Sacramento Urban Forest Preschool

Our Teachers

Director

About Kenna

Former college professor and political staffer, Ms. Toney was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer in 2013. After foregoing traditional cancer protocols Kenna embarked on a wellness journey which led her to numerous yoga, energy work, mindfulness and wellness certifications for which she continues to see clients. One of the many gifts of cancer came a little over four years later with the birth or her grand-twins exactly four years to the date she lost her hair to chemo. It was immediate when Kenna found out she was going to be a grandmother; the twins would be home/road/world schooled. Ms. Toney immediately started Montessori training as she had been a Montessori child as were her three children for quite some time. Kenna homeschooled her children for a large portion of their academic careers; serving as her daughter’s Girl Scout Leader in Natomas. Founding Sacramento Preschoolers Co-op in 2019 she facilitated outings, kiddie days and read-a-ramas until COVID-19 hit. During lock down Ms. Toney fell into a rabbit hole researching ways to get toddler’s out in nature . . . and found Forest School, completing teacher training in 2020 and Director training in 2021. Kenna hopes that with our Urban Forest School we will bring our children into contact with nature and help them grow in their connection to it. 

All of our teachers/guides, meet and/or exceed the California Association of Forest School‘s Best Practices for hiring and complete quarterly Continuing Education Credits as well as staff development.

Philosophy

Mission, Vision, Values & Educational Philosophy

Mission

We provide children with care and an interactive outdoor education. The benefits of outdoor education have been studied extensively and are especially influential in early childhood because they can help children form habits that will stay with them for life. Outdoor learning has been associated with increased motivation, attention and academic achievement. It also promotes fitness, creativity and lower stress levels. We promote social skills, creative learning, teamwork and problem solving.

Vision

To design and implement outdoor classrooms; learning environments where children can enjoy a full range of activities as they spend quality time in nature. To build on your child’s eagerness to learn and discover then provide an environment of discovery. Children learn best through exploration and discovery. To provide a variety of natural outdoor textures and opportunities in which to use the five senses for deeper investigation.

Values

Through a STEAM curriculum we teach science, critical thinking, math, pre-literacy, social emotional development and exploration. We believe nature is our best classroom, and that kids learn most through experiential learning outdoors. We nurture curiosity and instill a love of the natural world in children. As responsive teachers we observe the children, listen and raise questions to provoke wonder and discussion. No answer is incorrect . We explore the children’s thoughts and theories about topics that interest them. Through discussion, we help clarify their theories. We seek to extend the children’s attention span, increase their variety of investigation strategies, enhance their concentration and effort while still allowing them to fully experience pleasure and joy in learning

Educational Philosophy

Our Urban Forest School philosophy uses the outdoors to stimulate a child’s interest in learning, helping them develop into a responsible and independent thinker with a lifelong love of learning. Classes are infused with songs, games, poetry, storytelling, and plays.  This creative work develops, among a wide array of skills and qualities, a keen memory, a rich vocabulary, the firm foundation for future literacy, and a strong sense of rhythm. Our imagination acts as a bond between ourselves and nature, helping us to develop reverence, understanding, and compassion.  Daily, the land offers a host of new adventures to spark the natural curiosity and imagination of each child. Our curriculum and approach is child-centered, play based and emergent. In short, the curriculum and activities are largely determined by the interests of the children.

About our program

COVID has changed the way we are moving in society . . . and some of these changes are WONDERFUL. Sacramento Preschoolers Co-op is now SACRAMENTO URBAN FOREST PRESCHOOL.

WHY FOREST SCHOOL?

Research has found a surprising range of benefits that are derived from frequent, unstructured play in diverse natural settings - exactly the kind of experiences that forest schools provide; and these benefits cover the entire realm of holistic child development.

WHY SACRAMENTO’s URBAN CITY?

Sacramento is a city buzzing with natural, open spaces as well as nature preserves, creeks and sloughs. We are a fully outdoor program. We believe this to be a safer alternative to indoor settings.  We are passionate about the benefits of outdoor education and are excited about being a growing Forest School program. 

Given that we are designed for outdoor learning, we have adjusted to new Covid-19 safety protocols with ease.  

We have designed our safety protocols based on Sacramento County’s guidelines for outdoor gatherings. The children’s health and safety are our top priority.

Feel free to speak with our director or lead teacher if you have specific concerns. We know these are uncertain times and extra special care is needed. 

Sacramento Urban Forest Preschool merges the child centered approach of Montessori with the Forest School philosophy. We support families who know that in-person learning is best for their child. Sacramento Urban Forest Preschool creates a safe in person education centered around the interest and needs of the children in our small classes.

This class is an Urban Forest School Class, during this class students will be outside 100% of the time in a Montessori inspired class held in various Sacramento & Elk Grove Parks. Our focus will be allowing children safe ways to socialize with peers, explore nature, and develop in an emotionally and physically safe environment.