Helping educators discover what's possible by creating nature-based programs that honor their vision, delight children, and thrive as sustainable businesses

NOW ACCEPTING 1:1 COACHING CLIENT APPLICATIONS

Let's Build Your Dream Together

Whether you're dreaming of opening your first nature-based childcare program or refining an established one, together we'll transform your vision into a program that's both inspiring and sustainable.

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BUILD
CONFIDENCE

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GROW YOUR INCOME

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DO THE WORK YOU LOVE

Does This Sound Like You?

✓ You have a vision for a nature-based early childhood program, but you're not sure where to begin or how to bring all the pieces together.

✓ You know you have what it takes, but between licensing requirements, program development, business decisions, marketing, and creating meaningful learning environments, the process quickly feels overwhelming.

✓ You would benefit from expert guidance from someone who has walked this path and successfully operated a nature school for more than two decades.

Hi, I’m Laura—

You’re Nature School Coach

With more than 25 years of experience building and operating a successful nature-based early childhood program, I offer personalized guidance grounded in real-world experience.

I love helping educators transform their ideas into thriving programs by combining thoughtful educational practices with creative business strategies.

Together, we'll create a program that is inspiring for children, distinctive in your community, and built for long-term success.

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WHAT IT’S LIKE WORKING WITH ME

Whether you're dreaming of opening your first nature-based childcare program or refining an established one, together we'll transform your vision into a program that's both inspiring and sustainable. I'll share thoughtful encouragement, creative ideas, and real-world experience gained from 25 years of building a successful nature-based program.

  • Complete the online form below to tell me about your program, goals, and the support you’re looking for.

  • Schedule a complimentary 30-minute discovery call so we can get acquainted and see if working together feels like the right fit.

  • Select the coaching option that best fits your needs—from a focused session to more in-depth, ongoing support.

    Let’s build something thoughtful, joyful, and entirely your own.

Without guidance, it's easy to spend countless hours researching, second-guessing decisions, and feeling stuck. Many educators worry about making expensive mistakes or wonder if they'll ever create a program that truly reflects their values while also supporting a successful business.

I believe there is far more room for creativity than most educators are led to believe.


Together, we'll look beyond the checklists and discover thoughtful ways to meet licensing requirements while creating a program that is authentic, inspiring, and uniquely your own.

GET THE SUPPORT YOU NEED

Get a Glimpse of What’s Possible…

When You Choose Nature-Based Learning…

Outdoor classrooms offer children a rich, natural environment that nurtures their development in deeply holistic ways. Surrounded by the textures, sounds, and rhythms of the natural world, children engage all their senses as they explore and discover.

Moving on uneven ground, playing with leaves or pinecones, and feeling the breeze support physical coordination, sensory integration, and motor development. These experiences build foundational brain-body connections that are essential in the earliest years.

The open-ended nature of outdoor play also invites curiosity and problem-solving, laying the groundwork for early cognitive growth. Children naturally observe, wonder, and test ideas, forming early scientific thinking without needing structured instruction.

Beyond developmental growth, outdoor classrooms offer essential support for emotional well-being and relationship-building. The calming qualities of nature—gentle light, fresh air, and organic soundscapes—help children regulate their emotions and reduce stress. These spaces also provide a peaceful backdrop for teacher-child connection, where shared wonder and attunement can deepen trust and secure attachment.

In the company of peers, children explore side by side, learning to relate, communicate, and empathize.

Regular time in nature nurtures a sense of belonging—not only to their learning community but to the earth itself, planting the seeds of early environmental awareness and care.

Words of Praise

  • "Laura's Learn and Play is by far the BEST family child care program! Laura has over 20 years experience, a degree in Early Childhood Education and her program is accredited. Laura provides loving, nurturing care and a developmentally appropriate curriculum. She has a variety of additional programming that is included in the tuition such as Mr. Steve's Music, Stretch n Grow, and farm animals. She understands the importance of good nutrition and cooks healthy, homemade food, no hot dogs, fish sticks and chicken nuggets in her program. As a center director with 30 year's experience I have seen a lot of programs in Larimer and Boulder County and her program is superior."

    Beth Cushing

  • “After searching high and low I am grateful I came across Laura’s Learn & Play. I wanted something more for my child than a typical day care setting where “teachers” came and went. My child was able to develop a loving and trusting relationship with Laura which has been everlasting. Laura is one you can count on as reliable and steady, something this single mom relied on deeply. If you’re looking for something above and beyond the “norm” for your child’s early enrichment then this place is it!”

    Kristie Cloud

  • “Laura's Learn and Play Nature School is a wonderful place for your child to excel. Laura prides herself on running a fun, caring, safe, and clean, play based nature school. It is her passion. The outdoor area is fantastic and the inside of the school is just as inviting and it is full of opportunities for learning and being creative.”

    Michelle Johnson

  • “I am a former graduate of Laura's Learn and Play Nature School. I am about to graduate college and I absolutely believe that the early childhood education I received here has allowed me to be the person I am today. Thank you Laura for the structure and support you have given me over the years!”

    Reece Abbott

  • “Laura is a kind, compassionate, and creative provider. The children are always happy and well-cared for. They spend a lot of quality time outdoors in the nature classroom, eat quality, healthy food, and spend time reading and creating art. I highly recommend this program!”

    Kestrel Weiner

  • "We've had our daughter here for over a year now. Laura is the most amazing teacher she has ever had. She comes home so happy every day amd loves going to school. She is learning so much amd thriving at this school. Summer concerts are a plus!

    Casey Trawick

  • "Our 2.5-year-old daughter really thrives at Laura's school. As parents, we love that she gets good food and time to explore freely as she learns new things. My daughter particularly enjoys all of the art projects she works on and spending time outdoors. She always says she has fun when she comes home, and that she adores Laura's homemade granola bars!"

    Lisa Schlein

  • "We have had two of our kiddos at Laura's for a total of about 3 years now, and absolutely love it. Laura mixes not only a great play-based curriculum with learning but she also teaches the kids spanish and sign language, among many other things. She brings in kids yoga, music, and even the travelling farm into the mix! Just an all around great experience and we're so thankful to have found her. If you're looking for a fantastic preschool experience in Fort Collins, look no further than Laura's Learn and Play Nature School!"

    Colan Scheidenhelm

  • "Laura provides a wonderful learning environment for my 2 year old. She is kind, respectful and full of creativity. My son is learning so many essential skills through her program and I cannot recommend her enough! Outstanding care while still being fun for the munchkins."

    Kate Leary

  • "We had nothing but good experiences and appreciation of her program. We highly recommend Laura to anyone looking for great child care."

    Cameron Cain

  • "Laura's Learn-N-Play is a safe, warm, welcoming, creative place for kids. Both of my children attended pre-school there and not only were well cared for, they truly blossomed there. They loved every day with Laura and the other kids. She goes above and beyond to provide a program that is curriculum oriented, child driven, packed with extras and just plain FUN! The atmosphere is soothing and well managed. You can definitely rely on her many years of experience and obvious love of children to nurture your little ones."

    Nicole Cain

  • "Our daughter was at Laura's pre-school for three years and she loved it. She was very prepared for Kindergarten. The extra programs and activities were great and added to the curriculum. It was easy to see that Laura cares very much for the children in her program."

    Robert Gudmestad

  • "I have such admiration for Laura's passion for early childhood education and for the way she infuses her philosophy throughout her program. She knows what young children need most, and she is committed to providing it."

    Rae Pica

  • "My experience visiting Laura’s Learn n Play Home program was amazing! I enjoyed the family connects, the annual family/community events held throughout the year and her love for Nature and learning through play Philosophy. What an amazing program for children to spend their day while parents work etc. The learning, love and connections are priceless. An invitation to play calls each and every visitor 🙂💕.

    Melody Robinson

  • "Laura's Learn-n-Play Nature School is an amazing program run by a very knowledgeable Family Child Care Educator. Enrolling your child in the Nature School program is preparing children to become: great problem solvers- be aware, and appreciate their environment- coping skills and all the while letting kids be kids in a loving and caring school. I have known Laura for many years, she is passionate about her profession and always striving to better the field of Family Child Care."

    Susan Stevens

You’re ready to transform your vision into a

nature program that's both

inspiring and

sustainable