Paradise in Nature Wonderschool

Our Teachers

Theresa is an experienced educator with over 25 years of experience in teaching children. She holds a degree in natural resources and has several certifications in environmental education, including Project Learning Tree, Leave No Trace, Forest School Teachers Institute, and Wildlife. Theresa is passionate about taking children outside and encouraging them to be free, wild and active and in the process fostering a desire to be future stewards of the environment.

Theresa’s favorite activity with children is being outside and exploring. She believes that children learn best when they are able to experience the world around them firsthand. She loves taking children on hikes, exploring new environments, and teaching them about the wildlife and plants they encounter.

Outside of work, Theresa enjoys reading, biking, and trying new experiences. She is also a proud grandmother and loves spending time with her grandkids, especially when they are outside enjoying nature. Theresa believes that it is important for children to have a connection with nature and hopes to inspire a love of the outdoors in all the children she teaches.

Testimonials

“Paradise in Nature is where my kids go to explore and learn with all of their senses! Sensory play and learning is at the foundation! Each day my kids come home talking about the projects that could qualify as hands-on STEM learning and adventure!”

Philosophy

At Paradise in Nature Wonderschool, we embrace the idea that children thrive in a play-based, natural environment. We prioritize exploration, discovery, and play as essential elements for children’s cognitive, emotional, social, physical, and language development. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, we aim to foster a safe, loving, and caring community where young learners can actively engage with their surroundings, learn by doing, collaborate to solve problems, and create through making. Our program is designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing children to lead the way in their learning journey.

Location

The day care is located just 1 block from the Heritage Trail, 3 blocks from downtown Negaunee and 4 blocks from Jackson Mine Park. A major part of the day, aside from nap time, will be spent exploring the local parks, woods, trails and libraries.

About our program

Paradise in Nature Child Care program is a one-of-a-kind program that offers an unparalleled experience for children 12 months old and up. My daycare is designed to help the children feel safe and at home. Your child will not lack for individual attention. The small teacher to student ratio provides a stable emotional foundation for your child.

A unique aspects of this program is the focus on the great outdoors. Children get to spend a good deal of their time outside, exploring the natural world around them, fostering their sense of wonder and awe.