We believe kids deserve MORE time engaged in play: exploring, imagining, creating, discovering, building physical, social, sensory, & emotional skills, gaining confidence & connecting to nature.
JOIN OUR FLOCK!
*We still have a few spots for 2024-2025!*
OUR PHILOSOPHY We believe that children are their own best leaders in their learning, and by allowing them to explore their natural environment, their inherent curiosity creates organic opportunities for learning. In recent years, an increasing amount of research has shown that play is the work of childhood and that it is the most effective way for children to boost their cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and sensory development. We believe all children deserve an “authentic childhood” which includes plenty of self-directed play and time outdoors without time constraints or teacher-driven plans. Our teachers’ role is to facilitate this natural inclination for learning. We do this by creating a safe, enriching and engaging natural learning space. We follow the children as they explore, allowing for and expecting differences in development and learning styles for different children in the same age group. As the children show interest and aptitude in different areas (like reading, math, writing, art and science concepts), we bring in materials and guidance to help the child extend their skills. We also strive for a shared experience to create a supportive and collaborative community of learners. Learning occurs organically and our ‘curriculum’ is an emergent one, following the interests of the child. Children leave our program each day fulfilled, joyful, appreciated, respected, and, very likely, dirty!
WHY "KINGLETS"? Our children were nicknamed the "Kinglets" back in 2013 when we started FFF as an organization and began offering nature-based programs to 3-6 year olds. We now run this program as a licensed childcare. It is inspired by the “Wald kindergarten” or “Forest Kindergarten” model, which began in Europe and has gained popularity in recent years throughout the US. Our educational approach is to immerse children in nature by being outside during the majority of the day. Through outdoor play, children learn to move their bodies, use their imagination, satisfy their curiosity, gain confidence, overcome fears, build friendships and develop a strong & positive connection to nature.
February 2nd: Current Families Re-enrollment Due
February 9th: Enrollment Opens
February 16th: Open House 3-5pm
February 17th: Open House 10am-12pm
March 1st: Enrollment Applications Due
March 15th: Decisions Sent Out *
March 30th: Acceptance Packets & Deposit Due
Then rolling admissions as space allows. Interested families must arrange for a morning visit prior to applying.
*Applications for new Kinglets will be prioritized by:
1. Siblings of current Kinglets
2. Families on our waitlist
3. Number of days requested (higher priority to 5 day and full day applicants)
4. Flexibility with enrollment days
ALL APPLICANTS MUST ATTEND AN OPEN HOUSE OR ARRANGE A MORNING VISIT WITH US PRIOR TO APPLYING!
To see if you qualify for childcare financial assistance (subsidy), visit https://dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/ccfap
Note: Effective July 2, 2023, the CCFAP capped rates will adjust to a simplified rate schedule with higher base rates to better reflect the cost of providing quality child care. Learn more here: https://dcf.vermont.gov/cdd-blog/updated-ccfap-capped-rates-effective-july#:~:text=Effective%20July%202%2C%202023%2C%20the,or%20the%20State's%20capped%20rate.
You can find more information about our program in our Family Handbook. All caregivers and parents are required to read this prior to enrolling their children in our licensed childcare or summer programs. To view, click the link below. Updated '24-25 Handbook & Calendar coming soon!
2024-25 Application FFF Kinglets (pdf)
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