Forest Preschool
Designed for children ages 3-5. It takes place during the school year in all weather. 3-Day Pre-K is offered on M/W/F, while 1-2 day Pre-K is only offered on Tu/Th from 8:45-11:45AM.
What is Forest Preschool?
Our Reggio teaching philosophy places great importance on the learning environment, which is why we believe the best classroom is outdoors. Our learning goals for young children lean strongly on social and emotional development which is vital for early childhood education. In Forest Preschool, we focus mostly on literacy exposure, independence, problem solving, and developing good habits that will help our students achieve academic goals down the road. This program follows the school year and takes place outdoors in all weather.
The Logistics
Ready for more info? Current tuition, program updates, and calendars can be found here!
Drop Off
This is a 3-hour outdoor program for potty-trained 3-5 year-olds. 3-day enrollment takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30am-11:30am every week. 1-2 day enrollment is only offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Choose to attend 1 to 3 days per week. By allowing children to choose their own learning topics that guide our art, literacy and science themes, they have an opportunity to practice many skills that will equip them for a bright and successful future.
Our preschool program focuses on child-led exploration, hands-on experiences, seasonal awareness, environmental education, risk-taking and problem solving and fostering a thriving community and a deep connection to the natural world. Being outdoors exposes children to a variety of challenges and risks, such as uneven terrain or changes in weather. We encourage risk-taking within safe boundaries, promoting resilience and problem-solving skills as children navigate the natural environment.
Forest Preschool
There’s no such thing as bad weather.
Our motto at forest school is: "There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes." Appropriate clothing for Forest Preschool is CRITICAL to the success of the program. Clothing guidelines are available in the parent handbook. Our experienced teachers will be there to guide you every step of the way to ensure the safety of students in all weather situations. During periods of inclement weather, students will be gathered indoors, or class will be cancelled if necessary.
FAQs
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Each day is started with songs, letters, counting and calendar, followed by a child-led nature exploration & study. All subjects will be explored from a biblical worldview. Each month we will study a new interest topic chosen by the students. Students will have exposure to many hands-on art and science projects that will help them retain important concepts and information. By allowing children to construct their own learning, they have an opportunity to practice many skills that will equip them for a bright and successful future.
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Depending on the age group this can change, but our low-ratio classes are limited to 10 students with a ratio of at least 1:5 for Forest Preschool.
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This program will meet at our private forest school site in Mokena, IL with access to our heated schoolhouse building during inclement weather.
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1. Submit an application and fee.
2. You will be contacted within 2 weeks to schedule a tour and mini orientation.
3. If there is space on the day(s) you requested, you will start the registration process.
4. If there is not space, you will be added to the waitlist until a spot opens up for you.
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Due to our small class sizes and large demand, new students must submit an application to enroll. There is a non-refundable $25 fee associated with the application. Once an application is submitted, applicants will be invited to tour our facility and attend a mini orientation to make sure forest school is the best fit before committing to the school year. If there is no space, applicants will be placed on a waiting list for the remainder of the school year. Registration will be filled based on the date you attend a tour/orientation.
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At Free Haven, we know that the greatest indicator of student success is parent involvement. Because of this, we have both optional and required parent participation opportunities. Each parent will have an opportunity to join their child’s class for optional special parent days.
Most homeschool programs require parents to volunteer weekly or daily. Our volunteer requirement is much more infrequent.
Our required parent participation is in the form of volunteering for specific tasks that help our school function. These tasks include site maintenance and development, fundraising, special events, and supply organization.
Learn more about our volunteer requirements on page 7 of the parent handbook.
