Our program celebrates this time with a rich array of playful experiences that encourage creative expression, self-awareness, a deeper connection to the natural world, and a sense of belonging. We value the simplicity of this time and believe that learning opportunities should be stress-free, developmentally appropriate, and naturally unfold through the inquiry and curiosity of the children, as well as support skills that will continue on as the children grow. Our program is an invitation to play, settle in, connect, engage, and be absorbed in all that childhood has to offer.

Our curriculum is rooted in our immediate environment. It is designed to nourish a deeper understanding of time, change, and continuity of place. It encompasses an exploration of the land and its impact on those who interact with it. We know that children learn best and process what they understand through interactive, play experiences. Our curriculum offers unique opportunities to explore the farm’s natural and diverse environments through playful, collaborative, developmentally appropriate, inquiry-based experiences. It is interdisciplinary, with a strong focus on nature connection and emotional literacy, to nurture a greater sense of self in relation to place. The play and learning opportunities offered, respect all aspects of the growing child and place equal importance on the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive components of development. Our curriculum is flexible to allow space for changes based on child-led interests, moment-to-moment and seasonal changes in our environment and community involvement.

We apply specific, developmentally appropriate practices that promote awareness and connection to self and our space. Not all of these practices will be done every day, but we strive to apply them each week. These practices may include:

• Gathering to share stories, have discussions, read aloud, & book looks (connection)

• Discovery walks or wanders (inquiry)

• Free Play/Exploration of provocations (self-awareness & choice)

• Cooking Experiences (connection)