Introduction

Boston Outdoor Preschool Network (BOPN) is a nonprofit organization focused on nature-based early childhood education. Sarah, Shela, and Sara launched the first program at the Arnold Arboretum (Boston) in September 2019. In September 2020 we launched a new program at Massachusetts Horticultural Society (Wellesley).

Debbie Gregg is a Waldorf teacher whose daughter has attended BOPN since the beginning. As luck would have it, Debbie and her family were moving to Foxborough just as BOPN was beginning to collaborate with Smith Farm, whose mission is to enrich lives through education, arts, culture, spirituality, and wellness. Together, we are thrilled to launch a parent-child group, summer classes, and a school year class at Smith Farm. We are excited to bring children and families together in community to explore, learn and play at the farm and in the surrounding woodlands. We welcome you to join our joyful nature-based community. Please come for a visit!

Location

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Drop-off and pick-up will be at beautiful Smith Farm at Borderland State Park in Easton, MA. The children are active participants in selecting which places we visit and how we explore them.

Programs

We are enrolling now for three new programs at Smith Farm:

Parent-child nature-play group:
- Ages birth through 7, accompanied by a parent, grandparent, or other caregiver
- Thursdays, March 11 through June 10, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- Attendance capped at 6 families per day during covid
- Drop-in (attend one, some, or all dates)
- No tuition (free)
Summer program:
- Ages 2.9 through 7
- Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. You may choose any number of summer sessions to enroll:
  - Summer Session 1: July 5 through 16
  - Summer Session 2: July 19 through 30
  - Summer Session 3: August 2 through 13
  - Summer Session 4: August 16 through 27
- Tuition: $330/session
School year program:
- Ages 2.9 through 6 (preschool and kindergarten)
- Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. September 14 through June 17
- Tuition: $6,ooo in total ($600/month) plus $200 enrollment fee.

Daily Rhythm

9 a.m.: Drop-off at Smith Farm

Morning circle, greetings, songs, and safety rules
Hike to an "adventure spot"
Play, exploration, and emergent curriculum in nature
Hike back

12 p.m.: Pick-up at Smith Farm

Meet Debbie

Debbie grew up in Sweden, where “there’s no bad weather, only poor choice of clothing.” She spent her days playing outside in the fields near her home and enjoyed skiing, swimming, and school outings in the woods. Her teaching experience spans the globe, including teaching English in China and Russia. Upon her return to Massachusetts, Debbie enrolled at Antioch University New England and graduated with her Waldorf teaching certificate. Previously, she taught at the Waldorf School at Moraine Farm and Pine Hill Waldorf School. Most recently, Debbie has been home with her two daughters, Sophia (age 5) and Margaux (age 2). Sophia has attended BOPN since the beginning and Debbie is thrilled to launch a new BOPN class at Smith Farm this spring.

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How to Apply

Please complete our brief interest form here. Debbie will follow up with you by phone or email. Registration opens March 10.

It is important for you to meet Debbie and see our program in action before enrolling. You are welcome to attend the parent-child playgroup at Smith Farm on Thursdays. You are also welcome to schedule a visit to Debbie's Tuesday/Friday class at the Arnold Arboretum to see her class in action.

Please reach out to Debbie.Gregg@bopn.org with any questions.

We look forward to hearing from you!

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