Crawly critters and fluttering friends!!
This July, we will kick off our grand opening by exploring the realm of some of nature's most important pollinators and defenders! For...
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Sunshine and Rainbows Nature School of Wonder
Nature-based Holistic Childcare
About Us
Sunshine and Rainbows Nature School of Wonder LLC is a holistic nature-based childcare program. We respect each child as a whole person and recognize the interconnectedness of all of their needs.
The foundation of our entire program is to intentionally build a positive attachment between each child and caregivers. Our teachers strive to become experts on your little one before their first day. Our unique class structure and practices create an atmosphere of sincere love and safety with their teachers and our entire staff. We are not just a school but a school family. We are part of their village, and we are here to support them (and you) in every way we can.
The next phase of that essential foundation is our environment. Through the Reggio approach, we believe the "classroom" is the 3rd teacher. We focus on creating an enriching environment that respects the innate curiosity and potential of every child. All children deserve the opportunity to explore learning and expression in their own unique way surrounded by the grounding beauty of nature.
Nature-based with an eclectic blend of Waldorf, Montessori, and a Reggio-inspired approaches
We incorporate nature into every aspect of our day. Children will participate in our pollinator garden and certified Monarch Waystation. Together we will grow fruits and vegetables that they will eventually harvest and share together. We will learn how to care for bunnies, class pets and our local wildlife. We closely follow the cycles of nature. We explore, experiment and get rather messy! We believe this incorporation of nature promotes a scientific thinking that will foster a foundation of critical thinking and lifelong learning but more importantly, it guides children to gain a greater perspective of the ebbs and flow of life to strengthen their sense of resiliency throughout life.
We prioritize social/emotional learning and healthy attachment through committed teachers who practice with intentionality and strive to have a positive and meaningful relationship with each child. We help children learn to establish lasting friendships with mixed age groups and our transition process. Everything we do promotes a sense of community from family style meals to collaboration projects. The absolute foundation of our curriculum is Social & Emotional development and the development of Self and autonomy. We lean heavily on Montessori practices in the area of practical life and self-help independence.
Children will have constant access to a variety of materials and different channels for artistic expression in everything we do. We also have a designated art space in each class with new process art inspirations that support our learning each day as well as a plethora of mediums for their own expression.
We strive to prepare children for future academic excellence with science-based and developmentally appropriate teaching practices in each learning domain every day.
Our curriculum is both emergent and collaborative. Our overall “theme” is based on the season so that children will gain a mindfulness and awareness of their environment. We will be using Experience Early Learning and Tinkergarten curriculum. Through intentional experiences, interactions, and observation of children during play, teachers bring their notes together and collaborate on the social and emotional aspects that need attention, as well as the children’s special interests and curiosities.
Each month we add fresh anti-bias concepts to our daily learning and environment and find positive ways to celebrate diversity and learn about different cultures, families, and perspectives.
We promote a healthy lifestyle by incorporating healthy aspects into each week's curriculum. We create healthy habits with our nutritious, Napsacc and CACFP approved, and vegetarian (but still fun and very colorful) menu that encourages children to explore varying textures, colors, and flavors. Washing hands and brushing teeth as a class is another intentional part of our day. We do exercise, yoga, music and movement, and lots of outside time running, jumping, climbing, and exploring.
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