In a world of their own, children:
Craft & Create
Tend & Harvest
Explore & Discover
Gather & Build
Share & Connect
Listen & Rest
Watch & Wonder
To understand who they are in the world around...
The Program
Big Sur Park School, is a forest school experience that offers a year-round early childhood program for young children, honoring the natural rhythms with seasonal breaks. The experience expands around various locations in Big Sur and is designed to support the development of the whole child through a play-based curriculum, inspired by nature and met with connection and curiosity. Immersed in exploration of the natural world and each other, and inspired by the interests and opportunities arising each day, children develop responsibility and resourcefulness in their environment, compassion and connection to all living things, and a sense of their emotional and physical being in relation to the world.
The Land
Nature is the classroom. Children and teachers explore the natural landscapes of Big Sur where the mountains meet the sea, following curiosities up creeks, over ridges, under eucalyptus and through redwoods to beaches. The adventures are endless and the growth is substantial.
The Child
We hold a holistic view of the child, honoring the individual's learning and growth in relationship to self, to others, and to the environment. Each child is seen as capable and supported to build confidence, competence and connection as they understand and participate in the world around, in their own way.
The Teachers
Teachers are passionate participants in the learning environment. With awareness and intention, teachers attune to the child’s individual process and act as facilitators to support the child’s development of independence while ensuring health and safety. Through inquiry and modeling, a teacher will guide a child into deeper understanding of their experience and offer tools to consciously and compassionately navigate conflict resolution. Teachers are stewards of the land and invite children to participate in the upkeep of the gardens and structures, to create a space for learning, together.
The Experience
Big Sur Park School is a place of inspiration where children can grow freely and express fully. The philosophy supports all participants to become more self-aware of who they are, what they want, and what is available in the present moment. Children are encouraged to follow their curiosity and engage in their interests. The experience honors the child’s connection with their emotional state and their physical body, and to be in active relationship to their environment and others. Children are seen as capable to understand their desires, make choices and take responsibility for those choices. Together, the children and teachers explore the world, themselves in the world, and in connection with all who share it. Together, with the child’s curiosity, the teachers guidance, and the environments demands, a living and learning community is built on trust, respect and resourcefulness.