Fostering Independence,
Healthy Development, & Confidence through
Free Play in Nature
Providing Individual and Group Play Sessions, Academic Support, and
Parental Consultations in a Natural Environment
Meet Josie
Nature-Based Early Childhood Educator
I am a passionate nature-based educator aiming to provide care and support for the families in my community, and to eventually create a forest preschool program here in Nashville, TN.
I grew up in Door County, Wisconsin, a beautiful wooded peninsula on the edge of Lake Michigan. I am a firm believer that a connection with nature is one of the best ways to foster a sense of self, love of exploration, and care for and interest in the world in which we live.
I earned my Lead Teaching certificate in 2015 through the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families and graduated in 2017 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Bachelor’s degree in social work and a concentration in intellectual and other disabilities. I hold a Master's of Science with a focus on Child Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University, and have completed a number of nature-based educator training programs. These include, among others, the In Bloom conference through Antioch University, the Cedarsong Way teacher training developed by Erin Kinney, a pioneer of nature-education and Forest Schools in the US, and a Reggio-Emilia based curriculum development workshop through the NAEYC Learning Lab. Between 2015 and present day, I have logged thousands of hours of both classroom experience and private care. I work with kiddos ages 0-12, but the bulk of my work and study revolves around early childhood.
I moved to Tennessee in June of 2022 and have been providing part-time private childcare to various families in my community while I planned my wedding, which was celebrated in November of 2023! I am currently working to transform my experience and passions into an early learning program in which children can explore, grow, and develop through play in the outdoors. I also offer private tutoring, parent support, and private care services.
My Credentials
Bachelor of Science in
Social Work
from
UW Madison
Master of Science in
Child & Adolescent Developmental Psychology
from
SNHU
Former Head Teacher with
Northeast
Los Angeles Forest School
Cedar Song Way and Wilderness CPR Certified,
NAEYC Trained
Undergraduate Concentration in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Josie was our child's teacher for two years (ages 2-4). In that time (and because of her leadership, ability to foster community, patience, and passion), he learned the core social-emotional skills of speaking up, comforting friends, knowing how to share, and delighting in nature. Josie is kind and strong. She helped foster those qualities in our child.
He entered kinder on the young side, but with such a strong foundation of skills that it was a smooth and wonderful transition.
-Jayna Z.
Josie cared for my 2-3 year old son at a Forest School in Los Angeles. It was a very difficult time coming out of Covid, but I trusted Josie. She was engaged and attentive, and knew each child's personality and how they interacted with each other. She was caring but knew when to put up the guardrails. She is a great early childhood educator!
-Erin H.
With Josie's support and often [her] guidance, the [forest school] team took on otherwise challenging situations, benefitting both students and the school as a whole. Josie's dedication, discipline, and sheer moxie meant more opportunities to venture out [of our usual space] with students, more inventive classroom projects, and less stress all around. Her confidence and willingness to work through problems is unmatched.
-Val K., Independent Educator
Josie was a wonderful forest school teacher for our daughter. She intertwines creativity with nature, igniting curiosity in children through immersive forest experiences and fostering a deep appreciation for the world around them.
-Heather R.
Josie is a true expert in the field of early childhood development. She is extremely engaging and our whole family has learned from Ms. Josie's creative use of play and language. Our 5 year old daughter is more empowered and confident after spending time with Josie. She has truly made a positive impact on our lives.
-Kathleen H.
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© 2024 by Josephine Vanderpool