See What People Are Saying

"Out in the Woods is the place for young folks to be! Great idea! They will learn to love the outdoors all their lives!"

- Jim Holbert, grandparent

WA State Department of Children, Youth, & Families

DCYF Begins Licensing
Outdoor Preschools

Islands' Sounder

Kaleidoscope becomes first in the country to license
outdoor preschool

Natural Start Alliance

Licensing Outdoor & Nature Preschools, in Washington State and Beyond

Our Forest program is a unique opportunity for children to connect with nature while developing critical motor, sensory, social-emotional, and cognitive development, as well as their physical health and mental well-being.
Our Forest days are play-based, interest-led and child-inspired. This program is entirely outdoors, year-round.

We are proud to be the first licensed outdoor, nature-based preschool program by the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families! - Click Here for more info

"Typical" Forest School Day

8:00 Arrive at Forest School

9:00 Gather Time

9:15 Breakfast

10:00 Forest Exploration*

11:45 Lunch

12:15 Books & Rest

1:00 Forest Exploration*

3:00 Snack/Nature Notes

3:30 Forest Exploration*

4:30 Head out of the Forest

5:30 Program Closes

*Forest Exploration time is the children’s opportunity for self-directed play. Teachers will offer optional learning opportunities as interests emerge, such as a guided walk, group game, arts and crafts activity, etc. Space for privacy, relaxation, and comfort are available throughout the day.

See regular updates on exciting things happening at Forest School on our Facebook Page!

Forest School Resources

Forest School Gear List

Forest Health Care Policy

Risk Management Policies

High Winds Policy

Air Quality Policy

Describe your image

1/12

Preparing Your Child for Forest School

Wearing the right clothes for the weather is crucial to
everyone having a positive experience. As is often said in
Forest School settings “there is no such thing as bad weather,
just bad clothing!”

All Year

Backpack and labeled water bottle
Comfortable warm waterproof footwear
Clothing that can get muddy and dirty
Rain pants and jacket or a full body rain suit
Minimum 1 pair of extra clothes (i.e. underwear, socks, shirt and pants) *as the year goes on you will get to know your child’s specific extra clothing needs.