Forest Learning Collective
FLC at a Glance
FLC is a homeschooling supplement program designed to help immerse children in a nature based, child-led, environmentally conscious way with teachers who are enthusiastic, engaging, positive and compassionate. We seek to build upon students homeschooling experience socially, physically, and cognitively and believe the best way to do this is to get them outdoors in nature with their peers.
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We offer age-based groups encompassing Kindergarten through High School. These groups are flexible and follow a curriculum based on Reggio Emilia's philosophy that is student centered, self directed, place-based and experiential in nature. The program emphasizes core values of respect, community, and responsibility through exploration and discovery.
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Being a part of our community means you will be among families of homeschoolers. Parents must follow all homeschooling guidelines pursuant to NYS Education code 100.10.
Parents will need to submit a letter of intent to homeschool, an IHIP, quarterly reports, and a final assessment of your child's progress to your school district. FLC will provide complementary instruction with an emergent curriculum. All work will be shared with parents to help assist the completion of quarterly reports. We also offer regular parent meetings to discuss what we're working on and how you might incorporate some of our FLC projects into your homeschool curriculum.
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A typical day in the Forest
We offer 3 full days/week (MWF), 2 full days/week (MW), and 1/ full day/week (F) program running from September-Mid June. While everyday is different in the forest, a structure and rhythm will naturally develop based on group interest. Most days will start with a morning circle, project work, songs, games, new materials and jobs. There will be project work, journaling, gathering, preparing, researching, sharing and hands on time for whatever material is being covered. Lunch time will be followed by rest and reading, and the afternoon will include more hiking, games, projects and cleaning up. Closing our day will consist of a gratitude circle and tick checks.
Who are our Guides?
Our Guides all have the dual gifts of nature knowledge and the ability to connect with young people. They all had/will have background checks and training. We will update families with more information about our 2023-2024 program year guides in the future.
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Inclusion Policy
Our staff appreciates learning about your child's specific needs and are willing to provide appropriate supports and accommodations to enhance their experience. Please contact us for more information regarding inclusion at Forest Learning Collective.
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Covid-19 Considerations
Ensuring the safety of our families is our number one priority. We keep in tune with the scientists, researchers and community leaders that can provide safety guidelines for the program.
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For more information or to schedule a site visit contact us at forestlearningcollective@gmail.com
