SAFE OUTSIDE LEARNING

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL CENTERED CURRICULUM

Developmentally &

age appropropriate

Emerging Sprouts merges the child centered Reggio Emilia philosophy with the Forest School philosophy. Traditionally we have met outside 100% of our school year, with COVID19 we adapted by adding small pod-based learning groups and online curriculum offerings. In-person classes are BACK and here to support families who know that in-person learning is best for their child. Emerging Sprouts Forest School creates a safe in-person education centered around the interest and needs of the children in our small classes. We are currently enrolling for two locations:

Our Berkeley, Ca Forest School has Preschool and TK openings.
Our Cincinnati, Oh Forest School has Preschool openings, apply here on our website!

Principles by which we guide our curriculum:

We see children as co-creators of their learning process in the forest and the classroom.

We provide Reggio Emilia inspired Forest School curriculum. We believe each group of children bring their own unique interests to school. Our curriculum is based on the interest of the group, ever-changing and documented by our teachers on a daily basis.

At Emerging Sprouts we believe that every child should have access to expansive nature, nurturing teachers, and peer to peer education.

Emma Emmerich, Founder and Director of Emerging Sprouts Forest School is an Early Childhood Specialist and has been teaching and working in the field of Early Childhood Education for the past 15 years.

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Emma

Director and Lead Teacher

Emma's youthful energy is contagious, she is playful and spontaneous. Emma has spent the past 15 years teaching preschool and working as a Child Development Specialist. She founded Emerging Sprouts Forest School in January 2018 because she saw a need for children to have access to place-based nature learning in the forest. Emma graduated from San Francisco State University with her Bachelors of Arts in Early Childhood Education and Development. Emma's love for curiosity and play is evident in the Emerging Sprouts Curriculum.

Tre-C

Lead Teacher and Administrator

Tre-C has spent 15 years working in outdoor education with organizations all over the world including: NOLS, Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions, the National Park Service, and several independent, private schools. Prior to launching her career as an expedition leader, Tre-C was a full time nanny for four years in Connecticut while pursing her undergraduate degree. She has an uncanny ability to connect with students of all ages while challenging them to acknowledge and develop their potential. She enjoys teaching and facilitating adventure in the outdoors because she loves helping students be the best version of themselves. Tre-c is particularly excited to work at the Emerging Sprouts Forest School to foster inquisitive, curious, and present-minded children.

Tracy

Intern Teacher

Tracy is grateful for the opportunity to be a member of the Emerging Sprouts community. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at Sonoma State University. She is currently in her final year of the Doctorate of Occupational Therapy program at Samuel Merritt University in Oakland. She is passionate about supporting health, wellness, and participation in life for all ages and abilities through engagement in occupations - which are anything meaningful from self-care to climbing trees. She especially loves learning with children through play and exploration. Tracy is excited to empower others to learn, grow, and become more connected with the world around us. She enjoys practicing connection through yoga, hiking, and gardening.

Linda

Intern Teacher

Linda has proudly lived in the Bay Area her whole life and is grateful for its natural beauty. She enjoys spending time in the outdoors by going on walks, visiting local parks, and camping with family and friends. She received her B.S. in Kinesiology from San Francisco State University and is currently a third-year occupational therapy doctorate (OTD) student from Samuel Merritt University. She enjoys working with children, and has an interest in exploring the impact that the natural world has to offer to children of all abilities. She is excited to be a part of Emerging Sprouts, learn from each child, and have FUN!

LiSette

Intern Teacher

Lisette is passionate about working with children, especially in nature! She grew up in the East Bay Area and has enjoyed exploring regional parks and trails since childhood. She attends Samuel Merritt University and is completing her last semester of her Occupational Therapy Doctorate. She has a B.S. in Health Sciences from California State University East Bay with an emphasis in pre-clinical studies. Her professional journey working with children includes years of working for both Mt. Diablo School District and Martinez Unified School District as a para-educator and special education assistant. She is excited to work with Emerging Sprouts and combine her love of nature and working with children.

Testimonials

Emma is an amazing teacher,

with a loving heart, strong

boundaries, and a strong sense

of magic and fun. She's also a fierce role model--particularly for young girls and gender non-conforming children--in a world of princess girls and lego boys. I can't think of anyone better to guide a preschooler through forest adventures!

Aya de Leon

Author and UC Berkeley Faculty

Emma’s real world depth of

understanding of child

development has been garnered from both formal education and years of working with a wide range of children in many different contexts. She is patient, constructive and allows children to take appropriate risks. Add in her naturalist skills and understanding of how nature can benefit children and you have a recipe for a forest preschool.

Jason Neumann

Public Programs Manager, Cincinnati Nature Center