Kirsten's After-School Nature School
Our Philosophy
At Kirsten’s After School Nature Program, we will treat your child(ren) as if they were our own and we will strive daily to encourage them to be the best people they can be. We will provide opportunities for being with other children in a safe and nurturing environment conducive to the development of wholesome social relationships. We will provide appropriate educational and play experiences that contribute to the developmental needs of the child. We will provide opportunities for meaningful play that is based on the child’s individual needs, interests and abilities that will build important foundations for future skills. We will teach children to be one with nature. Most importantly, we will provide an environment where your child feels safe, welcomed, loved and comfortable to be themselves.
General Overview
At Kirsten's Nature School, our highly trained teachers guide students through nature experiences. These experiences teach students language arts, science, math, cooperation, kindness and to develop their imaginations. Students are able to exercise their curiosity and build confidence. We also provide many other opportunities for children.
Nature Opportunities
We are a certified schoolyard habitat. Students spend time outdoors every day (weather permitting). Our program is a 1/2 acre nature haven, full of hummingbirds, bluebirds, butterflies, flowers, a vegetable garden, and much more. We also take many walks throughout the neighborhood, including the school playground. Students assist in our vegetable garden as well as our flower gardens. Many of the fruits, vegetables, and herbs are used in our snacks. The flowers are used in various projects, including propagating them to take home and drying them to make crafts. We learn about various insects, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds through observation, books, and hands-on experiences.
Healthy Snacks
We strive to teach healthy eating habits to all our students. Children are more likely to eat healthy and/or try new things if they are a part of the planning of a meal, whether that be through creating a menu, growing the food, or helping prepare the meal. Our students have a say in our meal preparation. Of course, we have plenty of treats and the occasional chicken nugget, but we try to keep it to a minimum. Moderation is key.
Arts, Crafts and Other Activities
We have a wide range of arts and crafts available for students. Everything from play dough to watercolors. There is generally a weekly planned activity, in addition to several free-choice options.
When students have free-time, there are puzzles, board games, building toys, puppets, dolls, flashcards, books, and many other things that they can do. There are also quiet areas for students to do homework, read, or just have a little quiet space, as needed.
Licensing and Safety
We are a small, State-licensed program that can serve up to a maximum of 12 children. Our teacher to child ratios always meet, and usually exceed State requirements. The rigorous demands for State-licensed programs requires that all teachers and home occupants pass a criminal background check, CPS check, and TB test (once children are of a certain age). Teachers are CPR/First Aid certified and receive a minimum of 16 hours of continuing education every year. Our program undergoes at least two unannounced inspections annually. We are located directly behind Wakefield Forest Elementary School, which enables us to walk the children to our program without even setting foot on a road. We will not drive children, unless it is an emergency.