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

Kaleidoscope Forest School provides the opportunity for young children to experience learning in the outdoor world.

In Forest School, we spend the entire day in nature: our classroom is the forest and the forest is our teacher!

Forest School uses an emergent curriculum teaching philosophy, in which children’s interests are supported through observation, documentation, and response. An emergent curriculum allows the teachings of nature to enhance a child’s educational experience, as well as empowers children to develop learning opportunities both unique and meaningful to them.

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

Daily Forest School Schedule

8-8:30 Arrive at Forest School

9:00 Morning gathering and breakfast at Forest School site

9:30 Free explore*

11:30 Lunch*

12:00 Rest time, Quiet Reading

1:00 Free explore*

3:00 Snack

4:30-5:00 Pick up

*Free explore time is the children’s opportunity for self-directed play. Teachers will offer optional learning opportunities as interests emerge, such as guided walks, group game, arts and crafts activity, etc.

*All meals are provided by Kaleidoscope

*Rest time includes quiet time alone in a chosen sit-spot or in small groups.

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

Forest School Resources

Forest Health Care Policy

Risk Management Policies

High Winds Policy

Air Quality Policy

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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.