit: Imua Inclusion Preschool

Imua Inclusion Preschool

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.

Location

Maui, Hawaii

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Photo credit: Takoma Park Cooperative

Takoma Park Cooperative Nursery School

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.

Location

Takoma Park, MD

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Aventuras Forest School

Aventuras Forest School is a 100% outdoors, Spanish-language immersion forest school set primarily in public parks in Los Angeles. Learn more about the program from the school’s founder, Pilar Gonzalez.

Location

Los Angeles, CA