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Tiny Trees Preschool
Innovation Overview
From Acorns to Oaks
In October of 2014 Tiny Trees Preschool won Social Venture Partners’ Fast Pitch competition for best non-profit start up. At the time, the dream of affordable, nature rich, outdoor preschool was just that – a dream. It became a reality in September 2016, when Tiny Trees opened preschools in four city parks in low income neighborhoods across Seattle, followed by 3 more schools in September, 2017. Now every day, in all weather, more than 300 children attend joyfully muddy classes, learning the social, emotional, and academic skills for a lifetime of success while enjoying a glorious childhood: one full of play, adventure, and wonder in the natural world.
Tiny Trees gives children a vibrant, mud puddle splashing, sand castle building, & creepy crawly catching childhood: one full of hands-on learning, exploration, and wonder in the natural world. Our children have inherited a planet facing significant ecological challenges and their generation will need capable, emotionally intelligent, and creative conservation leaders. Tiny Trees Preschool presents a solution – daily, intimate exploration of the natural world by children from diverse backgrounds during their most formative years.
HundrED Academy Review
Preschool can be very expensive and create a great financial burden on parents. Outdoor learning facilities can also be an expensive option. Tiny Trees Preschool is affordable. 10 Tiny Trees Preschools can be created for the price of one brick and mortar preschool.
Assessment scores equal to or exceeding state expectations. Take a look at our research study: https://tinytrees.org/2017/10/17/how-safe-are-outdoor-preschools-results-from-a-uw-study/
ScalabilityIn 2 years, scaled to 12 locations around Seattle.