Where Learning Unfolds Naturally
We believe every child has the right to a respectful environment which fosters harmony through balanced creative relationships and possibilities. In such an environment, and in the company of caring adults, a child may come to understand themselves and the world, building confidence and respect as a citizen of the earth.
NOW OPEN
7.00AM – 6.00PM WEEKDAYS
Join us and Keynote Speaker Rusty Keeler for three days of magic!
Set on 16 hectares of Bushlands, Pastures, Food Forests and even a small Farm,
Nature’s Atelier is an Early Learning Center with a Difference.
Our Biannual Conference welcomes nature-loving mentors to Nature’s Atelier
for three full days of learning from inspiring speakers, hands-on workshops,
great food and shared adventures.
Introducing Keynote Speaker Rusty Keeler
From Tasmania to Texas, Rusty Keeler has spent the last 30 years traveling the world designing and advocating for children’s play. Described as a cross between Mr Rogers and Jerry Garcia, Rusty is a frequent keynote speaker and author of multiple books on play including the recent Adventures in Risky Play: What is Your Yes? A pioneer in the movement to connect children to nature through play, Rusty lives with his family beside a creek in Ithaca, NY with a backyard full of fruit trees, treehouses, straw bales, tires, tennis balls, hula hoops, bubbles, and more. Rusty is the current vice president of the USA chapter of the International Play Association.
CHILD CARE VASSE
Nature’s Atelier brings practical wisdom about children and how they engage with their world.
The best of early childhood practise including the social constructivist pedagogy of Reggio Emilia, the wisdom of Nature Education, the engagement of creative and scientific learning and the emerging science of brain research are all considered when designing authentic and developmentally appropriate learning opportunities.
Our aim is to provide warm and inviting environments which welcome and nurture children and embrace families as partners in a community of learners.
NOW OPEN
7.00AM - 6.00PM WEEKDAYS
Our Animal Farm
Nature’s Atelier is home to a diverse group of farm animals including ducks, chickens, sheep, alpacas and goats. All live full time at our Vasse school, being cared for by the children (and some help from our team of educators)
The animals teach the children about empathy, impulse control, responsibility and caring for the natural world. As the children interact with the animals they learn to move slowly, to be mindful of the animals and other children in the space. Read More.
We believe every child has the right to a respectful environment which fosters harmony through balanced creative relationships and possibilities
EARLY LEARNING VASSE – WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Welcome to Nature’s Atelier
Our Philosophy.
We believe every child has the right to a respectful environment which fosters harmony through balanced creative relationships and possibilities.
Nature-Pedagogy
Taking children and educators into the outdoors can open amazing opportunities for people to understand the natural world and make a meaningful connection.
Authentic Environments
The environments we create provide children with opportunities for dramatic play, quiet activities, nature and science experiences, and art.
Sustainability
Our centre will have a keen focus on sustainability. From implementing gardens, natural products and promoting a zero-waste lifestyle.
Balance & Well-Being
Connecting with nature encourages a mindfulness in children, enabling their happiness, enjoyment, curiosity, contentment and engagement.
Our wonderful team at Nature’s Atelier
We have an incredible team of passionate and qualified Outdoor Educators working alongside our maintenance, administrative roles and other helpers a in a supportive and professional education and care environment. Get to Know Them.
”Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.
Rachel CarsonEnvironmental Scientist & Inspirational Author
Latest News from Nature’s Atelier Vasse
All over the world Communities of Educators are discovering just how much children grow when given the opportunity to engage with nature. This gathering brings…
Bush Discovery and Play explore Bones and Craters and the dry winters creek. They found animal bones, discussed the animals they could have come from…
