Submitted by Amber Paulsen.

Kaleidoscope Preschool and Child Care Center is excited to announce that we will be starting a full-time Forest Preschool this September.

Our operating hours will be from Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with an opportunity for drop off and pick up at Kaleidoscope before and after Forest School hours. We will transport children from Kaleidoscope to one of our three outdoor classrooms: Camp Orkila, Moran State Park or The Village Green, which will allow us to explore the natural wonders our island has to offer. We still have several spots available for full- or part-time attendance.

At Forest School, we will discover the natural world around us, climb trees, splash in puddles, play in our mud kitchen, build forts and learn about our native flora and fauna. Children will have the opportunity to explore at their own pace and participate in child lead play while building positive peer relationships.

Kaleidoscope has been offering part-time forest preschool as part of our curriculum for the last three years. We will continue to provide our current Kaleidoscope Preschool students the opportunity to attend Forest School one day a week.

Research has shown that more time outdoors and child-led play are beneficial to growth and development, risk assessment and kindergarten readiness as well as helps to foster stewardship skills that will last a lifetime.

There is financial assistance available for families who meet income requirements and qualify through local and federal programs.

Give us a call at 360-376-2484 if you are interested in more information or to sign your child up for this unique opportunity. Classes start Sept. 3.