Our Mission

Creating a space where children feel safe, supported, and empowered as they connect with the natural world.

Guiding each individual child to grow a strong foundation of learning and inquiry through supported social and emotional growth. We aim to develop our students’ empathy and respect for self, others, and our environment through immersion in nature and by exhibiting peaceful conflict resolution and consent basics to our students.

As the sister program to our Brooklyn Nature Days’ nature immersion classes in Prospect Park, Wonderforest offers a nature based education in an urban setting, while also meeting the needs of families who need full day care, with early drop off and extended day options. 

We believe that:

• Children should be allowed to get messy and dirty, immersing themselves in tactile play and sensory exploration both inside & outside.

• Children learn and express themselves in different ways and therefore, should be provided with multiple and varied opportunities to explore and experiment.

• Children should be provided with open-ended and natural materials to create and play with.

• Children can be trusted to use simple tools with guidance.

• Nature play brings forth inquiry, debate, and challenge. The group (children and teachers) is there to support and guide each individual as we learn from one other.

• The emotional, physical, social, and developmental benefits of children spending time in nature are vast and document stress relief, self regulation, improved moods, bodily awareness, sensory integration, improved interpersonal skills, increased attention span, creativity and confidence.