Wildflower Outdoor Learning Center
Our Mission
The mission of Wildflower Outdoor Learning Center (WOLC), is to create a stimulating and nurturing environment where children of all abilities, regardless of socio-economic or cultural background, can grow and learn together in acceptance of one another. This mission is carried out daily by highly trained staff, low teacher/child ratio, specialized outdoor/play-based curriculum, and contracted therapy services. At WOLC, we value the importance of character, commitment to the family, commitment to the community, respect for the individual, and celebrating our differences.
Philosophy of Education
WOLC’s philosophy is based on a belief that children of all abilities benefit from an inclusive environment, emphasizing acceptance of individual differences and ability levels. Students gain solid interpersonal skills, including self-confidence, acceptance, empathy, and communication. Inclusion allows all children to relate and interact with peers in play and daily routines, engaging in experiences that promote the development of self-help skills, self-control, and the understanding that others have different backgrounds and perspectives than themselves.
WOLC’s philosophy of education is inspired by Waldorf and Reggio-Emilia practices. Our daily rhythm helps students learn a sense of individual autonomy through outdoor play, storytelling, student-led activities and play, music and dance, and developmentally appropriate teacher-led activities. We thrive to educate the whole child through play-based education. At WOLC we spend a majority of our time outside (rain or shine) playing with developmentally appropriate/nature based toys, working in the garden, climbing, jumping, pedaling, and using our imagination to create games and play through our own eyes.
"Our highest endeavor must be to develop free human beings who are able of themselves to impart purpose
and direction to their lives.
The need for imagination, a sense of truth, and a feeling of responsibility-these three forces are the very nerve of education."