Small Group Individualized Attention
Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.
-John Muir
Mission
Our Mission
The mission of Natural Learner’s Preschool is to provide a nature play-based, experiential environment to help foster a love of nature and learning. Located on 36 acres with open space to roam, our preschool program promotes children’s social, physical, and cognitive growth in a secure, creative and stimulating environment.
In addition to play-based, child led learning, our program incorporates science, math, language, visual arts, music, movement and environmental education into daily activities. Children gain independence and self-esteem as they interact with their peers and teacher in a loving and accepting environment.
“Let Nature be your teacher.” William Wordsworth
Teacher
I am combining my teaching in the public school system with my love of nature and the outdoors. I taught special education for 17 years in local schools; 13 of those years were in early childhood special education. I have B.S. degrees in special education and tourism/commercial recreation with a business management minor. My love of children and teaching pushes me to improve on our littlest ones learning experience. The greatest learning environment is the outdoors where children can be active, engaged, and immersed in nature.
Parent Reviews
Parent Reviews
Ms. Debra was my son’s preschool teacher for 3 years from when he was age 2-5. We have been blessed to have her in our lives. When my son first started he was speaking only a handful of words and was diagnosed with Autism. Debra not only treated him with love and respect but she helped him learn to socialize with peers, communicate his wants and needs, and most importantly - have FUN! Debra’s approach is caring, warm, kind, and energetic. The children in her class are always excited and happy to be at school. Now, my son is moving on to Kindergarten, a well rounded and confident little boy. I know for a fact that he flourished so much single handily because of Debra. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking of how much he loved her and being in her class
Parent Reviews
Debra did such an amazing job with my sweet, shy Gavyn!
He came out of his shell and absolutely loved her class, especially all the hands on activities!!!
Parent Reviews
This woman is seriously the best teacher my daughter has had. I can not say enough great things about her and her gentle nature. There is no doubt in my mind that her project will be fantastic! She was born to teach children. We cant wait to visit this ourselves.
Parent Reviews
Deborah has a passion for teaching kids, and it comes out in every aspect of what she does with Natural Learners. She’s constantly coming up with new, creative things to do with the kids. My daughter absolutely loves going there, and hates leaving! As far as she knows, she’s just there having fun, and doesn’t realize everything that she’s learning along the way. That’s one of the great things about how Deborah teaches. She brings the learning into whatever activity the kids are doing - be it a planned activity, or just how they’re playing at the time. Another great thing, they’re OUTSIDE exploring all the time, getting fresh air and exercise, not cooped up in a stuffy room all day. Yes, she has a classroom, but it’s only a part of the big picture.
I can’t recommend Natural Learners enough. Bring your kids, bring a change of clothes (they just might get wet or muddy sometimes 😄), and know that they are in capable hands, learning and having lots of fun in the process!
Parent Reviews
Parent Reviews
My son Harlan struggled in a traditional preschool setting. He would cry every morning at drop off, and at pickup would be in a dark room watching a movie or staring uninterest at a puzzle. When I heard about Ms. Debra’s nature inspired preschool, I had to check it out. During the initial tour Harlan immediately gravitated toward Ms. Debra, and didn’t want to leave. Ms. Debra cares for each child in her care as if they were her own. She takes the child’s interests and natural sense of exploration and incorporates learning. Ms. Debra not only taught Harlan things he needed for kindergarten, but the importance of kindness and manners. I would highly recommend Ms. Debra’s nature inspired school to anyone!
Parent Review
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Ms.Debra for about a year. She was my sons Pre-K teacher at Colonial Elementary School 2018-2019. Since, she has become a friend to our family.
Debra has been an instrumental part in our lives by guiding, encouraging, and sharing her experiences, which has helped us to handle situations that come when you have a child; especially one with a disability.
I have been around Debra in the classroom as a parent volunteer. I’ve shown up unannounced to witness her laughing and playing with the children when she thought no one was around. You have no idea how much it has warmed my heart to know I could leave my child and not have to worry. To know that someone else is with him that I have my complete faith and trust in is amazing feeling. That is rare these days.
I have been around Debra outside of school. I have been to her home and have been around her children, Emily and Sam. They are just as smart and loving as she is, making you feel welcomed right away. Their excitement for their new journey is contagious. I’m excited to see her provide a safe, fun, learning experience at her new educational center. The idea of children being able to learn and grow in an outside environment hands on is wonderful. What better way to learn than explore things. Not everyone learns the same way or at the same pace, but allowing richer experiences that you can’t get in a classroom setting will be amazing.
Learning Should Be Incorporated Into Play Not Vice Versa
Rates
Monday - Friday:
7:00 AM-6:00 PM
Saturday - Sunday: Closed
Beginning August 3,2020
Full day or drop in options available
RATES
Preschool
$650 monthly
$30 daily for part time/ moms day out
$15 half day
School age:
$500 monthly full time-5 full days
$25 per day part time rate
$50 weekly after school care -$10 per day
Pre-K-5th grade
Contact soon!
540-302-8069
naturallearnerschildren@gmail.com
https://naturallearnerschildcare.godaddysites.com
Perfect driving record.
CPR/First Aid Trained
Preschool:
$650 monthly
5 days full time-ages 2-6
$30 a day for non-full time/drop in
I am located in the Glenvar schools district. Near Dixie Caverns.
Due to the current circumstance, ages accepted are: age 2-5th grade, with on-line learning assistance.
A teacher helping kids to learn and thrive.
