how does a nature-based program work?
This model is a form of primary education in which class is held mostly outdoors and uses our natural environment to tap into children's innate curiosity. All types of weather are appreciated while learning and exploring in a forest setting or natural environment. Inspired by the original Waldkindergartens of Germany, Kinderhaus strives to use the wild outdoors to build resilience, inquiry, and confidence.
how our program works.
We conduct business under a C-2 child care license provided by the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
We feel honored to be part of a nature-rich community that highly values nature-based programming. Our program serves preschool-age children 3-5 years of age. Children must be 3 years of age before the first day of school and must be potty trained. Our mission is to allow children to learn at their pace in the wild outdoors.
We feel honored to be part of a nature-rich community that highly values nature-based programming. Our program serves preschool-age children 3-5 years of age. Children must be 3 years of age before the first day of school and must be potty trained. Our mission is to allow children to learn at their pace in the wild outdoors.
TUITION.
For the 2020-21 school year, Kinderhaus will be open Monday-Thursday from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Tuition is based on the following choices:
Forest Immersion Mornings (8:00am - 12:00pm)
Full Time (Monday-Thursday) - $400
Part Time (M/W or T/Th) - $200
Enrichment Afternoon Add On (12:00pm-3:00pm)
Add on to full time morning - $192
Add on to part time morning - $96
Tuition will be paid one month in advance, due on the 1st of each month, September-May. No tuition will be paid in the month of June.
At this time, scholarships and tuition help are not available.
Tuition is based on the following choices:
Forest Immersion Mornings (8:00am - 12:00pm)
Full Time (Monday-Thursday) - $400
Part Time (M/W or T/Th) - $200
Enrichment Afternoon Add On (12:00pm-3:00pm)
Add on to full time morning - $192
Add on to part time morning - $96
Tuition will be paid one month in advance, due on the 1st of each month, September-May. No tuition will be paid in the month of June.
At this time, scholarships and tuition help are not available.
CURRICULUM.
Duluth Forest Kinderhaus uses an integrated approach. We thrive on seasonally-relevant themes, child-led interests, and Reggio-inspired emergent curriculum. Emergent curriculum evolves directly from what is relevant, interesting, and meaningful to the student(s). Using an inquiry-based teaching model, children are able to wonder and ask questions about discoveries and observations. It is then then job of the teacher/guide to provide students with materials and hands-on explorative opportunities in order for them to form their own reasoning and theories. Through interest-led, experiential learning, a deeper understanding takes place that is meaningful to the child. Indoor and outdoor activities are designed to expand on the interests of the children and reflect what is going on in the world around them.
CLOTHING & GEAR.
“There is no bad weather. Only bad clothing.”
At Kinderhaus, appropriate clothing is the key to comfort and success of our students. Because our program is mostly based outdoors, the following gear is necessary and provided as follows:
Provided by Kinderhaus (items stay at school – no extra charge)
Rain pants and rain coat – Polarn O. Pyret
Waterproof, fleece lined rain mittens - Polarn O. Pyret
Stretchy Mittens
Snowshoes – Yukon Charlie’s
Bento-style lunchbox (go home with child at end of year)
Hiking pack
Provided by Family (seasonally)
FALL
Puddle boots
Wool socks
Fleece jacket/wool sweater
Down/down alt. vest
Mittens
Stocking cap
WINTER
Snow pants
Winter boots
Wool socks
Winter jacket
Winter hat
Waterproof mittens (should come over jacket sleeve or tuck under sleeve)
Neck gaiter
SPRING
Puddle boots
Wool socks
Fleece jacket/wool sweater
Rain jacket
Mittens
Stocking cap
Sun hat
Tennis shoes
2020-21 SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST
Yoga mat
Resting blanket
Water bottle (preferred brands include: Camelbak, Klean Kanteen, Hydro Flask, Life Factory. Must have a flip up mouth piece or sport cap with pull up mouth piece.)
Two changes of clothing (labeled)
“There is no bad weather. Only bad clothing.”
At Kinderhaus, appropriate clothing is the key to comfort and success of our students. Because our program is mostly based outdoors, the following gear is necessary and provided as follows:
Provided by Kinderhaus (items stay at school – no extra charge)
Rain pants and rain coat – Polarn O. Pyret
Waterproof, fleece lined rain mittens - Polarn O. Pyret
Stretchy Mittens
Snowshoes – Yukon Charlie’s
Bento-style lunchbox (go home with child at end of year)
Hiking pack
Provided by Family (seasonally)
FALL
Puddle boots
Wool socks
Fleece jacket/wool sweater
Down/down alt. vest
Mittens
Stocking cap
WINTER
Snow pants
Winter boots
Wool socks
Winter jacket
Winter hat
Waterproof mittens (should come over jacket sleeve or tuck under sleeve)
Neck gaiter
SPRING
Puddle boots
Wool socks
Fleece jacket/wool sweater
Rain jacket
Mittens
Stocking cap
Sun hat
Tennis shoes
2020-21 SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST
Yoga mat
Resting blanket
Water bottle (preferred brands include: Camelbak, Klean Kanteen, Hydro Flask, Life Factory. Must have a flip up mouth piece or sport cap with pull up mouth piece.)
Two changes of clothing (labeled)
FOOD FOR OUR BELLIES.
Each family will need to provide a morning snack and lunch for their child daily. A
refrigerator will be available for cold items.
refrigerator will be available for cold items.