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A Nature-Centered Learning Community Rooted in Play, Connection, and Values.

Wild Nook offers preschool, early elementary enrichment (K–1), nature classes, and seasonal programs where children learn through hands-on play, outdoor exploration, and meaningful relationships.

What Guides Our Days

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Rooted in Play

Children learn best through joyful, open-ended play that nurtures curiosity, creativity, confidence, and a love of learning.

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Guided by Connection

Strong relationships, emotional safety, and respect for each child as a beloved individual guide our days and shape our learning community.

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Grounded in Values

Kindness, gratitude, and care for others and the natural world are at the heart of Wild Nook, with Christian values woven gently and age-appropriately into our rhythms.

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Our Approach to Early Literacy
At Wild Nook, we follow decades of child development research showing that children thrive when early literacy is rooted in play, connection, and meaningful experiences. Rather than focusing on early reading benchmarks, we prioritize language development, sound awareness, storytelling, and a love of books. These skills prepare children not just to read, but to understand and enjoy reading for years to come.

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This approach supports children’s confidence, creativity, and long-term success—academically and beyond.

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Learn about our early literacy philosophy

Growing with Wild Nook

A nature-centered learning journey that grows with your child and your family.

Wild Nook offers thoughtfully designed programs that support children at different stages of development—rooted in play, connection, and values, with nature as our classroom.

Ages 18 months–8 years

Wild Explorers

Caregiver-and-child nature enrichment (mixed ages)

A gentle introduction to outdoor learning for toddlers and young children, and a meaningful continuation for older children who want to stay connected to nature through mixed-age play and exploration.

Ages 3–5

Wild Sprouts & Wild Buds

Play-based, outdoor preschool programs

Calm, nurturing preschool classes that honor childhood, support social-emotional growth, and foster curiosity through hands-on learning and daily time outdoors.

Ages 5–7 (K–1)

Wild Roots — Wild Nook Foundations

Outdoor, play-based enrichment for early elementary learners

A gentle next step for kindergarten and first-grade-aged children who thrive in a small, mixed-age learning community grounded in play, connection, and meaningful experiences.

Seasonal & Community Experiences

In addition to our core programs, Wild Nook offers seasonal rhythms and shared experiences that strengthen connection and community throughout the year. These may include summer camp offerings, simple seasonal traditions such as lantern walks, winter solstice gatherings, or shared outdoor celebrations. Some experiences are designed specifically for enrolled families as a way to deepen relationships and build shared traditions.

Our Philosophy

At Wild Nook, we believe children are whole beings—mind, body, heart, and spirit. Childhood is a sacred season of growth, wonder, and discovery.
 

Our approach blends:


• Play-based, child-led learning
• Daily time outdoors exploring nature through movement, observation, and imaginative play
• Hands-on experiences that support social-emotional growth, curiosity, and confidence
• Gentle guidance rooted in strong, trusting relationships

 

Values of kindness, gratitude, and care for others and the natural world are modeled throughout our days in ways that are inclusive and age-appropriate.

Why Nature-Based Learning?

We believe nature is one of life's greatest teachers. Time outdoors supports children’s physical health, emotional well-being, and sense of wonder.

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Through regular outdoor exploration, children:

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  • Build resilience and confidence

  • Improve focus and self-regulation

  • Reduce stress and anxiety

  • Develop empathy and stewardship for creation

  • Strengthen coordination and motor skills

  • Expand creativity and problem-solving

Meet Amy

Wild Nook grew out of a deep love for childhood, nature, and the quiet magic that happens when children are given time and space to explore.

 

Over the years, I’ve learned alongside children in classrooms, outdoor settings, and at home, watching curiosity unfold when learning is rooted in trust, time, and meaningful experiences in nature. Guiding early childhood programs and working closely with educators shaped my belief that children thrive in thoughtful environments built on care, consistency, and strong relationships.

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Wild Nook brings all of that together into a place where play, nature, and emotional well-being are central, and where faith-informed values of kindness, gratitude, and compassion are woven naturally into our days.

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I’m so glad you’re here, and I look forward to welcoming you and your child into our community.

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— Amy
Founder & Educator

Interested in learning more?

Explore our preschool and Wild Explorers programs, or reach out with questions.

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