Outdoor & Nature Daycare: Forest Schools, Benefits, and What Parents Should Know

Outdoor and nature-based childcare is experiencing rapid growth as parents seek alternatives to traditional indoor programs. From forest schools to nature preschools, these programs prioritize outdoor learning, environmental connection, and child-led exploration. Here's everything you need to know about nature-based childcare.

What Is Nature-Based Childcare?

Types of Outdoor Programs

| Program Type | Description | Outdoor Time | |--------------|-------------|--------------| | Forest School | Primarily outdoors in wooded areas | 80-100% | | Nature Preschool | Balance of indoor/outdoor, nature curriculum | 50-70% | | Outdoor Classroom | Traditional program with outdoor teaching spaces | 30-50% | | Farm-Based Daycare | Childcare on working farms | 40-60% | | Beach/Coastal School | Near water with marine focus | 60-80% |

Key Philosophies

Forest School Approach (Scandinavian Origins):

• Child-led, play-based learning
• Same outdoor site visited regularly
• All-weather outdoor time
• Risk-taking within safe boundaries
• Deep connection with nature

Reggio-Inspired Nature:

• Environment as "third teacher"
• Project-based learning
• Documentation of discoveries
• Loose parts play with natural materials

Traditional Outdoor Education:

• Nature as classroom setting
• Structured outdoor curriculum
• Environmental science focus
• Gardening and animal care

Benefits of Outdoor Childcare

Physical Development

| Benefit | Research Finding | |---------|-----------------| | Motor skills | Uneven terrain builds balance, coordination | | Strength | Climbing, digging, carrying develop muscles | | Immune system | Exposure to outdoor microbes may strengthen immunity | | Vision | Outdoor time linked to reduced myopia risk | | Activity levels | Outdoor kids are more physically active |

Cognitive Development

| Benefit | How It Works | |---------|--------------| | Problem-solving | Natural environment presents varied challenges | | Creativity | Open-ended materials inspire imagination | | Focus | Nature exposure improves attention | | Scientific thinking | Direct observation of natural phenomena | | Risk assessment | Learning to evaluate and manage challenges |

Social-Emotional Development

| Benefit | Explanation | |---------|-------------| | Self-regulation | Nature calms nervous system | | Resilience | Adapting to weather, overcoming challenges | | Confidence | Mastering physical challenges builds self-esteem | | Cooperation | Group outdoor play requires collaboration | | Independence | More freedom to explore and make choices |

Environmental Connection

• Develops environmental stewardship
• Creates nature-positive attitudes
• Builds knowledge of local ecosystems
• Fosters sense of wonder
• Encourages sustainable values

What a Day Looks Like

Typical Forest School Day

Morning (8:00-12:00):

• Circle time greeting (often outdoors)
• Free exploration and play
• Child-led projects (fort building, digging, climbing)
• Snack around campfire or outdoor table
• Group activity (nature walk, story, singing)
• Ongoing risk assessment by teachers

Afternoon (12:00-3:00):

• Lunch outdoors or in shelter
• Rest time (may be indoors if available)
• Continued outdoor play
• Small group activities
• Reflection and closing circle

Weather Adaptations

| Weather | How Programs Handle | |---------|---------------------| | Rain | Go out anyway with proper gear | | Cold | Layered clothing, warm-up areas | | Heat | Shade, water play, adjusted timing | | Extreme weather | Indoor backup or early dismissal | | Snow | Special snow activities, shorter outdoor times |

The Mantra: "There's no bad weather, only bad clothing."

Finding Quality Nature Programs

What to Look For

| Quality Indicator | What It Means | |-------------------|---------------| | Trained staff | Forest school certification or outdoor ed training | | Risk management | Clear policies, documented safety procedures | | Consistent site | Same outdoor space used regularly | | Low ratios | Often 1:6 or 1:8 due to outdoor setting | | Shelter options | Indoor or covered backup for extreme weather | | Proper licensing | Licensed as childcare program |

Questions to Ask Programs

About Philosophy:

• What percentage of time is spent outdoors?
• How do you handle adverse weather?
• What's your approach to risk and safety?
• How are activities structured vs. child-led?

About Logistics:

• What gear do children need?
• Where are toilets/bathroom facilities?
• What happens during lightning, extreme cold, etc.?
• How do you handle allergies (bee stings, poison ivy)?

About Staff:

• What outdoor/nature training do teachers have?
• What's your first aid certification and emergency plan?
• How do you supervise in outdoor settings?
• What's your staff-to-child ratio outdoors?

Red Flags

| Warning Sign | Concern | |--------------|---------| | No shelter option | Safety in emergencies | | Vague risk policies | May not have thought through safety | | Untrained staff | Outdoor education requires specific skills | | No bathroom access | Basic needs must be met | | Extreme ratios (1:15+) | Inadequate supervision outdoors | | No licensing | May not meet basic standards |

Practical Considerations

Clothing and Gear

Essential Outdoor Gear:

| Season | What's Needed | |--------|---------------| | Fall | Layers, rain jacket, rain pants, waterproof boots | | Winter | Warm layers, snow suit, insulated boots, mittens, hat | | Spring | Rain gear, rubber boots, light layers | | Summer | Sun hat, sunscreen, closed-toe shoes, water bottle |

Must-Have Items:

• Waterproof outer layer (jacket and pants)
• Waterproof boots (not snow boots for rain)
• Multiple change of clothes
• Season-appropriate base layers
• Backpack for extra gear

Gear Costs: Budget $200-400 initially for quality outdoor gear, with $100-200 annual replacement. Look for:

• Secondhand gear (kids grow fast)
• End-of-season sales
• Brands like Oaki, Muddy Buddy, Columbia
• Consignment shops near outdoor programs

Health and Safety

| Consideration | How Programs Address | |---------------|---------------------| | Ticks | Regular tick checks, covered clothing | | Poison ivy | Teaching identification, avoidance | | Sun exposure | Shade, hats, sunscreen, limiting peak hours | | Allergies | EpiPens, training, awareness of stinging insects | | Injuries | First aid kits, emergency plans, communication | | Hypothermia | Monitoring, warm-up options, proper gear |

Making It Work for Families

Challenges:

• Extra laundry (muddy clothes daily)
• Gear costs and management
• Weather concerns
• May need indoor backup days
• Different than traditional approach

Solutions:

• Designate outdoor clothes (don't worry about stains)
• Buy waterproof layers once
• Trust the program's weather policies
• Embrace the mess as part of learning
• Keep spare set at school

Cost of Nature-Based Programs

Price Comparison

| Program Type | Typical Cost vs. Traditional | |--------------|------------------------------| | Forest school (full time) | Often similar or 10-20% more | | Nature preschool | Similar to quality preschool | | Outdoor enrichment program | Part-time option, less than full care | | Farm-based daycare | Often similar or less |

Why Costs May Be Higher

• Lower staff ratios required
• Specialized training for teachers
• Land or lease costs for outdoor space
• Gear and outdoor supplies
• Smaller program size

Finding Affordable Options

| Option | Details | |--------|---------| | Cooperative programs | Parent involvement reduces cost | | Public nature preschools | Some districts offer free | | Part-time forest school | 2-3 days/week at lower cost | | Summer nature camps | Seasonal alternative | | Sliding scale programs | Income-based pricing |

Is Nature Daycare Right for Your Child?

Good Fit If Your Child:

• Loves being outdoors
• Is energetic and needs movement
• Thrives with open-ended play
• Is curious about nature
• Struggles in traditional settings
• Needs sensory input
• Benefits from calmer environments

Consider Carefully If:

• Severe weather sensitivities
• Significant health concerns outdoors
• You strongly prefer structured academics
• Transportation is challenging to outdoor site
• You're uncomfortable with managed risk-taking

Transition Tips

From Traditional to Nature Program:

• Visit before starting
• Practice outdoor play at home
• Get gear early, break it in
• Expect adjustment period
• Trust the process

Research on Outdoor Learning

Key Studies

| Study | Finding | |-------|---------| | RSPB (UK) | Nature connection in childhood predicts adult environmental behavior | | Journal of Environmental Education | Nature-based preschoolers showed better motor skills | | American Academy of Pediatrics | Recommends daily outdoor play for physical/mental health | | Forest School impact study | Improved confidence, social skills, and communication |

Academic Readiness

Common concern: "Will my child be ready for kindergarten?"

Research shows:

• Forest school children show equal or better academic readiness
• Executive function skills (key predictor) often stronger
• Social-emotional skills are well-developed
• Transition to traditional school is typically smooth
• Outdoor learning supports, doesn't hinder, academics

Regional Availability

Where to Find Programs

Strong Nature-Based Childcare:

• Pacific Northwest (many forest schools)
• Northeast (nature preschools, forest programs)
• Mountain states (outdoor emphasis)
• Areas near state/national parks

Growing Markets:

• Urban areas (urban nature schools emerging)
• Suburbs (nature programs on conservancy land)
• Midwest (farm-based programs)

Starting Your Search

| Resource | What You'll Find | |----------|------------------| | Natural Start Alliance | Database of nature preschools | | Forest School Association | List of affiliated programs | | Nature-Based Preschool Facebook groups | Parent recommendations | | Local nature centers | May run or know of programs | | State licensing database | Filter for outdoor/nature keywords |

Frequently Asked Questions

Is outdoor daycare safe?

Yes, when properly run. Quality programs have trained staff, clear risk management policies, appropriate ratios, and emergency plans. They practice "risky play within managed boundaries"—allowing age-appropriate challenges while maintaining safety. Research shows outdoor programs don't have higher injury rates than traditional programs.

What happens when it rains or snows?

Most programs go outside anyway. "There's no bad weather, only bad clothing" is the mantra. With proper rain gear, kids can play in rain. With snow suits, they can play in snow. Programs have policies for extreme weather (lightning, severe cold, heat advisories) when they stay in or close.

Will my child learn what they need for kindergarten?

Yes. Research shows children in quality nature-based programs are equally or better prepared for kindergarten, particularly in executive function, social skills, and physical development. They learn literacy and numeracy through outdoor activities (counting seeds, making letters with sticks, "reading" nature signs).

How do they handle bathroom needs outside?

Programs use various approaches: portable toilets, bathroom facilities at the site, nearby building access, or (for older children) teaching appropriate outdoor bathroom use. Ask specifically how your program handles this.

What about bug bites and poison ivy?

Programs teach children to identify and avoid poison ivy. They do tick checks and use prevention strategies. Staff are trained to handle allergic reactions. Children learn to coexist with insects as part of nature education.

My child won't wear a jacket. How will this work?

This is common! In outdoor programs, children quickly learn that proper gear = comfort. When everyone else is warm and they're cold, they learn naturally. Teachers also help with gear but let natural consequences teach. Most reluctant-jacket kids adapt within weeks.

Are forest schools only for preschool age?

While most common for ages 3-6, forest school principles apply to all ages. Some programs serve toddlers (with higher ratios). Many continue into elementary school. Infant outdoor programs exist but are rarer.

How do I know if a program is legitimate?

Check for: childcare licensing, trained staff (forest school certification or equivalent), clear policies, established site, appropriate insurance, good references. Be cautious of programs that seem unstructured without intention—quality forest schools are highly intentional despite appearing "free."

Will my outdoorsy child become "too wild" for traditional school?

No. Research shows outdoor program children transition well to traditional settings. They've developed self-regulation, focus, and social skills that serve them in any environment. They may advocate for more outdoor time, which is healthy.

What if my child is scared of bugs or getting dirty?

This is actually a great reason to try nature-based care. Gradual, supported exposure helps children become comfortable with nature. Teachers are skilled at helping anxious children adapt. Many "indoor kids" become nature lovers with positive exposure.

The Bottom Line

Nature-based childcare offers a compelling alternative to traditional indoor programs, with research supporting benefits for physical health, cognitive development, social-emotional growth, and environmental connection.

Key considerations:

• Look for trained staff with specific outdoor education credentials
• Expect gear investment but know it's often a one-time cost
• Trust the weather policy—programs know what they're doing
• Know your child—most adapt, but consider any genuine concerns
• Academic readiness happens—through play, exploration, and nature
• Start your search at Natural Start Alliance or local nature centers

For families aligned with outdoor values, nature-based childcare can provide a joyful, developmentally rich experience that creates lifelong nature lovers. The mud washes off, but the benefits last.