Philosophy
Our philosophy is child-led, play-based, and rooted in outdoor immersion. We are influenced by the Waldorf, Montessori and Reggio philosophies.
Location and Amenities
Wild Child Association is an in-home Forest Education Association in Columbia, MD on two acres of woods and marsh with a creek running through the property. The property is a short walk from the Columbia Trails and Hawthorn Park. In addition to the natural world, children have access to a natural playground, friendly chickens, and Reggio-inspired classroom on-site.
Curriculum
Our curricular guide has been woven from the Coyote’s Way, the seminal work presented in the Eastern Regional Association of Nature and Forest School (ERAFANS) Nature-Based Teacher Certification Course. All lead our guides are ERAFANS-certified or in the process of receiving their certification.
Hours and Services Provided
At Wild Child Association we serve children aged 2-5 in a mixed age group. Preschool aged children in our care engage in an immersive outdoor educational experience. Our staggered staffing model that allows for extended hours while maintaining low child to guide ratio for excursions. Before and aftercare are included in cost for all parents to equalize access to our program. Extended hours are held in our enclosed children’s garden and playground under the supervision of one Nature-based teacher.