“There are two lasting bequests we can grant our children. One of these is roots, the other, wings.” ~ Hodding Carter
Little Forest Folk is a registered, full day care service offering children aged 1.5-5 years an opportunity to grow with the wonder of nature & PLAY. We are a heart-based Family Day Care service located in the hills, amongst a magical forest in Kalorama, Melbourne.
We are inspired by the teachings of Rudolf Steiner on the development of the human being. A peaceful, fun, warm, nature-based, safe, home environment, where children learn about the world as they are guided by gentle, flowing rhythms of unstructured free play and creative experiences including circle time (storytelling, puppetry, music, verses, gestures, song), Arts & crafts (drawing, water painting, junk art, clay), gentle movement (creative dance, Yoga), outdoor forest play, eating organic, plant based foods and times of rest. Practical experiences such as baking, sweeping and gardening to be imitated are also weaved throughout the daily happenings. Children can experience both the pleasure of solitary play and the rewards of being part of the group..
The Little Forest Folk home is a place of happiness, curiosity, creativity, open-ended play and imagination where we explore in a state of magic & wonder together. We value a fully immersive experience with the natural world to promote a sense of belonging to land, build confidence and learning alongside the Earth, rather than just about it.
We believe that children have a right to high-quality outdoor play and that it is crucial to their development. We believe it is most important for children to form a deep connection to themselves, the natural world, their carers, each other and greater community.
“Children cannot bounce off the walls if we take away the walls. ~ Erin Kenny
I’m an early childhood educator, magic maker, space creator, children’s muse and fun and play specialist. I have a formal background in transpersonal counselling, Art therapy and mind-body connection therapies. Additionally, i’ve trained as a health coach, plant based chef, remedial & Ka Huna massage therapist, Ashtanga Yoga teacher and sound healer. I’m well travelled having journeyed extensively on a number of global pilgrimages of adventure travel, trekking, re-wilding and exploration.
With a dedication to my own personal spiritual and professional development, to better nourish the development of the children i serve, i am currently studying Rudolf Steiner’s early childhood development work at Melbourne Rudolf Steiner Seminar and also completing Forest School Training.
We are registered with Ignite Minds. Child Care Benefits and Rebates are available through Centrelink.
NATURE : CREATIVITY : IMAGINATION : SUSTAINABILITY : PLAY : ART : MOVEMENT : HEART