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Barefoot Atelier's

Forest School Program

We’re dedicated to providing children with an enriching learning experience in nature. Our Forest School program offers regular field trips to forests, mountains and more, fostering children’s curiosity and connection to the environment and unique features, creatures, plants, and more. This program is available for preschool and school aged children. 

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Child-led Learning in Nature

Children eagerly explore the natural features that most call to them. 

Risk-Management Skills

During explorations, our teachers intervene not to instill fear of action, but to help children understand the consequences of those actions.

Skills for Success

Children who are given a chance to try, fail and try again develop resilience, initiative, and inventiveness.

Develop Self-Confidence

Nature stretches children’s comfort levels, resiliency, and competency

Forest School Program for Preschool Kids

Our Forest Program is designed for children in their early and primary years, focused on sustainable life skills, social emotional well-being, personal and cognitive development, and competence in a bio diverse environment. Utilizing the context of nature as a learning environment children engage in experiential, inquiry-based, and project-based learning as they move through the general rhythm of the day and connect to the surroundings. The program is inspired by the European model of the Forest Kindergarten, and set in various natural parks of Los Angeles. Children learn aboriginal skills, explore the Earth’s features, learn to forage natural plants, and practice photography.

Forest Program Helps Children Develop:

  • A deepening knowledge of native plants and their practical uses: Botany. Food Science, Nutrition, Life Sciences, etc.
  • The ability to work on a research project in a collaborative setting
  • Self-planning for longer-term or more complicated projects
  • Increasing capacity in literacy and composition using creative writing techniques
  • Ability to think like a naturalist
  • Ability to identify common animal tracks; Ecology, wildlife, empathy, pattern recognition, and mapping
  • Outdoor Crafting Skills: Handcraft, thoughtfulness, perseverance, innovation, creativity, and resiliency
  • Aboriginal Skills
  • Growing ability and application in mathematics to age level and beyond
  • Ability to identify common local animals by sight and sound
  • Comfort, resiliency, and competency out of doors in all conditions

General Information

There is a nonrefundable $95 registration fee and deposit due upon registration. 

Once you are registered you will receive a confirmation with camp calendar, guidelines and logistic info. 

 

Address

1620 S Bundy Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90025

FAQ

What is the age range for children attending the camp?

2-6

What are the daily hours of operation?

Camp Hours 8:30am-3:30pm

Extended Hours 8:00-8:30am and/or 3:30pm-5:00pm

How much does the preschool camp cost, and what payment options are available?

Camp Tuition includes  am/pm snacks.

Hot lunch program is an additional $7/per day. 

Transportation fees will be added for field trips if needed.

 

Are meals or snacks provided for the campers, or should they bring their own?
Yes, we cater to various dietary needs and restrictions, including kosher dietary requirements. Our meal plans are carefully crafted to be nutritious, balanced, and in accordance with individual dietary needs.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, we cater to various dietary needs and restrictions, including kosher dietary requirements. Our meal plans are carefully crafted to be nutritious, balanced, and in accordance with individual dietary needs.
What meals do you provide for the children?
We provide a kosher morning snack, a kosher lunch for children who purchase the monthly lunch program, and a kosher afternoon snack. We strive to provide organic, healthy food for the children.
How can I enroll my child in your preschool?
We also welcome you to schedule a tour of our facility and meet our staff to learn more about our program. We provide applications after the tour, or open request (feel free to email us!)
What is your preschool’s philosophy?
Our philosophy is rooted in the belief that every child is a competent, curious, and creative individual. We embrace the Reggio-Emilia approach, renowned for its emphasis on child-led exploration and expression, and blend it seamlessly with the rich traditions and values of the Jewish heritage. We believe in the power of ‘mindfulness’ – a core aspect of our teaching – which enables children to develop a deep awareness of themselves, others, and their environment. We help children become aware of their feelings and voice their needs.

Admissions

Applications are provided upon request, after touring our preschool. We accept applications on a rolling basis. Children may start in the middle of the year, once they turn two-years old.

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Praise From Parents

We were lucky enough to find Barefoot during my son's pandemic Kindergarten year when elementary schools were shut down. He attended Barefoot's incredibly safe, nurturing, creative, project-based program a few days a week to supplement his online school experience.
Amanda Perla 2022
The preschool’s curriculum fired up my child’s imagination; he was inspired to learn reading and writing, thrilled to have music instruction and yoga, and developed a deep sense of community with his friends and teachers.
M.Epstein2011
My son is learning valuable lessons about teamwork, giving, and being responsible. He is also receiving a Jewish education. The preschool finds creative ways to teach literacy in a fun way.
A. Silverman2011
I truly wish that all educational settings could provide the love and care that Barefoot does. It is not just a great school, but a model for how to educate young people. Your work, the work of the teachers as well as the contributions of the parents really make a big difference in this world.
Andrea M.2012
The kids at Barefoot are treated as individuals with purpose. They are encouraged to explore the wonder and curiosity within themselves, and they are free to express themselves, with art, music, dress-up, water, gardening, slugs or just about anything else they might find laying around.
A Happy Santa Monica Family2014
Every 4 year old should enjoy such focused study of their own superpowers! Our family has enjoyed taking part in the numerous school holidays and celebrations, like Purim and Tu B’Shvat. The Barefoot team is the BEST at creating meaningful celebrations to highlight important holidays and world events.
Penaloza 2017

We believe children are born with a natural curiosity about the world, and that cultivating this curiosity with careful listening and support, is the key to successful life long learning.

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