little earthlings forest school

little earthlings forest school is an all-outdoor preschool program where children play in the mud, splash in puddles, go barefooted, and use adult tools. The program is child-led and play-based, with a focus on unstructured play in nature. Children are encouraged to trust themselves and their own line of inquiry during their time in the program.

• Ages: 2.10–5 years old
• Schedule: Half day and full day programs, following the SFUSD calendar

little earthlings forest school has been outdoors since the autumn of 2017 and operates on public lands as a permitted outdoor program through San Francisco Recreation and Parks Dept. The program describes itself as small and offering responsive, attentive care to children and their adults. It follows a hybrid model that stays true to foundational principles of forest schooling while prioritizing core child development and early childhood educational principles. In conflict resolution, the program does not use shaming, threats, bribes, betrayal, abandonment, or unrealistic or unhelpful demands, and it provides children with communication skills and often offers exact words they can use. The mission of little earthlings forest school is to provide an emotionally and physically responsible learning environment for children and parents alike, with respect for each person’s ideas, support for clarity, discovery of self, community and communication, and curiosity about how each person learns how to learn. David Calabrese is associated with quotes about the program and its philosophy.

Last updated August 15, 2026.