Now Enrolling for Summer Camp 2018
and 2018-2019 Forest Preschool &
Kindergarten programs
Always Learning and Growing is located in San Francisco, CA. We are a nature preschool program for children ages 3-6 years. We offer an outdoor preschool and Transitional Kindergarten class incorporating fun learning activities, outdoor time, and a chance to play and form friendships. Our activities are open ended and child led, which encourages your child's creativity and the development of cooperation. Our program is 100% outside and Takes place in beautiful San Francisco parks. We observe our earth's creatures, notice patterns in nature and experience nature all around us. the experience of Story time While outdoors leads your child's development to progress in a way that benefits the whole child.
open house April 15th, 12pm-3pm, Golden Gate Park
Please Join Us For a fun informational gathering!
All are welcome, kids can squeeze their own lemonade, create nature Art and meet new friends.
r.s.v.p. today to find out more about one of san francisco's first nature preschools, since 2010!
Philosophy
At the heart of our school is building an appreciation for nature. Elements of nature are incorporated into projects and recycled materials are used. The children have ample outside time everyday in order to develop gross motor skills and connect with the natural world around them. The names of plants, flowers, animals and insects are shared with the children and we talk about what they need to live and grow.
Children learn more when they are interested in the topic, so flexibility is built into the schedule to follow and expand upon the children’s interests. Depending on each child’s age and ability, activities are tailored to offer just the right level of challenge. Social skills and independence are another focus of our curriculum, as they are very important for your child’s future school success.
Communication between parents and teachers is valued and encouraged. Please do not hesitate to talk to me about anything, I am willing to work with you to ensure that your child receives the best care.
Children learn more when they are interested in the topic, so flexibility is built into the schedule to follow and expand upon the children’s interests. Depending on each child’s age and ability, activities are tailored to offer just the right level of challenge. Social skills and independence are another focus of our curriculum, as they are very important for your child’s future school success.
Communication between parents and teachers is valued and encouraged. Please do not hesitate to talk to me about anything, I am willing to work with you to ensure that your child receives the best care.
Curriculum
Our curriculum is custom designed to capture the interest of children and to connect them to the natural world all around. We use a blend of project based and child centered learning with hints of the Waldorf appreciation for beauty and natural materials.
Kid's Health
Your child health and safety are a primary concern at “Always Learning and Growing”. We have a policy of supervision requiring all children to be within our sight at all times. Children are explicitly taught our rules and expectations which include Be Safe, Be Friendly, and Be Respectful. Staying together with the group is a key part of the Be Safe expectation. We also believe good nutrition is important for children’s growth and health. Please send your child with a packed lunch that includes protein, fruit and vegetables, and a reusable water bottle. All teachers carry cell phones in order to contact parents in case of emergency and to update alternate pickup locations.
Location
We are located in San Francisco, CA. Our programs take place outdoors primarily in Golden Gate park. We meet near the bathrooms and picnic tables near the intersection of JFK Dr and Chain of Lakes Dr. West. and return to this area for pick up time. We chose locations with more natural settings to allow the children to really experience a sense of nature and small piece of wilderness within the city. Because a variety of natural settings allows the children to experience more, we will plan field trips to different nearby locations. These are scheduled in advance and text reminders are sent of the alternate pick up/drop off locations.
Director
The director and primary teacher, Carlene, has worked with children for the past twenty years creating many meaningful relationships along the way. She completed her credential as a master teacher and site supervisor for preschool children in 2004. Recent experience includes teaching Head Start Pre-K classes, teaching after school art classes and the Art in Action program in SF elementary schools, and owning a full day nature preschool program from 2010-2015. Her passion for environmental education began during Carlene's childhood while growing up in rural Massachusetts. She learned her first lessons in plant and animal identification and respect for nature while hiking through the forests with her father. Carlene's hobbies include hiking throughout the west coast, camping with family, and visiting the beaches of the CA coast.
Education-
Certificate in Child Development from City College of San Francisco, CA.
B.S. in Environmental Science from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA.
Site Supervisor and Master Teacher permit from CA Commission on Teacher Credentialing
Many additional hours of professional development classes in a wide range of topics including dual language learning, social emotional development, literacy and parent education.
Carlene and all assistant teachers have current
-CPR/1st aid training
-negative TB test
-clear background checks.
Education-
Certificate in Child Development from City College of San Francisco, CA.
B.S. in Environmental Science from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA.
Site Supervisor and Master Teacher permit from CA Commission on Teacher Credentialing
Many additional hours of professional development classes in a wide range of topics including dual language learning, social emotional development, literacy and parent education.
Carlene and all assistant teachers have current
-CPR/1st aid training
-negative TB test
-clear background checks.
History
Always Learning and Growing was started in San Francisco in 2010 as a family childcare and preschool. For five years we were able to explore the numerous beautiful and peaceful places in GG park and took the children on field trips around the west side of the city. Carlene has led children throughout the parks and kid friendly areas of the city over the last 14 years. In summer of 2015 we closed the childcare in order to travel. In early 2016 we returned to the bay area and led an afterschool art and nature class. After our travels we are so glad to be back home to enjoy the unique and beautiful city of San Francisco again and excited to use our extensive knowledge to open Always Learning and Growing outdoor forest kindergarten program.
Contact Information
Please email [email protected] with any further questions or to schedule a meeting. Call 415-203-3779 to speak in person and find out if a nature preschool is right for your child. To check for availability please email with your child's name, age and preferred start date.