Nasci Learning Forest

Looking for a simple outdoor activity this weekend? 🌿

One of the easiest ways to encourage curiosity and connection with nature is through a simple “nature treasure hunt.”

As we prepare experiences for children ages 3–5 at Nasci Learning Forest, we’re thinking about activities that help children slow down, observe closely, and engage their senses outdoors.

This weekend, try taking a short walk and collecting a few nature treasures like:
🍃 interesting leaves
🪨 smooth rocks
🌼 fallen flowers
🪵 sticks or bark textures
🪶 feathers (if found naturally)

You can place them in a basket, sort them by color or texture, or simply talk about what you notice together.

Sometimes meaningful learning begins with very simple moments outside.

Books are a big part of the atmosphere we’re preparing at Nasci Learning Forest 🌿📚

We’re intentionally choosing stories that invite children ages 3-5 to:
🍃 notice the natural world
🐦 slow down and observe
🌱 care for living things
🪵 use imagination and curiosity
☀️ connect with seasonal rhythms and outdoor life

Some of the books currently on our shelf this week are simple, cozy, nature-rich stories that pair beautifully with outdoor exploration, gardening, and play-based learning.

A thoughtful early childhood environment is built through spaces that help children feel calm, connected, and curious.

sunday reset in the classroom! 🌞 🌱

Slow Sundays at Nasci Learning Forest 🌿 Before a new week begins, we spend time preparing the space thoughtfully — tidying shelves, refreshing materials, checking the garden, and making sure the environment feels calm, welcoming, and connected to nature. We believe early childhood spaces should feel peaceful and intentional. Not overstimulating. Not rushed. As we prepare to welcome families, we’re focusing on creating rhythms and environments that support curiosity, independence, movement, and wonder for ages 3–5. Sometimes the quiet preparation is part of the learning philosophy, too. #nascilearningforest #naturepreschool #playbasedlearning #atlantaparents #sundayreset

One of the quiet gifts of nature-based learning is that children get to practice paying attention in a way that feels natural. A leaf with an interesting shape. A worm after the rain. A bird call from the trees. A stick that becomes a tool, a wand, a bridge, or a measuring stick. These small moments invite children to slow down, notice, wonder, and stay with an idea. At Nasci Learning Forest, we’re preparing a space where children ages 3–5 will have time outdoors to explore, observe, move, and build the kind of focus that grows through meaningful play. We’re getting ready to welcome families who value childhood that feels grounded, curious, and connected to the natural world. #nascilearningforest #naturepreschool #atlantaparents #outdoorlearning #naturebasedlearning

Good Afternoon from Nasci Learning Forest! 🌿

The garden is lush after last weekend’s rain, and we’re busy tending raised beds and arranging logs for little feet to balance on. We’re creating an outdoor classroom where children can spend most of their day immersed in nature.

Research shows that nature‑rich learning environments foster social skills, creativity and self‑regulation , and we can’t wait to share those benefits with our future learners. We’re still preparing the space, but our hearts are full thinking of the children who will explore, imagine and grow here.

Want to see it in person? Send us a message to schedule a tour! 🌱💚

We’re back from a few quiet days offline, and I thought today would be a good day to share a little more of what has been happening behind the scenes at Nasci Learning Forest. 🌿

Becoming a licensed Family Child Care Learning Home is much more than preparing a beautiful space. Before we can welcome families, there are layers of planning, paperwork, safety checks, and local approvals that help make sure the program is operating responsibly.

For us, that process included confirming local zoning requirements, applying for a Special Land Use Permit, communicating with the Planning & Zoning department, preparing a letter of intent and site plan, gathering documents, attending required meetings and hearings, and receiving approval.

From there, we completed DECAL’s FCCLH orientation, required pre-service training, home preparation, policies, forms, records, background checks, the FCCLH application, DECAL review, home inspection, and any needed corrections.

And finally: receiving our FCCLH license. 🤎

It has been a long, careful process, but every step matters. Licensing is one of the ways we build trust with families and create a safe, grounded place for children to explore nature, the garden, the chickens, stories, seasonal rhythms, and joyful outdoor play.

We’re getting ready to welcome families within our licensed capacity, and we’d love to connect with parents who are looking for a small, nature-based preschool experience in East Atlanta.

Have a question about our program, schedule, or tours? Send us a message or drop it below. 🌱