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Nature-based Learning Center
Do you have a curriculum?
Knowledge Seeds Curriculum
Our Knowledge Seeds curriculum is a hands-on, story-based learning program designed to ignite curiosity and inspire a lifelong love of learning in young children. Rooted in the principles of outdoor education and play-based learning, this unique curriculum blends science, humanities, and creative expression in a way that’s developmentally appropriate and deeply engaging.
The curriculum features 36 carefully selected topics spread over three years, with one exciting theme explored each month. Topics stand alone and can be enjoyed independently, making the program flexible and welcoming to new studentsat any point in the year.
Each month, children explore a new topic through a variety of engaging learning modalities, including:
- Children’s literature and storytelling
- Hands-on experiments and nature-based exploration
- Creative art and building projects
This multi-sensory approach supports different learning styles and promotes active participation, imagination, and critical thinking.
Key Features & Benefits
- Whole-Child Approach – Activities support cognitive, emotional, social, and creative development, providing a strong foundation for future academic and personal success.
- Adaptive Curriculum – Projects are tailored to the interests, learning styles, and developmental needs of each group, ensuring a personalized and engaging experience.
- Diversity-Inclusive – The program celebrates cultural diversity and promotes respect for different perspectives, fostering an inclusive and welcoming learning environment.
- Community-Oriented Learning – Children practice collaboration, respectful communication, and teamwork, building essential social skills in a supportive community.
- Flexible Preschool Enrollment – With each topic designed as a self-contained unit, families can join our nature-based preschool program at any time of year.
Program Goals
- Nurture each child’s natural curiosity and passion for discovery
- Broaden their understanding of the world around them
- Foster a deep sense of belonging, confidence, and joy in learning
Do you have wildlife around?
Located on Cougar Mountain in Issaquah, Suncatcher Forest School offers a safe, supervised outdoor learning environment. While local wildlife like deer, squirrels, and birds are common, we’ve never encountered cougars or dangerous animals near our school. Still, we take wildlife safety seriously and have strong protocols in place.
Our Key Safety Measures:
- Preparedness Plan: Developed with our state licensor, our wildlife safety plan outlines clear steps for any potential encounter.
- Always Two Adults: Every group is supervised by two trained educators for full awareness and quick response.
- Structured & Supervised Activities: Children never enter the forest alone and are always in view of adults.
- Emergency Shelter & Bear Spray: A designated shelter is available for quick access, and bear spray is securely stored on site.
We also teach children to respect wildlife and keep a safe distance. With these forest school safety protocols, your child can safely explore, play, and learn in nature.
Have questions? Reach out—we’re happy to talk!
- A cabin is accessible for changing or quiet indoor time when needed.
- For safety, we cancel the program in case of unsafe weather or driving conditions, such as snow-covered roads, polluted air, or strong winds.
- Our goal is to foster resilience and a deep connection with nature while ensuring children’s well-being.
What are you going to do if it rains/too cold/too hot
- As an outdoor program, we plan all activities to take place outside and educate families about the best weather gear to keep children comfortable.
- Children learn to check how their bodies feel and adjust clothing as needed.
- Gear library is available for all our students.
- A cabin is accessible for changing or quiet indoor time when needed.
- For safety, we cancel the program in case of unsafe weather or driving conditions, such as snow-covered roads, polluted air, or strong winds.
- Our goal is to foster resilience and a deep connection with nature while ensuring children’s well-being.