Forest School is an entire educational approach that involves child-led, holistic learning in a 100% outdoor setting. It has been around in Europe for decades with massive success and becoming increasingly sought after in the United States.
The first US forest school was founded right here in California in 1996. Children are able to meet all of their developmental needs in the most natural setting- the great outdoors. Families who enroll their children in forest school value whole-child learning of the mind, body, and soul. Childhood is revered. The foundation for lifelong learning is nourished through rich experiences.
Our program is located at Diablo Foothills Regional Park/Castle Rock Recreation Area in Walnut Creek, CA on the ancestral land of the Bay Miwok people. We run on a Monday through Friday schedule from 8:30am-1:30pm. We serve children ages 3-6. Check out our blog to see what we've been up to!
Teacher Rebecca is the founder of Foothills Forest School. She has been an early childhood educator for the last 10 years. Foothills Forest School is the product of years of passionate planning and dedication to early childhood and nature connection. Since early in her career, it has been a dream to operate a high-quality program. She believes all children should have access to a developmentally appropriate, truly supportive environment as well as the opportunity to develop a relationship with the natural world.
In addition to studying Child Development at Los Medanos College and Humboldt State University, Rebecca continued her professional development through in-person trainings, podcasts, in-depth workshops, seminars, and books all while working full-time in preschool and Pre-K classrooms. It was during these years that she witnessed the beauty of play-based, whole‐child learning intertwined with the beauty of experiencing life outdoors.
She has completed Forest School Leader Level 3 training and has been working with the CA Association of Forest Schools in helping to bring the program to fruition.
CSU East Bay Alumnus, Marlowe Gile, is a nature-connected, energetic, passionate, and conscientious early childhood educator. She understands human development and values play-based learning, hands-on experiences, nature experiences, and creating community.
During her 9-year teaching career, she has shown true dedication to the children and their growth. She is skilled in developing emergent curriculum, building relationships, exemplifying empathy, and using brain-based practices to promote social and emotional learning.
Her focus is ensuring that all children feel safe, welcome, loved, and have a positive learning environment. Teacher Marlowe is excited to learn alongside the children as we explore the natural landscapes of the foothills!
In addition to obtaining her current pediatric CPR certification, Marlowe has completedWilderness First-Aid Training and Forest School Orientation in July.
During the last several years of my career, I spent countless hours exploring on 5 acres of the east bay woodlands with my Pre-K classes. We trekked up big slopes, picked blackberries, identified tracks, made friends, discovered bones, observed the seasons change, jumped in the creek, sung songs, learned about Indigenous people, spotted birds, took risks, yelled to the rooftops and more.
It is in this environment that the children thrived. Behavioral issues seen in the classroom dissipated. Learning experiences occurred at every turn. The children were allowed the freedom to move, explore, and express themselves however they felt right. All domains of development were nourished- physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and linguistics.
Rebecca has a true gift with children that is rarely seen in this world. My daughter is highly emotional and Rebecca helped to build her confidence and navigate her feelings through patience, understanding and connecting with nature. Being in nature is unfortunately something that is almost rare for children now. My children came home tal
Rebecca has a true gift with children that is rarely seen in this world. My daughter is highly emotional and Rebecca helped to build her confidence and navigate her feelings through patience, understanding and connecting with nature. Being in nature is unfortunately something that is almost rare for children now. My children came home talking about hikes, animals, the weather and how things grow and evolve over time. She gave them the freedom to try new things while also teaching them about safety. She aided in providing the kids with a solid foundation during a huge growth time in their lives. As they say, the first 5 years are some of the most important! I would trust her with my children in almost any situation!
We love Rebecca. More importantly, our son adores her. When he first started working with Rebecca, our son was a passionate but volatile 4 year-old who couldn't quite figure out where to place his energy. Rebecca understood him in a way other teachers haven't and she gave us great advice to guide him. Through his hiking experiences with h
We love Rebecca. More importantly, our son adores her. When he first started working with Rebecca, our son was a passionate but volatile 4 year-old who couldn't quite figure out where to place his energy. Rebecca understood him in a way other teachers haven't and she gave us great advice to guide him. Through his hiking experiences with her, we've seen him grow in his thoughtfulness, critical thinking, independence, and resilience. He has blossomed under her care. Thank you Rebecca!
We can’t even begin to quantify the impact Rebecca has had on our son’s life. As his pre-school teacher of two years, Rebecca cultivated a nurturing and stimulating environment for him. Our son not only developed a deep love of learning but a connection (and commitment) to the natural world and his community. In addition to her skill as
We can’t even begin to quantify the impact Rebecca has had on our son’s life. As his pre-school teacher of two years, Rebecca cultivated a nurturing and stimulating environment for him. Our son not only developed a deep love of learning but a connection (and commitment) to the natural world and his community. In addition to her skill as an educator and expertise in child development, Rebecca is reliable and communicative. Our hearts were always at ease knowing our son was in capable hands. She has been a true partner to us in our parenting journey, always available to offer tips and insights for us to apply at home.
Ms. Rebecca's profound knowledge of child development allowed her to develop curriculum and design activities that maximized interest and developmental growth for my children. Ms. Rebecca provides the perfect balance of structure and autonomous play. My children made leaps and bounds in emotional development and cognitive learning! I wh
Ms. Rebecca's profound knowledge of child development allowed her to develop curriculum and design activities that maximized interest and developmental growth for my children. Ms. Rebecca provides the perfect balance of structure and autonomous play. My children made leaps and bounds in emotional development and cognitive learning! I wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Rebecca, and I have yet to meet a teacher more committed to helping my children thrive both in and out of the classroom.
My 4 and 6 year old are always eager to join Miss Rebecca on her hikes because each time she helps them to see something new about the world around them that they never noticed before. They would come home sizzling with the excitement of having new knowledge to share. Miss Rebecca captured their attention by engaging each of their sense
My 4 and 6 year old are always eager to join Miss Rebecca on her hikes because each time she helps them to see something new about the world around them that they never noticed before. They would come home sizzling with the excitement of having new knowledge to share. Miss Rebecca captured their attention by engaging each of their senses: the sound of birds, the feel of feathers, the smell of flowers, the taste of herbs, and the sites provided by the local landscape or the books accompanying them on their journey. We had peace of mind knowing our kids were in good hands during the daily adventure.
In her role as preschool teacher Rebecca has really helped my daughter’s self-confidence and self-esteem blossom. She makes my daughter feel understood and valued, which is no small feat. My daughter comes home eager to share her experiences with the family by following Rebecca’s example and leading us on a nature hike herself. Rebecca’s
In her role as preschool teacher Rebecca has really helped my daughter’s self-confidence and self-esteem blossom. She makes my daughter feel understood and valued, which is no small feat. My daughter comes home eager to share her experiences with the family by following Rebecca’s example and leading us on a nature hike herself. Rebecca’s detailed account of what was discovered on the hike make us feel like we came along. She is the most communicative caregiver we’ve ever had. Her transparency gives me complete confidence in her ability to handle tough situations.
