Eden Education
Early Childhood Program
A nature-immersed enrichment program for children ages 3–6, nestled on a 17-acre organic food forest in Fillmore, California
At Eden Education, we honor that every child is a unique expression within a single living system, carrying seeds that can nourish the whole.
The purpose of “education,” which literally means to draw out, is to create the conditions for these inner seeds to germinate, root, and express their life force in service of a regenerating the world.
Trained in the Waldorf and Reggio Emilia traditions, and deeply inspired by the Forest School model and the principles of regenerative agroforestry, we designed our outdoor program to serve as a weekly anchor for children, a place where they can breathe deeply, move freely, and grow into themselves within a community that truly sees and supports who they are. Through a nature-immersed rhythm, children learn to relate to themselves, to others, and to the living world with care, confidence, and creativity.
Program Details
When: Thursdays, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Dates: January 22 – May 7, 2026
Ages: 3–6 years old
Location: Eden Forest Collective, Fillmore, CA
Our Classroom
At Eden, the land is our classroom and our teacher. Our 17-acre food forest is home to over 250 plant species, more than 100 farm animals, and a perennial flowing river. The plants, animals, and water become daily guides in empathy, responsibility, and ecological understanding, allowing children to learn with the living world rather than simply about it.
Learning Areas
Inner Cultivation
Children practice being present and connected through listening, noticing, and quiet moments in nature. They nurture wonder, empathy, and gratitude by caring for plants, animals, and the land.
Emotional and physical awareness through movement, music, and crafts
Growing a felt sense of love and care for self, others, and Earth
Strengthening attention and curiosity
Discovering simple connections in nature's interconnected web
Purposeful Action
Through hands-on work like digging, planting, harvesting, and caring for animals, children develop initiative, responsibility, and confidence in their own capable hands.
Starting and completing small meaningful projects
Awakening stewardship and responsibility
Fostering kindness, sharing, and teamwork
Building competence through nature crafts and land care
What your children will experience
Ecological Learning
Understanding seasonal rhythms, plant cycles, and the interconnected web of life
Farm Animal Care
Hands-on experience with goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, tortoise, parrots, peacocks, and cats
Nature Crafts & Arts
Creating with natural materials, watercolors, clay, fiber arts, and seasonal projects
Music & Movement
Songs, dance, rhythmic games, and embodied learning through joyful expression
Storytelling & Play
Imagination-led adventures, seasonal tales, and unstructured creative exploration
Social-Emotional Growth
Connection-based learning, empathy development, and collaborative experiences
Meet Your Child’s Guides
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FOUNDER & TEACHER
Teacher Dream is an educator, dancer, and forester with a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in education from Harvard University. She is a Waldorf-trained teacher and has taught Movement and Games to grades 1–5 in a charter school in Downtown LA. A co-founder of Kaynaktan Dance, she leads cultural dance retreats around the world. Dream also co-founded Eden Forest Collective, an educational nonprofit on a organic regenerative farm in Fillmore. She currently hosts family days and children's programs there that nurture creativity, nature connection, and community.
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EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM DIRECTOR & TEACHER
Miss Ashley is an early childhood development graduate and the founder of a local outdoor music and movement program for infants, toddlers, and their caregivers. With over 15 years of hands-on experience as a high-profile nanny, preschool teacher, and executive assistant at a Reggio-inspired outdoor preschool, she has supported more than 100 families across California. Ashley is passionate about creating enriching experiences where little ones can learn, grow, and connect through the magic of nature, the joy of music, and the power of rhythm and movement. Her classes bring families together, fostering a strong sense of community, and helping to build lasting friendships that start at infancy.
Tuition
Tuition reflects a full semester of programming from January 22 – May 7, 2025.
Thursdays • 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM (4 hours)
Drop-In Rate
Perfect for families who want flexibility.
$125 per day
Monthly Enrollment
Billed at the start of each month (4 sessions/month).
Includes a built-in discount for ongoing learning.
$440 per month
($110/session — 12% savings — You save $60 per month)
Full Semester Enrollment
January 15 – May 7 (16 sessions)
$1,600 for the full semester
($100/session — 20% savings — You save $400 for the semester)
Semester enrollment guarantees your child’s spot and supports continuity of learning in our project-based, nature-rooted curriculum.
Financial Assistance
Eden Education is committed to making nature-based learning accessible. We offer limited financial assistance for families for whom tuition presents a hardship.
Assistance is awarded based on available funds and individual family need.
To inquire, please email us at ruya@edenforestcollective.org with the subject line: Financial Assistance Inquiry.
FAQs
Do parents stay, or is this a drop-off program?
This is primarily a drop-off enrichment program so children can fully drop into the group rhythm and land-based learning. However, we understand that some parents may wish to remain on-site, especially in the early weeks. For those who would like to stay, there will be designated areas on the land where parents can sit, work, or simply enjoy the environment.
What about food? Do you provide snacks or lunch?
We provide farm-fresh, seasonal snacks for the children during snack time—this may include fruit, veggies, or simple offerings from the land when available. We do not provide lunch. Please send your child with a packed lunch each week to support their energy and comfort throughout the morning.
Does my child need to be potty trained?
No. We understand that children move through this stage at different times, and we do our best to support them with warmth and respect. If they are still in the process of potty learning, we ask that you let us know where they are in that journey so we can partner with you.
What happens when it rains?
We welcome the elements as part of our curriculum. On light rain days, we continue outdoors with rain gear, exploring puddles, weather, and the changing land. On heavier rain days, or when conditions become unsafe or too cold, we are able to move portions of our time into the farm house on the property, where we can gather for stories, crafts, and warm indoor activities. In cases of extreme weather, we will notify families and may reschedule or credit the day.
What is the student-to-teacher ratio?
We keep our group intentionally small. We admit up to 12 children per day, with a 6:1 ratio. This allows for close attention, safety, and attuned support for each child.
What is your refund or credit policy?
For monthly or semester enrollment, unused sessions due to illness/weather closures may be credited toward future dates. Drop-in sessions are non-refundable but may be transferred to another available date with notice.
Have Other Questions?
We are here to support you.
Email us at ruya@edenforestcollective.org or message us on Instagram @edenforesteducation.
We look forward to welcoming your child into our forest classroom.
How to Apply
Enrollment for the Eden Education Outdoor Enrichment Program is simple and intentional. We aim to make the process supportive for families while ensuring a good fit for the children and the land-based rhythm of our program.
1. Submit the Interest Form
Begin by filling out our short interest form. This helps us learn a bit about your child, and what your family is seeking in an outdoor early childhood program.
2. Attend a Parent Connection Meeting (Virtual or On-Land)
Once we receive your form, we’ll schedule an initial conversation. This may be:
A 30-minute Zoom call, or
A short visit on the land so you and your child can explore the space, and feel into the rhythm of the program.
This step ensures that we can honor your child’s needs and create a supportive experience from day one.
Before the semester begins, we will also host three Information Sessions for interested families on December 6th, December 17th, and December 29th. These sessions will offer a deeper look into our philosophy, rhythm, and program structure, and are a wonderful opportunity to ask questions and meet the teachers.
3. Receive Enrollment Offer & Tuition Details
After the family visit, you’ll receive an official enrollment offer (space permitting), along with:
Welcome Packet
Program calendar
Payment options
Enrollment is confirmed once your tuition is submitted.
4. Complete Required Forms
Before your child’s first day, we ask families to complete:
Emergency contact & health forms
Photo release (optional)
Waiver of liability
Allergy & medical needs form
These ensure we can care for your child with attention and safety.
Enrollment Policy
Enrollment is offered on a rolling basis until the program is full. Once the program reaches capacity, families will be placed on a waitlist and notified as space opens. We’re excited for you to join us at Eden!