Peninsula Forest and Beach School

Our Teachers

Bonnie McKinney, Director

I am a certified Permaculture Educator for Children and a former preschool teacher. I love bringing children outdoors in nature to experience and cultivate a real connection with the natural world. In today’s fast paced world, children are experiencing more stress than ever. I truly believe time in nature is therapeutic and necessary for the healthy development of all children.

I am a parent myself and have a love for children and the outdoors. I have consistently worked with children for most of my life and currently homeschool my daughter. I studied Child Development at West Valley College and San Jose State University. I was a teacher in a homeschooling co-op for children ages 2-7 while I lived in Santa Cruz. I completed a forest school mentorship in San Rafael and also completed the IPEC training for outdoor educators for children in Portland, Oregon. I have a natural ability to simply be with children and engage with them on their level. I can attune to their needs and be the listening ear they need to feel valued and heard. I opened Peninsula Forest and Beach School in 2018. Our team of Nature Mentors are super excited to bring kids into Nature. Nature is our Teacher and we learn and play together.

Our program follows the Hand-in-Hand parenting philosophy of parenting by connection. This simply means that children are consistently wanting connection, even though they may express that need through crying, whining or even a tantrum. All those actions are simply pointing to the desire to feel more connected. During my nature program, my teachers watch for any cues that the children may be giving regarding needing more connection. We follow those cues to ensure each child feels safe, secure and accepted. When a child’s needs are met, they blossom and feel empowered to explore and try new things.

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Testimonials

“Our 5-yr old loves her Forest and Beach School days! Our daughter is naturally cautious, and this has been a great program to challenge her physically, and she has loved it since day 1. She never wants to leave when it’s pick up time! Bonnie is easy to trust. She creates a warm, welcoming and supportive environment that embraces nature, and empowers students to learn through play and exploration.” - Michelle Pizzo, Parent

“Finding time for myself and work while keeping my son engaged in a safe and healthy way is the hardest part of homeschooling. I’m so grateful for the Peninsula Forest and Beach School! He’s able to play and learn in a relaxed environment while I can do computer work at a cafe and then exercise on coastal trails. We’re mutually nourished on every level!” - Brandy Falcon, M.T.C.M., L.Ac., E-RYT

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Philosophy

Our onboarding philosophy centers around being child-inspired, 100% outdoors, and offering a unique preschool experience through Forest School and Beach School programs. The additional philosophy emphasizes providing children with unstructured, outdoor play experiences where nature serves as the ultimate teacher. Children lead their learning by selecting activities and topics of interest, fostering growth and development through diverse outdoor sensations. Age diversity is encouraged among children aged 2.5 to 5, with tailored, developmentally appropriate activities offered to all. Potty training, communication in English, self-feeding, and independent walking abilities are prerequisites for program participation, with teachers readily available to support children throughout the learning journey.

Location

Our program is offered in Moss Beach, CA at the beautiful Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. The reserve is located in a quiet neighborhood in a very safe location. It’s an absolute dream location for our nature program with both the forest and beach to explore. And did I mention tidepools?

About our program

We are a 100% outdoor nature program that operates under the philosophy of child-inspired play. Our program in Moss Beach is located at the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve.

Half Day Program schedule: 8:30 AM - 1 PM (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday)

1-day, 2-day and 3-day options

Our Nature School Program is based in Moss Beach, CA. Classes are held 3 days per week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday). The program is designed for preschool age children. A typical nature school day might include a forest play, beach exploring, tidepooling, nature walks, circle time and child-inspired games.

If you are interested in enrolling or want to connect to learn about the program, please select ‘Request information’ and we will be in touch. Thanks!

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Admissions

Join the Peninsula Forest and Beach School community in seven easy steps:

1. Explore our website

We’ve provided information about our philosophies and offerings to help you decide if our program may be right for your family.

2. Email questions to Bonnie.

If you have questions you would like answered about our program offerings before scheduling a visit, please send an email to our director, Bonnie McKinney, at [email protected]. Also, Bonnie is available for phone calls if you prefer phone conversation. Please send an email to schedule a phone call. Or call her directly at 650-918-9603.

3. Schedule a Phone Call with Bonnie

Use the Website options for scheduling a phone call. I have 30 minute time slot windows available.

4. Schedule a visit.

Our visits are 2 hours long and should be scheduled directly with Bonnie after you have had a phone call. Parents and children should wear walking shoes and bring a snack and a water bottle.

5. Attend for a free trial day

Before enrolling, your child can join us for a free trial day of our programs to ensure this program is a good match for your family. The parent is required to stay in the vicinity of the program on this visit. We don’t expect the parent to stay right with the group but to be close by in case the child decides they don’t want to stay or they need to leave early. The parent can go on a walk or be at a nearby coffeehouse, but should not be further than 15 minutes away for the first trial day. We will usually ask for the cell phone number of the parent in case we need to reach you during the trial class.

6. Submit an Enrollment Application

If you would like to enroll, please submit an application. Please do not submit an application if you have not called or attended a trial day. The trial day is not mandatory, but it is a great way to let your child experience the program for a day and see if they like it.

7. Enroll

After reviewing your application, we’ll send an enrollment invitation. Upon accepting your invitation you’ll pay your enrollment fee, fill out enrollment documents and review our Parent Handbook.

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