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FOREST KINDERGARTEN A nature based kindergarten Welcome to Hamilton Forest School where learning is deeply rooted in nature. We hold a strong conviction that children require and also deserve regular and repeated opportunities to immerse themselves in the natural world. We believe that these encounters with nature help cultivate eco-responsible stewards, and long lasting relationships with the land, which we believe is an indispensable quality for 21st-century citizens. We firmly believe that exposing children to the outdoors and its breathtaking wonders is a fundamental experience that every child should have. Numerous research studies have consistently shown that spending time in nature reduces stress, enhances attention span, and promotes healthy brain development in children. Nature plays a crucial role in both a child's well-being and overall development of the whole-child. At Hamilton Forest School, we offer a distinct and tailored educational program, serving as an exceptional alternative to the Ministry of Education's Full Day Kindergarten Program. Since children in Ontario are not mandated to attend school until grade one (age 6), we provide the option for children to be enrolled full-time in our Kindergarten program. Join us at Hamilton Forest School, where education comes alive in nature's embrace, nurturing young minds for a brighter future. Hamilton Forest School envisions extending its offerings to include primary grades, providing children with the opportunity to continue their educational journey within our nurturing environment. Our curriculum is designed to be comprehensive and dynamic, encompassing both French and English languages. It is place-based, child-directed, hands-on, play-based, emergent, and inquiry-based, as research has consistently shown that children between birth and eight years old learn most effectively through this approach. Our unique curriculum draws inspiration from the Ontario Ministry of Education's The Kindergarten Program, harmoniously blending it with the principles of the Forest School philosophy. Lastly, keeping reconciliation at heart, our curriculum also incorporates Indigenous Land-based educational perspectives. At Hamilton Forest School, we firmly believe in the competence and capability of every child. By empowering our students with choices and decision-making opportunities, we recognize and embrace the boundless potential of young minds. Following Howard Gardner's MI (Multiple Intelligences) theory, we hold the belief that each child can flourish and achieve success. By offering a diverse range of activities and encouraging children to make choices based on their interests and developmental needs, we utilize nature as both a learning environment and an ally, paving the way for positive and personalized learning experiences. Choose an enriching journey of education for your child, where young minds thrive in the embrace of nature's wonders. Program Features We spend the majority of our day outside in all weather conditions. Our goal is to embrace every season and discover the unique delights each has to offer. Our unique Bilingual program is delivered in both French and English. We follow the Ontario Kindergarten curriculum as Catherine is a certified OCT and kindergarten specialist. We look forward to welcoming lots of special guests and hosting many "workshops" throughout the year. ​ Program Details Our Forest Kindergarten is designed for students ages 3.5 - 5 years old. ​ We maintain a 1:5 ratio. Children will bring their own snack and nutritious lunch. ​ Tuition is $75 / day + HST. If the current tuition poses a challenge, please contact us. ​ We're happy to use a sliding scale to create a personalized tuition tailored to your household financial situation. Support from community partners enables us to hold seats at various price points to ensure Hamilton Forest School reflects the economic diversity of the city that surrounds us. We're here to work with you and find potential solutions so your child can attend. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Our Schedule Monday - Friday September - June 9am - 3:30pm *Full-time and part-time options available. ​ We follow the school board's yearly calendar. Same Professional Development days Same break in December and March. ​ ​ ​ How to Register There are only 10 spaces in this very special program and we anticipate them to fill very quickly. ​ If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us at hamiltonforestschool@gmail.com Apply Now Run by an educator who cares our Forest Kindergarten presently operates as an unlicensed home-based child care center, adhering to Ontario's Ministry of Education curricular documents, including: Ontario’s Kindergarten Curriculum In English: “The Kindergarten Program” (2016). ​ In French: “Programme de la maternelle et du jardin d’enfants” (2016). Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years This professional learning resource guide addresses and reflects upon the important question: How Does Learning Happen? In English: "How does learning happen: Ontario’s pedagogy for the early years" (2014). In French: “Comment apprend-on? Pédagogie de l’Ontario pour la petite enfance” (2014). The Think, Feel, Act: Lessons from Research about Young Children A research report that provides educators in early years settings with information to support early childhood development. In English: “Think Feel Act Document: Lessons for research about young children” (2013). In French: “Penser, sentir, agir : Leçons tirées de la recherche sur la petite enfance” (2013). Natural Curiosity (NC) Natural Curiosity is an innovative environmental and land-based inquiry program that helps teachers address a critical link between environmental and Indigenous education. In English: “Natural Curiosity 2nd Edition: A Resource for Educators: Considering Indigenous Perspectives in Children's Environmental Inquiry” (2018). ​ In French: “Curiosité naturelle, 2e édition: Ressource pour l’enseignante ou l’enseignant L’importance du point de vue autochtone dans l’enquête dans l’environnement de l’enfant” (2018). https://www.naturalcuriosity.ca/ As well as additional supporting documents from the “Back to Nature Network” https://www.back2nature.ca/resources-research/ , the Pedagogical resource from Forest and Nature School in Canada: “A Head, Heart, Hands Approach to Outdoor Learning” (2014) and Indigenous land-based education https://en.ccunesco.ca/idealab/indigenous-land-based-education . Catherine Hughes, the Founder and Director of Hamilton Forest School, is a dedicated educational professional currently pursuing a PhD in Early Childhood Education with a specialization in Outdoor Education and Forest School. With her extensive background as an experienced French Kindergarten teacher, an OCT kindergarten specialist, Forest School Practitioner and organic gardener, she has crafted a personalized and unique kindergarten curriculum that will offer a tailored educational experience for each student.

FAITES DU BÉNÉVOLAT AVEC NOUS Hamilton Forest School est à la recherche de bénévoles positifs, attentionnés et énergiques qui souhaitent faire partie de notre équipe d'éducation en plein air. Êtes-vous quelqu'un qui : Êtes-vous quelqu'un qui : Aime le plein air, aime enseigner aux enfants et est passionné par l'environnement ? Est intéressé à acquérir de l'expérience dans une classe alternative? -Travaille-t-il pour obtenir son diplôme d'enseignement ? Est intéressé à poursuivre un diplôme d'enseignement? Hamilton Forest School propose des opportunités de bénévolat tout au long de l'année dans le cadre de notre programme d'écoles forestières, de camps de jour et spécialisés et d'autres événements spéciaux. ​ L'EXPÉRIENCE DE BÉNÉVOLAT VOUS PERMETTRA : Une expérience de bénévolat avec Hamilton Forest School vous donnera: -Aptitudes à accompagner des groupes d'enfants dans un cadre extérieur. -Compétences dans l'animation et le développement d'activités. -Connaissance des milieux et écosystèmes locaux. - Sensibilisation à la sécurité et évaluation des risques en milieu extérieur. -Aperçu des coulisses de l'élaboration du programme d'études des écoles forestières. -Résilience extérieure (capacité à travailler dans toutes les conditions météorologiques). Nos programmes varient en durée, en activités et en durée. Que vous soyez à la recherche d'une expérience de travail, curieux de savoir si le domaine de l'éducation en plein air vous convient ou que vous souhaitiez simplement passer du temps en plein air avec d'autres, ce poste de bénévole est fait pour vous! Ce poste de bénévole est idéal pour ceux qui envisagent une carrière dans l'éducation en plein air, l'enseignement ou la vulgarisation scientifique. RENSEIGNEZ-VOUS ICI

À PROPOS DE NOUS Chaque jour à l'école en forêt est différent, selon l'endroit où les enfants nous guident dans leur jeu. Nous passons tout le temps à l'extérieur dans la nature. Les enfants sont inspirés par le lieu, le temps et les saisons, ainsi que leurs interactions les uns avec les autres. Les merveilles, les idées et les intérêts des enfants guident leur apprentissage. ​ ​ Intéressé à essayer l'école en forêt? Nous avons un essai gratuit ! Contactez-nous par courriel pour vous renseigner. REGISTER Tuition We offer a pay-what-you-can model. We ask for a commitment of 1 month (which includes 4 consecutive sessions in a month). The recommended amount is $150 / month*. Drop in sessions are also available. * Tuition must be paid before the start of the session. If your child is unable to attend the program one week, unfortunately there are no make up sessions or refunds. Additional Information Our program will be from 10:00am-12:00 noon. Please arrive by 9:55am and latest pick up time is 12:05pm. This is a rain, shine or snow program. Please make sure you and your children are dressed accordingly. ​ If your child is unable to attend the program one week, unfortunately there are no make up sessions or refunds. If the provincial guidelines do not allow us to run this program due to Covid-19, all participants will be notified and we will resume when we are able to do so again.Masks will not be mandatory as we will be outside. Children may choose to have a small bag with them (with a change of clothes, water bottle, healthy snack, bug spray, and sunscreen). This is not mandatory. Our five-year-old son loved this program! He always looked forward to Saturday mornings, when he'd get to explore nature, engage in nature-based play with other kids, and learn various French vocab words for the various local flora and fauna. Miss Cat is cheery and welcoming, and our son took to her right away. I'd recommend this camp to any young children who enjoy exploring and playing in nature. C'est fantastique! - Lucy C.

PARENT & CHILD Parent Participation Programs We love to support families looking to spend more time outdoors with their children. ​ We offer several programs that allow you to get out in nature with your little one with the mentorship of a nature educator. ​ Are you a parent or caregiver looking to get some exercise and fresh air with your little one? Come hike with us! ​ We welcome parents, grandparents and caregivers of all ages with a newborn - 18 month old. ​ Hikes will be held at various locations around Hamilton including the RBG, Bruce Trail, and local conservation areas. Nature Baby Hikes When : Tuesdays 10-11:30am Ages : 0-2* Where : various locations Cost : Pay-What-You-Can (PWYC). ​ *this program is designed for adults hiking with children in a carrier. Register Nature Toddler Hikes When : Thursdays 10-11:30am Ages : 1.5-3years* Where : various locations Cost : Pay-What-You-Can (PWYC). ​ * We will be moving at a toddler's pace at times. Register Forest Family Sundays When : Sundays 10-11:30am Ages : All ages! * Where : various locations Cost : Pay-What-You-Can (PWYC). ​ * Children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Register Chaque jour à l'école en forêt est différent, selon l'endroit où les enfants nous guident dans leur jeu. Nous passons tout le temps à l'extérieur dans la nature. Les enfants sont inspirés par le lieu, le temps et les saisons, ainsi que leurs interactions les uns avec les autres. Les merveilles, les idées et les intérêts des enfants guident leur apprentissage. ​ ​ Intéressé à essayer l'école en forêt? Nous avons un essai gratuit ! Contactez-nous par courriel pour vous renseigner. Program Costs We offer a pay what you can model. Please pay by e-transfer to the following email address: hamiltonforestschool@gmail.com We also accept payments in cash on the day of the hike. Please note that certain trails and parks have admission fees and or parking fees. Participants are responsible to pay for all fees on their own. Additional Information This is a rain, shine or snow program. Please make sure you and your children are dressed accordingly. ​ Parents/caregivers must stay with their children during the hike. This is not a drop off program. Please note: not all trails will be stroller friendly. Children will be encouraged to walk on their own. Participants can choose to have a small bag with them (for their water bottle, healthy snack, bug spray, and sunscreen). This is not mandatory.

À PROPOS DE NOUS Free Trial Registration First Name Last Name Email Submit Complete the form here to sign up for a free-trial of Forest School.

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L'école en forêt de la fin de semaine Chaque jour à l'école en forêt est différent, selon l'endroit où les enfants nous guident dans leur jeu. Nous passons tout le temps à l'extérieur dans la nature. Les enfants sont inspirés par le lieu, le temps et les saisons, ainsi que leurs interactions les uns avec les autres. Les merveilles, les idées et les intérêts des enfants guident leur apprentissage. ​ ​ Intéressé à essayer l'école en forêt? Nous avons un essai gratuit ! Contactez-nous par courriel pour vous renseigner. Register Program Costs We offer a pay what you can model. Please pay by e-transfer to the following email address: hamiltonforestschool@gmail.com We also accept payments in cash on the day of the hike. Please note that certain trails and parks have admission fees and or parking fees. Participants are responsible to pay for all fees on their own.

L'école en forêt de la fin de semaine Chaque jour à l'école en forêt est différent, selon l'endroit où les enfants nous guident dans leur jeu. Nous passons tout le temps à l'extérieur dans la nature. Les enfants sont inspirés par le lieu, le temps et les saisons, ainsi que leurs interactions les uns avec les autres. Les merveilles, les idées et les intérêts des enfants guident leur apprentissage. ​ ​ Intéressé à essayer l'école en forêt? Nous avons un essai gratuit ! Contactez-nous par courriel pour vous renseigner. Register Program Costs We offer a pay what you can model. Please pay by e-transfer to the following email address: hamiltonforestschool@gmail.com We also accept payments in cash on the day of the hike. Please note that certain trails and parks have admission fees and or parking fees. Participants are responsible to pay for all fees on their own. Additional Information This is a rain, shine or snow program. Please make sure you and your children are dressed accordingly. ​ Parents/caregivers must stay with their children during the hike. This is not a drop off program . Please note: not all trails will be stroller friendly. Children will be encouraged to walk on their own. Participants can choose to have a small bag with them (for their water bottle, healthy snack, bug spray, and sunscreen). This is not mandatory.