unique hybrid program
This unique hybrid preschool draws from nature-based programs, Reggio Emilia and Montessori pedagogies, with child-led play at the forefront. An intimate adult to child ratio (~1:7) fosters a close attunement to each child's needs. Little Woods Preschool operates as a home-based micro-school with the intentions of cultivating confidence, curiosity, authenticity and kindness within children, as well as building a strong community among families.
At Little Woods, children are guided by their innate wonder and empowered to do what they do best; play.
holistic, Child-Led care
Reggio emilia inspired philosophy
An emergent curriculum driven by curiosity fosters personal expression, communication and learning through art, sensory exploration, movement and peer collaboration. Children are viewed as highly capable, unique individuals, full of creativity and insight.
An emergent curriculum driven by curiosity fosters personal expression, communication and learning through art, sensory exploration, movement and peer collaboration. Children are viewed as highly capable, unique individuals, full of creativity and insight.
outdoor play
& immersion
in nature
Nearly half of our day is spent engaging in outdoor play and learning; increasing confidence and problem-solving abilities, encouraging inquiry, aiding in emotional regulation and resilience, and cultivating reverence and wonder of the natural world.
Nearly half of our day is spent engaging in outdoor play and learning, increasing confidence and problem solving abilities, encouraging inquiry, aiding in emotional regulation and resilience, and cultivating reverence and wonder of the natural world.
Montessori inspired practices
Hands-on materials are offered in a thoughtfully curated and child-centered environment. The Montessori influence is felt through the emphasis on practicing independence, the
development of fine-motor skills and uninterrupted play periods.
Hands-on materials are offered in a thoughtfully curated and child-centered environment. The Montessori influence is felt through the emphasis on practicing independence, the development of fine-motor skills and uninterrupted play periods.
child-led learning and exploration
Children are the directors of their learning by following their interests, going at their own pace and making discoveries from their observations. Child-led play and learning helps develop critical thinking, self-esteem and a sense of autonomy.
Children are the directors of their learning by following their interests, going at their own pace and making discoveries from their observations. Child-led play and learning helps develop critical thinking, self-esteem and a sense of autonomy.
outdoor environment and a welcoming home classroom
Located on the woods edge off Cedar Lake Rd & 169 in Hopkins, Minnesota, Little Woods Preschool is in a prime location for families living in western suburbs of Minnetonka, St. Louis Park, Golden Valley, Wayzata, Edina and Plymouth.This special setting has an expansive backyard that neighbors Ford Park, making endless opportunities for outdoor play. Ford Park boasts beautiful woods with a looping trail, a playground, gazebo, and meadow.
Our home classroom is warm, inviting and child-centered. The environment is inspired by Reggio-Emilia and Montessori pedagogy, and offers a wide range of focus areas for indoor play and learning.
The Little Woods backyard is equipped with a mud kitchen, tree fort, lunch area and play field.
more about our days
Play-based learning guides our days, with the variety of environments and always-changing weather influencing how that play takes form. Our day ebbs and flows organically, but typically we follow this rhythm:
8:30 - 11:30 am outdoor play
12:00 pm lunch
12:45 pm indoor play / activity
1:30 pm circle time / quiet rest time
2:30 - 4:30 pm outdoor play
Children are asked to arrive wearing weather-appropriate clothing/gear, with sunscreen applied to exposed skin, and backpack packed with lunch, a few snacks and water bottle.
meet the teacher
Hi, I'm amy!
With a background of nearly 15 years in a variety of childcare settings and roles, I’m equipped with a wide breadth of skills and knowledge. I draw from my experience as a preschool teaching aide, one-on-one nanny, group nanny, art class instructor, and the approaches I’ve learned in Montessori and Waldorf environments.
After years of dreaming and laying the groundwork, I’m so excited to embark on this journey and step into my own business. Looking forward to new connections, continued growth and more joy and play!
