Whidbey Forest Friends

Detailed location information will be sent out the week before the next class to ensure everyone is informed and prepared.

We provide a variety of snacks each week, such as crackers or fruits. However, we recommend that you pack along a snack from home to ensure it meets your child's dietary needs. Additionally, we suggest bringing a water bottle for your child to stay hydrated during the class.

Babies in arms are always welcome in our classes. For siblings, you will receive a discounted rate of $10 off each class. Please message me when you make payment to ensure you receive the discount.

Yes, classes are still held even if it rains. Our program is 100% outdoors, and we recommend that children wear a waterproof zip-up suit and rubber boots to enjoy jumping in puddles while keeping dry and having fun.

We meet at a new location or destination on Whidbey Island every week. This allows us to explore different areas and create exciting experiences for all participants.

Yes, we charge per class, so if you start the session late, the class will be prorated. However, we do not recommend starting in the middle of a session as bonding is an important part of our class for the children.

Yes, we are happy to accommodate private classes for friend groups or playgroups. Please message us for availability and pricing details.

You can reach out to us with any questions by sending an email to: whidbeyforestfriends@gmail.com or by filling out the contact form on our website.

A: If you find yourself running late for a class at Whidbey Forest Friends, don't worry! We have set up a dedicated class messaging group specifically for such situations. This group not only allows you to quickly send us a text if you're delayed but also provides a wonderful space for sharing photos and updates amongst the parents and the teacher. The instant communication ensures that our teacher can make any necessary adjustments promptly to accommodate your child. We value staying connected and making sure everyone is in the loop, reinforcing our community-first approach at Whidbey Forest Friends!

A: You can learn more about Whidbey Forest Friends by visiting our social media pages! Follow us on Instagram at whidbeyforestfriends for daily updates, photos, and stories that capture the essence of our preschool environment. You can also like and follow our Facebook page, Whidbey Forest Friends, where we share news, events, and community activities. These platforms are great ways to connect with us, see what we're up to, and get a feel for the unique experiences we offer to our little learners.

We have our own unique nature and art program that we have adopted these key principles from the Reggio Emilia approach.

Teachers encourage children to ask questions, explore ideas, and investigate their world through hands-on activities and projects.

The curriculum evolves based on the children's interests, questions, and experiences, rather than a predetermined set of topics. (I will start out with a specific theme and lesson plan that may evolve into something more with the children's findings or questions).

Reggio Emilia views children as active and capable learners with inherent curiosity and potential.

The learning environment is carefully designed to be stimulating and inviting, providing opportunities for exploration and discovery.

Teachers document children's learning processes and experiences to understand their thinking and guide future learning.

Reggio Emilia emphasizes collaboration among children, teachers, and families, creating a sense of community and shared learning.

In the Reggio Emilia approach, teachers are seen as co-learners and collaborators with the children. They are not just instructors but also researchers who observe and document the children's learning processes. Teachers facilitate and guide the learning experience, encouraging children to explore, ask questions, and express their ideas. They create a supportive environment that fosters curiosity and creativity.

The environment is considered the 'third teacher' in the Reggio Emilia approach. It is designed to be engaging, flexible, and responsive to the needs and interests of the children. The environment encourages exploration, interaction, and collaboration. It includes natural materials, open-ended resources, and spaces that promote creativity and learning. The setup of the environment reflects the values and principles of the Reggio Emilia approach, supporting the children's development and learning.