FAQ

How do I register? Registration opens on June 1, 2017 (online). Spaces are available on a first come, first serve basis. Registration forms and pricing will be available when registration opens. 50% of tuition is required to enroll; the remaining balance is due January 15, 2018. No refunds will be given after Sept. 1 unless/until there is another child who can fill the spot.

Where are you located? 2017-2018 is our opening year, so we are still scouting out the perfect place for Wild Haven to begin. We have identified Baltimore City as the general vicinity,  but we haven't settled on our locations just yet.

Is Wild Haven a nature center? No. Wild Haven is a holistic, nature-based learning community offered in several locations. We invite children, families and teachers to join us for nature-based programming year-round at area parks and centers. Community events and workshops are part of our offerings, but we are not limited to one physical nature center.

Do you have a building? No. Wild Haven is a 100% outdoor immersion program, like those of European forest kindergarten models. We do not have one central building, as we partner with area parks and centers.

Will my child learn basics like reading, writing and math skills? Yes! One aspect of nature-based learning is that foundation skills like these are seamlessly part of each day. 

For example, we apply math concepts when count, sort, group by size, measure, match pairs or identify shapes found in nature. Storytelling, retelling, dictating, sequencing and reading are all pre-reading activities that happen naturally as we explore and share our discoveries. Letter and word recognition also build on reading readiness. Daily invitations for mark-making, writing, coloring, painting (often with mud!) all form a foundation for writing.

Is this a licensed preschool program? No. We are not a school or childcare center, so we do not follow MSDE licensing guidelines. We do, however, follow best practices in ealry childhood education including staff trained in First Aid and CPR. We also have emergency plans and procedures in place to protect those in our care.

Can I attend if we home school? Absolutely! It is a fantastic option to supplement other activities that you do with your child. Homeschool families learn by doing. It is a misnomer to think that learning only happens at home and exclusively with a parent! Wild Haven is a great way to elaborate on science, math, natural history or creative arts study.  Children and teachers document learning each day, so you can definitely use it for your home instruction program.  

Are you hiring? Not yet...we will seek part-time educators and naturalists starting in June 2017. At minimum, nature preschool teachers must hold credentials required by MSDE's Early Childhood Development department (90 hours child care courses, communication course, current first aid and CPR, criminal background check and emergency disaster preparedness course). Teachers must also demonstrate significant experience/commitment to early childhood environmental education. If you are interested in volunteering to help get Wild Haven started, please contact Monica.