Kids at Play is a child-led, place-based learning environment for children ages six weeks through first grade. Rachael’s vision focuses on each child’s individual journey, rather than reaching a destination. Since the start of Kids at Play, Rachael has been able to transform the school’s learning environment and expand the programming to offer unique education in the Jacksonville Beach region. She has become a sought-after speaker on alternative education in the field of early childhood learning.

Kids at Play has most recently become a member of the Eastern Regional Association of Forest and Nature Schools and the American Forest Kindergarten Association to offer off-site outdoor programs along with traditional childcare.

Rachael has continued her education to enhance the curriculum of Kids at Play. Her recent teacher certification courses provide in-depth study of best practices in nature-based early childhood education to prepare for meaningful outdoor learning experiences. These certification courses cover a range of skills and approaches crucial to implementing nature-based early childhood pedagogy. Topics include working in and with the local landscape, risk management and safety routines, and developmentally appropriate practice outside.

As a mother of three, Rachael is a strong believer in putting children first. She is passionate about sharing her philosophy in early childhood development and plans to continue expanding her nature-based programming in the Jacksonville, Florida area.

Rachael’s dream has been to own a childcare facility where she is able to make an impact in the world of early childhood development and create a space where children are able to do what they do best — be themselves.

Kids at Play is a child-led, place-based learning environment for children ages six weeks through first grade. Rachael’s vision focuses on each child’s individual journey, rather than reaching a destination. Since the start of Kids at Play, Rachael has been able to transform the school’s learning environment and expand the programming to offer unique education in the Jacksonville Beach region. She has become a sought-after speaker on alternative education in the field of early childhood learning.

Kids at Play has most recently become a member of the Eastern Regional Association of Forest and Nature Schools and the American Forest Kindergarten Association to offer off-site outdoor programs along with traditional childcare.

Rachael has continued her education to enhance the curriculum of Kids at Play. Her recent teacher certification courses provide in-depth study of best practices in nature-based early childhood education to prepare for meaningful outdoor learning experiences. These certification courses cover a range of skills and approaches crucial to implementing nature-based early childhood pedagogy. Topics include working in and with the local landscape, risk management and safety routines, and developmentally appropriate practice outside.

As a mother of three, Rachael is a strong believer in putting children first. She is passionate about sharing her philosophy in early childhood development and plans to continue expanding her nature-based programming in the Jacksonville, Florida area.

Rachael’s dream has been to own a childcare facility where she is able to make an impact in the world of early childhood development and create a space where children are able to do what they do best — be themselves.