Our Program

​

The Maple Hill Play Garden is an inclusive, licensed family child care program

with a focus on equity

that nurtures the joy and wonder of a simple childhood.

​

We strive to hold grounded, nourishing space for all children.

​

 We also strive to hold space in which children of the global majority

and female/nonbinary children

are able to step fully, uninterrupted into their work of play;

​

and in which children of dominant groups

begin learning the subtle art of learning to make space for others.

​

In the spring and the fall we follow a forest nursery model

and spend most of the morning outdoors (including meals) in almost any weather.

​

In the colder winter months we move indoors for eating,

but still spend the majority of our mornings outdoors in almost any weather.

​

In this space, play is the child's most valued work.

​

We are located in Amherst, MA

and serve children ages 15 months* through 3 years.

​

We provide healthy morning snacks and hearty, homemade organic hot lunches

​

The program runs Monday-Friday,

full days (8:30-3:30)

or half days (8:30-12:15).

​

The Maple Hill Play Garden operates on a school year schedule.

​

Families may select three, four, or all five days.

Preference will be given to families who reflect the diversity of our global world

and to full-day, full-time families.

​

Financial aid, consisting of part- or full-time scholarships

(including the cost of rain and snow gear as needed)

are made possible using a percentage of full-paying families' tuition

and through the generous donations, big and small, of families near and far

with the intent of improving access to quality, outdoor early childhood education.

​

​

*Children must be both walking without assistance

and down to one afternoon nap/day

(the children here go down for nap around 12:45-1:00)

​

​

​

​

 

​

​

​

​