Programs & Services
Helping Children and Their Families Thrive
If your family is interested in participating in the Little Chickadees program, or you would like to learn more about any of these services, please reach out directly to Josie Vanderpool, at littlechickadees.tn@gmail.com.
Little Chickadees
Early Learning
Playgroup
For children and families who are looking to make new friends and are seeking a regular opportunity to learn and explore in nature.
Information on potential community interest is currently being gauged in a Nashville-based outdoor early childhood playgroup focused on development and learning. If you or other families in your community are interested in learning more about enrollment, please reach out today!
This program would offer morning and/or afternoon sessions, depending on demand, and would include access to a blog documenting children's individual learning milestones, group interests, and classroom happenings, along with quotes from funny conversations between friends. Semi-annual conferences with the program director would also be provided to discuss developmental successes, goals, and areas for growth. The goal of this program is to provide opportunities for children to enjoy the many benefits of nature-based play, self-directed learning, and peer socialization!
Classroom materials include a mud kitchen with pots and pans, a library, journals and writing materials, paints, air dry clay, twine, and more. Children will be encouraged to explore the outdoor space and to incorporate "loose parts" (sticks, stones, dirt, leaves, pine cones, etc.) into their play. As children begin to uncover their own interests and formulate questions, new materials, activities, and books will be introduced to support learning.
Sessions will tentatively run on a seasonal basis, and emergent curriculum plans will aim to match the flow of the passage of time. Spring sessions are currently enrolling and will begin June 1st for a September 1st, 2024 start date.
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As this program grows, the goal is to evolve our community into a full forest preschool, hosted on private property, where children can not only explore a natural area, but will also be given opportunities to garden, to build and create, to stay for longer days, and to shelter indoors during inclement weather. While the current program cannot offer these activities presently, updates will be forthcoming.
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1-on-1 Parent Coaching
Sometimes it can be helpful to seek advice, vent, or strategize with someone who knows your child but who remains an unbiased third party, committed to helping your family succeed. This service provides the opportunity for collaboration between trusted adults within a child's support network. Whether your child is exhibiting challenging behaviors, is struggling socially or academically, has experienced difficult or painful life events, or has an established goal that is proving challenging to reach, one-on-one support from an experienced educator can help. I will provide insight into children's development and psychology, strategies for addressing challenging behaviors, effective language that is consistent with a forest-school pedagogy, and literature pertinent to your situation.
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The rate for this service is $40 per one hour session.
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​*Must have a minimum of one individual care session for your child prior to booking parent support, so that I am at least somewhat familiar with your kiddo and situation prior to consulting.
Individual Child Care
During my free time, I am offering private childcare services so that parents can enjoy some free time knowing that their child is safe with a trusted and qualified provider. With over 10 years of experience providing care and education for children ages six weeks to twelve years, and a genuine enthusiasm for working with little ones, I will ensure that your kiddo will look forward to parent date nights as much as you do!
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The rate for this service is $25/hour for an individual child, with discounts available for multiple children. Sessions require a minimum of four hours.
Offering academic support and homework help for school age children. Using neuropsychological insights, I am effective in helping children to build motivation, patience, focus, and confidence. This will not only make homework time easier in the short-term; your child will be equipped with lifelong skills for accomplishing goals, meeting deadlines, and communicating with teachers and peers.
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The rate for this service is $30/hour, requiring a minimum of two hours.
Private Tutoring ​
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