Sapling Forest Preschool

Our Teachers

Bradley Wagner, Director & Lead Teacher

Throughout his career, Brad Wagner has focused on educating the minds of our children. His passion for education first began while attending Cornell University, where he received a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology. Brad later went on to complete his Master’s Degree in Childhood Education at Hunter College in New York City, where he focused his Master’s Thesis research on outdoor education and it’s effects on academic, social, and emotional development. He continues to learn and grow by taking additional college level courses and participating in professional development.

In addition to his schooling, Brad has extensive experience working and volunteering in educational settings with children ranging from 2 to 18 years old. He has volunteered in several elementary schools, substitute taught in grades K-12, co-taught in preschool programs, worked as a Lead Teacher at the 4th and 5th grade levels, and taught in an outdoor Transitional Kindergarten program He is now applying his skill set to the program at Sapling Forest Preschool.

Brad’s knowledge of childhood education and unique first-hand experiences provide him with an understanding of what children need to be happy and successful.

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Philosophy

Our onboarding philosophy includes Emergent Curriculum, Experiential Learning, and Reggio Emilia Inspired principles. Moreover, our additional philosophy emphasizes that every child can and will flourish with the respect and support they deserve. Respecting children’s uniqueness and providing a safe, nurturing environment is crucial for their academic, social, and emotional development. Recognizing that each child is different, we strive to let them grow at their own pace in a way that suits them best. We believe that well-trained adults, through developmentally appropriate scaffolding, can help children reach their full potential. When supported and respected, children can achieve anything!

Location

At Sapling Forest Preschool, children engage in social, academic, and emotional development within the natural areas of The Presidio. At just under 1,500 acres, it is the largest park in San Francisco and boasts a tremendous amount of natural diversity.

Your child will grow and learn while exploring scenic meadows, shaded forests, wetland habitats, and breezy grasslands. And thanks to its elevation, your child will enjoy breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay. The Presidio truly is one of the most awe-inspiring locations for children to exercise their minds and bodies.

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About our program

At Sapling Forest Preschool, we strive to develop life-long learners who appreciate and care for the natural world around them. It is our goal to prepare children academically, socially, and emotionally, not just for kindergarten but for their entire lives. While doing so, we aim to foster a love for the outdoors, a caring attitude towards the environment, and a kindness towards all things living.

In order to achieve this mission, we have curated an amazing program with the needs of children at its heart. The outdoor environment lends us tremendous flexibility in selecting our areas of the day; children constantly engage with new environments, curiosities, and ideas. As we rotate through these areas of the day, children have the opportunity to revisit familiar spaces while applying more developed ways of thinking to them.

Our experienced staff ensure risks are taken in a safe and healthy manner. In addition, our staff members provide numerous opportunities for children to grow intellectually. By combining a strong curriculum with a child’s intrinsic interest in the world around them, we have no doubt that Sapling Forest Preschool will start your child off on the path towards a bright future.

Program Options

We offer several enrollment options to best suit your family’s needs. Please get in touch if you have any questions about which program option would work best for your child.

Half Day Program:

This program runs from 8:30am - 1:30pm and is completely outdoors. Your child will grow and develop while taking part in our nature-based curriculum. Children end the day happier and healthier thanks to the opportunities to explore, play, and learn in an outdoor setting. See firsthand what evidence-based research supports: children who participate in forest preschools show more cognitive, social, and emotional growth than their traditional preschool counterparts.

Full Day Program:

This option, which runs from 8:30am - 3:30pm, is quite simply an extension of the half day program. Children will continue playing, exploring, and learning while receiving all the great benefits that come with spending time outdoors.

Extended Day Care:

Please get in touch with us to learn more about our extended day care option!

School Closures/Severe Weather

Being a forest school means we are outside every day and engage in outdoor learning rain or shine. However, in some cases weather conditions may make it too dangerous to spend the day outside. In the event of severe weather, we will follow the school closure recommendations of The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD). We understand the inconvenience a closure may cause families. Therefore, whenever possible, we will schedule an indoor field trip to an educational facility such as a museum. Families will be notified of closures, impromptu trips, and additional information in a timely manner.

Parent Involvement

At Sapling Forest we maintain an open “door” policy. Parents are always welcome to join us for the day, however we do ask that you arrange this with us ahead of time so that we may prepare accordingly. Otherwise, we ask that parents do not stay beyond drop off. If you arrange to spend the day with us please encourage your child to adhere to school rules and routines. Below are a few ways you can get involved:

• Birthdays
• Cultural Celebrations
• Reading to Students
• Arts & Crafts Projects
• Chaperoning

Our Approach to Discipline

Our emphasis on problem solving and conflict resolution supports our anti-bias goal, where children listen to and respect each other’s hopes, needs, and ideas. Children are gently guided to realize the effects of their actions upon one another. They are taught to be respectful of one another and are encouraged to seek out solutions to problems with each other. Our goal is to teach children how to self-regulate their emotions and behaviors so they may be exceptional members of the community.

We do not use corporal punishment of any kind nor do we use time-out procedures. Instead, teachers use re-directional approaches, role-modeling, and problem-solving discussions. We emphasize using positivity and praise to foster healthy behaviors in order to create a community of learners.

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Admissions

We’d love for you to join the Sapling Forest community. Applying is simple with these easy steps:

1. Explore Our Website

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

2. Attend a Tour, Schedule a Call, or Send an Email

We’d love to get to know you better, whether that be in person or over the phone. Come discover our wonderful program and see where we play, explore, and learn! You can reach us at [email protected] and 845-649-4880.

3. Submit an Enrollment Application

If you would like to enroll, please submit an application at <a href=”http://www.wonderschool.com/saplingforest/apply” target=”_blank” >www.wonderschool.com/saplingforest/apply</a> – Please note that we require a call or tour for all prospective families. Do not submit an application if you have not completed a call or tour.

4. Enroll

After reviewing your application, we’ll send an enrollment invitation. Upon accepting your invitation, you’ll pay your deposit (usually $100), fill out enrollment documents, and review our Parent Handbook.

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