Where each kid discovers
what works for them.
Neurodiversity-affirming.
Child-driven learning.
Parent Supporting.
Our Holistic Approach
At Little Fern Forest, we integrate evidence-based educational practices with the Cedarsong Way principles and our founder’s expertise in occupational therapy. This approach creates a nurturing and inclusive space where each child’s individuality and neuro-diversity are celebrated.
Supporting Individual Needs
Our child-led program meets children where they are and guides them in their learning journey. We offer additional therapy services, sensory consulting, and parent and teacher coaching to ensure a comprehensive and supportive experience for all kids and their families.
Our Bellevue PlaySchool
Our playschool immerses children in nature, allowing them to explore and learn about their local environment. The Bellevue location includes:
-
Access to a small residential forest
-
Sensory equipment
-
A mud kitchen
-
Art spaces
-
A loose parts playground
-
Walking trips to nearby creeks, hiking trails, and public parks
Educational Focuses
Our program emphasizes:
-
Social-Emotional Learning: Developing strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
-
Sensory Integration: Enhancing sensory processing through engaging activities.
-
Early Literacy: Cultivating a love for reading and language development.
-
Community Safety and Accessibility: Creating a safe and inclusive environment.
-
Environmental Stewardship: Encouraging responsibility and care for the natural world.
Forest Playschool
A New Community-Based Playschool for Ages 18 months - 7 years*
Located in the Whispering Heights neighborhood of Bellevue, Little Fern Forest offers a unique educational experience led by credentialed educator, Kimberlee Kelly, along with occupational therapists as assistant teachers..
Engage with Nature and Learning
Through outdoor exploration, creative activities, and hands-on learning, we support your child’s growth and spark their curiosity about the natural world. Discover how Little Fern Forest can be the ideal environment for your child’s educational adventure.
Tuition
1 day/wk - $320/month
2 days/wk - $640/month
3 days/wk - $960/month
4 days/wk - $1200/month
5 days/wk - $1500/month
Schedule
Class is 9am-1pm weekdays
-
SY 2024-2025
-
Fall 9/16-12/13/2024
-
No school Thanksgiving week
-
-
WinterSpring 1/6-5/30
-
No school April 7-11, because we will be running an optional Spring Break Camp
-
-
*Summer enrolled families get first choice for days during the next school year. Summer Term offers the same nature-based, child-led experience with ages 18 months - 8 years*. Summer Term is also available to be booked by week rather than term to allow flexibility for vacations
Lead Teacher Discretion
Our Site Director & Lead Teacher, Kimberlee Kelly, may choose to accept children younger or older than 18 months to 7 years on an individualized basis, ensuring personalized attention and care.
and other camps..
Ages & Tuition
Ready to Enroll?
Let us know what days you’re interested in using our Enrollment Interest Survey. This helps create a waitlist, tailor our program to your needs, and ensure we have everything in place for a smooth and successful term.
Book Your Tour
We’re excited to welcome you and your family to discover how our forest school can be the perfect place for your child’s journey. Schedule your 15-minute tour at your convenience!
Schedule a First-Time Drop-In Class
For More Information
Please email our Founder and Lead OT, Emily Bryce, at emilybryce@littlefernforest.com for additional information about our program or to:
-
Schedule a first-time drop-in class
-
Learn about our additional therapy services, including sensory consulting and parent and teacher coaching.
Contact Us
Bellevue
Ages 5* and up
Camp descriptions, dates and pricing coming soon!
Camps
Occupational Therapy
For more information, email maplevalley@littlefernforest.com
Sensory Consulting
Maple Valley
Ages 18 months - 7 years*
Nestled in a private, residential forest in Indianola, kids have full access of a 5 acre property with sensory playground, year-round, creek, dirt hill, mud kitchen, and other fun elements along with community excursions to the nearby beach, farm, and neighborhood green spaces allow connection to their local environment. Utilizing the Cedarsong way principles with a background and occupational therapy understanding. Children are supported and met where they are while being guided in what they need to learn. Educational focuses are on social emotional learning, sensory integration, local, Flora, and Fauna, an environmental
stewardship.
*Lead Teacher may choose to accept children younger or older than 18 months- 7 years on an individualized basis.
Ready to enroll? Join us!
Forest School
Our camps have ended for the summer, but feel free to take a look at the types of camps we offered in case you'd like to join us next year! Each summer camp experience now has built in occupational therapy support and is guided by your child’s unique needs, so all the camps are therapeutic! If you wish to target a particular skill at camp, please email our Founder and Lead OT, Emily Bryce, at emilybryce@littlefernforest.com
Camp Schedule and Descriptions
2024 Summer Camps
For more info about occupational therapy, sensory therapy and virtual teacher/parent coaching at the Indianola location, email our Founder and Lead OT, Emily Bryce, at emilybryce@littlefernforest.com