NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FAMILY CHILD CARE’S 2016 EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR WITH OVER 25 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
Meet Our Lead Instructor, Laura Roush
At Laura’s Nature School, I believe nature-based education connects awareness of self, family, community, and nature through empathy and understanding.
My journey began when I discovered my love of early education and opened my first early learning program in Longmont. I went to school and received my Associate’s Degree and Director Certificate in Early Childhood Education. I utilized what I learned to transition my program to the play-based, Reggio Emilia nature school I have today.
Nature-based education connects awareness of self, family, community, and nature through empathy and understanding. Art, literacy, science, and math are taught using an inquiry-based model in a natural setting.
My approach is progressive, drawn from research-based theories including Reggio Emilia, Steiner, and Gardner. My goals are to create inspiration for a love of the natural world, support a positive sense of self, and for children to recognize their gifts as an important part of a broader but inclusive community.
At Laura’s Nature School, I provide a diverse learning experience by having additional enrichment instructors come into class and teach the children a variety of life skills.
By offering unique learning opportunities through specialty classes, children have additional opportunities to increase their musical, physical, and artistic skills. These classes improve emotional expression, offer dynamic group experiences, and allow children to practice receiving guidance from additional instructors. In providing a learning environment that offers exciting challenges, imaginations are stretched, and opportunities flourish in all areas of development.
Playcrafters Theater: AJ
A creative and interactive musical story program for children. Each class is creatively structured to integrate the arts in a fun, dynamic, and playful way. Children build skills and discover the arts through music, movement, picture books, storytelling, and creative drama.
Stretch N Grow Gymnastics: Michelle
This specialty program is designed to promote exercise and wellness in early childhood. Goals include giving children a strong foundation for a lifetime of exercise and fitness habits that result in good health, strength, and positive attitudes. Michelle is a lively, fun teacher who started classes with us in 2000.
Family Balance Yoga: Currie
Children’s yoga helps create a space where attitudes of integrity, peace, kindness, and self-awareness are not only valued but encouraged. At Family Balance Yoga, their intention is to give children the tools to live full and healthy lives into adulthood.
Lil Folks Music: Kestrel
Kestrel Weiner, M.Ed., has been an educator for the past 24 years and has led music instruction in preschools, elementary schools, and camps. She appreciates the positive impact that early childhood music has had on the lives of her own children and wants to share these benefits with others.
