Kindergarten Program
"Let nature be your teacher"
- William Wordsworth
Our forest kindergarten program is a natural step from our preschool program. Kindergarteners are immersed in the natural and wild settings of the property, venturing further afield while asking questions.
Learning is emergent (read more), inquiry, and play-based. With a 1:8 ratio, our educators nurture each child's strengths and interests and guide them through the beautiful and tender kindergarten years.
The Curriculum
Our curriculum is guided by the natural world, its seasons, and each child's unique seasons. When a child indicates curiosity and readiness for literacy and math, our small ratios allow the educator to guide the child on that path on a one-to-one basis. Children are exposed to literacy-based activities and dialogue and tune in when ready.
the benefit
Connection
to Nature
Your child will establish a sense of self and a deep connection with the natural world. This will be the foundation for a lifelong relationship of curiosity, healing, and restoration with the natural world.
Curiosity
& Creativity
Educators nourish children's curiosity with more questions, guided discovery, and allowing children to sit in wonderment.
Relationship Building
& Management
Children form relationships with each child and educator and learn to navigate the highs and lows with patient guidance and nurturing from educators. With a small ratio of 1 educator to 8 children these relationships are authentic.
Holistic Wellness
We take a comprehensive approach to children's health by applying the bio-psycho-social model of healthy, balanced, development. The very nature of forest school offers opportunities for improved mental and physical health with the amount of time the children spend outdoors.
the details
Hours of Operation
Our Kindergarten program runs from 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM with an after-hours program available until 4:00pm.
Program Costs
2023 Monthly Rates (no tax)
NOTE: Hundred Acre Wood has joined the Canada Wide Early Learning and Childcare Agreement. Our kindergarten program is subsidized by this agreement and thus rates are gradually dropping to as low as $12/day on average by 2026.
Effective January 1, 2023
5 days per week: Mon to Fri $617.19
3 days per week: Mon/Wed/Fri $382.07
2 days per week - Tues/Thurs $264.51
Invoices are sent on the first business day of the month and are due by the 15th of the month.
A one time $100 non-refundable administration fee is collected to enrol your child into our centre and to hold your spot.
Program Cycles
Fall term: Sept-Dec
Winter term: Jan-Mar
Spring term: April - June
Food & Nutrition
Students will bring their own lunch and snacks. When we have a participant/employee/volunteer with a nut allergy, we are a nut-free facility. At the moment, we have no one with such an allergy and thus we are tree-nut friendly (almonds, walnuts, cashews, etc). We remain peanut free as a cautionary measure.
We include wild edibles and our school gardens into our programming. Kindergarteners love to taste/eat straight from our kitchen garden (herbs, tomatoes, ground cherries, greens).
Location & Facilities
The school is located at Elephant Thoughts' Kimbercote campus, learn more about the facilities in the About section of the website.
316362 3rd Line C, Grey Highlands, ON N0C 1G0
Children have access to a thoughtful indoor, licenced facility as well as 100 acre property with scenic views of the Beaver Valley and plenty to explore.
