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Register now. We have one opening to fill in each of our Monday and Friday Coyotes programs (ages 6 to10 yrs), beginning in January 2026. Register for our Chipmunks program in Winter 2026 is now open! Registration for the 2026-27 forest school year will open in May 2026. Register for Chipmunks Register for core programs Registration steps. We respond to your online registration form submission, hopefully to confirm an offer to join one of our programs. Registration in one of our core programs is confirmed once we receive your payment of the CFS membership fee ($250). For our shorter programs, we ask for payment of the full cost. Registration is first-come, first-served. If we can't immediately offer you a spot, you will be added to a waiting list.

About CFS Chelsea Cooperative Nursery School (CCNS) has operated continuously for more than 60 years since its founding in 1964, delivering early childhood care and learning to generations of families from Chelsea and surrounding communities. Since 2013, CCNS has been known as Chelsea Forest School (CFS), reflecting its enthusiastic embrace of forest school pedagogy in all of its teaching. CFS strives to create a community of resilient, active children, empowered by valuing, enjoying and being curious about their natural and social surroundings.

Chelsea Forest School - nature school in Ottawa- Gatineau Alternative outdoor education from preschool to teens! | Éducation alternative en plein air, de la maternelle à l'adolescence ! Our website is getting a revamp. Once it is done, if all goes as planned, a visit here should have you as excited about Chelsea Forest School as we are . Thanks for your patience, and see you in the forest! Where nature and creativity come to play Chelsea Forest School is a beautiful part of my kids' childhood! Forest School Day is my son's highlight of the week. Most mornings he looks out of his window and regardless if it rains, snows or the sun is shining, he declares that we have perfect forest school weather and that he should be able to go more often during the week. We have had kids in different forest school programs for the past 5 years and even though my oldest daughter was already in grade 5 when she attended, she loved the freedom to explore, create, climb, and relax in a marvelous setting just as much as her younger brothers. I notice how the kids learn to take calculated risks in nature and are confident in making good decisions outdoors. The teachers are calm and patient and always have kind words to share about each child during pick-up, and my son has remarked that he feels understood. Esther Shoemaker, PhD.

Forest School FAQs Are we a daycare? No, we are a part-time forest school offering learning opportunities in a stimulating, nurturing environment, immersed in nature. What ages are your programs geared towards? Our regular programs are for ages 3-10. There are opportunities for children older than 10 if they have had at least one year of Forest school with us. Children younger than 3 are welcome to participate in one of our Chipmunk (parent and me) sessions with their parents. Can parents choose any time of day from more than one class to send their child? Each of our classes has set hours and days of operation. Children enrolled in a class may only attend during those specified days and times. Please check the Programs page for details of class time and availability. It is possible to register in more than one class that your child is qualified for. For example, when more than one Dragonfly class is offered, some of our children enroll in both. Can children in the three-day classes come only two days? And pay for only two? Children enrolled in three-day classes are welcome to attend only two days per week, however payment of the full tuition fee for three days is required! Do you provide before and/or after care? At this time we do not have the facility to provide care outside of school hours. What is your withdrawal policy? Forest School learning is a process that happens over time in the same nature based location and with a consistent group creating a strong sense of community. For this reason, Registration is a commitment to the full school year. Should extenuating circumstances force you to have to withdraw midway through the year, a full month’s notice is required. Is the registration fee required to hold a spot in the waiting list? No, if a child is on the waiting list parents will not be required to pay the registration fee until a vacant spot becomes available! Are classes held in French or English? All classes have at least one teacher who can communicate in both languages. The predominant language spoken at our Forest school is English but both languages happen all the time. Our classes tend to be a mix of French and English speaking children so the amount of French spoken depends on the children enrolled. Children learn routine instruction, sing songs and hear stories in both English and French. You will often hear bilingual conversations as a French speaking child responds to an English speaking child in French and vice versa. Are the classes structured to include music, stories, crafts, etc.? Every class starts with a brief circle time where songs are sung, games are played and class discussions are held. In addition, because Forest School is a child led, play based program the activities for each day are determined by the children’s interest. They choose where they would like to play and much imaginative fun ensues. The teachers provide loose parts and art materials as required. Stories are often read and told, songs are sung throughout the day and nature is explored. What are the teachers like? The teachers at Chelsea Forest School are extremely dedicated and committed. They love children, the outdoors and nature. All are qualified educators with many years experience teaching in early childhood environments. They bring laughter, fun, security and friendship to the children and families who join our school. How many children are there in class? As a Forest School, our teacher to child ratios are 6:1, occasionally going up to 8:1 in our older classes. That means we have a maximum of 12 children per class with 2 teachers. In addition, the preschool classes each have a volunteer duty parent in attendance. What are ‘Duty Days’ like? Can siblings come? Duty days are designed for parents to have fun and share the learning with their preschool child! Parents are essential as an extra set of eyes and ears as we play in the forest. Although only teachers can help children with toileting, a duty parent’s help with handwashing is invaluable. During the colder months when we eat inside, a quick sweep of the floor and cleaning the tables is also requested. As our school promotes families and community involvement we welcome siblings to join the duty parent and share in the fun! However, if the sibling will require so much care that it impacts your ability to help the teachers , we ask that you leave them at home. How often do duty days come up? If a class is fully enrolled with 12 children, duty days come up about once a month in half day classes (Tadpoles and Frogs) and once every 3 months in full day classes. (Dragonflies and Foxes) What kind of fundraising activities are parents involved in? Is it mandatory? A few small fundraisers are held each year to raise funds that help keep our programs accessible to all. Parent involvement is important and mandatory. There are many ways to volunteer to support or even lead our fundraising efforts. These events are fun to be part of! How do they go to the bathroom if outside all the time? We have a portable toilet and handwashing station that is used outside in warmer weather. Bathroom routine happens before snack and lunch time each day. Once the weather is too cold to eat outside we use the bathrooms in the Meredith Centre. . In the event that a child needs to go to the bathroom while we are out on an adventure, they will be brought to an appropriate spot and taught to go outdoors. We always carry soap and water or hand sanitizer for washing hands afterwards. How does Forest School prepare my child for Kindergarten? Forest School develops confident, inquisitive life long learners . Studies have shown that children who attend Forest School are ahead of their peers in cognitive, problem solving and social skills when entering the regular school stream. Are the children really outside all the time? Even in January? While the weather is above freezing we will be outside for the entire day. We have tarp shelters for use on rainy days and once it is too cold to eat outside, we go inside the Meredith Centre for snack and lunch time, usually leaving our snow/rain pants on to facilitate a quick return outside. Rainy weather provides a multitude of opportunities for full sensory learning and enjoyment of nature in all its forms. We will of course go inside in the event of a thunderstorm. In extreme cold, we monitor the children closely and may extend our snack or lunch time with additional activities. The children learn how to dress appropriately for the weather and valuable skills such as how to regulate their body temperature by keeping moving and adding or removing layers. They become resilient quite quickly and seldom complain about being out in any weather. Are schools okay with me taking my school-aged kid out of class once a week to attend Forest School? Each school has their own policy about this, but more and more traditional schools are becoming informed about the benefits of Forest School and can be quite supportive. Of course, it is your responsibility to ensure that your child does not fall behind in their regular school work and that they attend class for important events, tests etc, even if they fall on a Forest School day. When do we pay tuition and do you provide tax receipts? Tuition is payable in 3 installments throughout the year. All programs receive receipts. We also provide RL-24 tax refund slips annually for preschool children under the age of 6. What about homeschoolers? CFS has a thriving homeschooling community throughout all the age groups, and our program is perfect for complementing a homeschool curriculum of any kind! Is financial aid available? As of the 2024-2025 school year, we have a small bursary program available. More information can be found in the bursary section of this website.

Resources How to dress & what to pack for a day at forest school Children should be dressed in weather-appropriate clothing that is comfortable and enables them to be physically active. Please keep in mind that your child will get dirty at Forest school. We believe in messy play! There is no bad weather, only bad clothing! Label! Label! Label! It can’t be emphasized enough; all outdoor clothing, shoes, hats, boots, sweaters, lunch boxes, etc. must be labeled. We all shop at the same stores and young children are not great at identifying their belongings. We have an account with Mabel’s Labels if you are interested in using them to label your child’s belongings. Look for Chelsea Forest School at mableslabels.ca and 20% of the profits will go back to the school! Fall & Spring Baseball Hat/Brimmed Hat: For those sunny days please send your child with a hat to keep the sun off their head and face. It is also good protection against bugs. Running Shoes: For use in early Fall and late Spring on dry days. Open-toe shoes are never acceptable (flip flops, crocs, sandals). Running shoes or closed-toed shoes are accepted but remember that it may be dry where you live but very wet in the forest. Long-Sleeved Shirt and Long Pants: Long-sleeved shirts and long pants are recommended to decrease bug bites and scrapes. Long pants should be tucked into socks. Rain Jacket: It should be of good quality and big enough to wear layers under. Rain Pants: Rain pants (not splash pants) please ensure that they are truly waterproof- with elasticized bottoms that can be pulled over boots. Think sitting on the wet ground! As an example, the MEC rain gear is quite good. We love to play IN the puddles, splashing, sitting, etc. Rain Boots: Check that your child’s boots don't leak, and have room for wool socks inside! We spend a lot of time wading in puddles and hanging out on the edge of our pond. By late Fall insulated rain boots will be necessary. (Bogs, Kamik, etc). Wool Socks: Merino wool socks are not itchy. They can be worn in all seasons. Not only are they warmer than cotton, but they can wick moisture away from the skin. We will get wet. We play in the puddles, slushy snow, and deep snow. Cold feet can ruin an otherwise fun experience for everyone. All children should also have extra wool socks in their backpacks. Cotton socks are never acceptable. Gloves/Mitts: Light gloves/mittens for those cooler days. (Please do not send your child with gloves if they are unable to put them on by themselves in a timely fashion). Extra Clothes: Always pack extra clothes as we spend a lot of time in puddles and the pond at this time of year and can get wet! Loose clothing: Oversized t-shirts, basketball-style shorts, skirts, and dresses should be tucked in or not worn at forest school due to the danger of catching on branches, etc. Winter Snow boots: Make sure that your child’s boots are waterproof and WARM. The all-season boots such as Bogs (they are rated to -30) work well for many children. That way the same boot can be worn from October through May. However, less active children find that they are not warm enough on our coldest winter days. We are out in ALL temperatures if even for a short time. Waterproof Winter Mitts: The ones with the long elasticized cuffs that pull on over the snowsuit are ideal. Short mittens leave a gap between sleeve and mitten which gets full of snow and is uncomfortable and cold! Please send your child with at least 3 pairs of mittens for full-day programs, and 2 for half days. Gloves are not acceptable in winter as they do not keep hands warm enough. As we strongly encourage independence, children should be taught to put their mittens on last. Do not put them under their snowsuits! We are often taking our mitts off and on for a variety of reasons and this makes it very challenging. As well, this means they are unable to put on the rest of their clothing independently. Neck Warmer/Buff/Balaclava: Scarves are choking hazards around trees and are not recommended. Every child should have at least two neck warmers/balaclava. They get wet and soggy after playing outside and it is nice to have a dry one to put on after lunch. Base layer: Wool or synthetic (not cotton) base layers are necessary, again this helps children stay warm and dry. They help wick away moisture and keep the body heat in. Layering clothing is the best option as this allows children to take clothing off as they get hot and put clothing on as they get cold. It's always better to have too much clothing than not enough! If you are having trouble getting your child to dress appropriately for Forest school, don't fight them. Let them wear what they want and bring the appropriate clothing to school with you and we will handle the situation. Children tend to be more receptive when they arrive at school and see what everyone else is wearing and when the rules are explained by a teacher. Although specific stores/brands have been mentioned (i.e MEC, Bogs) there is no requirement to purchase from these retailers. They have been mentioned simply to provide an example of the quality and/or type of equipment we require. Second-hand stores often have amazing deals on outgrown quality rain gear and boots. We're excited to meet you! If you're curious about us... here's a little more information to get to know us better. What is Forest School? Our History Meet our teachers Our location Our Programs FAQ Chelsea Forest School is a beautiful part of my kids' childhood! Forest School Day is my son's highlight of the week. Most mornings he looks out of his window and regardless if it rains, snows or the sun is shining, he declares that we have perfect forest school weather and that he should be able to go more often during the week. We have had kids in different forest school programs for the past 5 years and even though my oldest daughter was already in grade 5 when she attended, she loved the freedom to explore, create, climb, and relax in a marvelous setting just as much as her younger brothers. I notice how the kids learn to take calculated risks in nature and are confident in making good decisions outdoors. The teachers are calm and patient and always have kind words to share about each child during pick-up, and my son has remarked that he feels understood. Esther Shoemaker, PhD. CFS Bursary Need financial help to enroll your child at Chelsea Forest School? A 2024-2025 bursary is now available. Read More

Chipmunks: parent(s) and tots Register for Chipmunks Winter 2026 beginning December 29 at 19h. Chipmunks is our 6-week program for parents and kids together. All are welcome, including toddlers, siblings, babies-in-arms, grandparents, even teenagers!. Enjoy wonderful time together in the forest, and get an introduction to play and learning in nature. Winter 2026 groups and schedule: - Saturdays 10h-12h, from Jan 17 to Feb 21 - Mondays 9h30-11h30, from Jan 19 to Feb 23 - Wednesdays 10h-12h, from Jan 21 to Feb 25 NEW! Beginning in January 2026, we will convene for a first time a Chipmunks-inspired group for homeschooling families with children 5+. - Mondays 13h15-15h15, from Jan 19 to Feb 23 Chipmunks is a pay-as-you-can program, with a suggested contribution of $175 for the first parent and child, plus $25 per additional family member.

Join our team of educators. We are presently searching for one or two bilingual educators to join our team, beginning in January 2026. Link to full job postings in English and French . To apply, send cover letter and CV to chelseafs.humanresources@gmail.com.

Our Programs We offer forest school program for children ages 3 to 12. Led by bilingual teachers, children engage in age-appropriate outdoor exploration and play-based learning that develops independence, social skills, and academic foundations. From our pre-K morning sessions to advanced activities for school-aged children, each program nurtures resilience, creativity, and a deep connection with nature. Register now! Frogs for 3 to 5 yrs Tuesdays AND Thursdays from 8h30-11h30 This class is designed for our youngest explorers. Children must be 3 years old by December 31st, toilet-trained, and able to attend independently from their parents. Over the course of the year, Frog parents should expect to see some wonderful growth and to hear of wild adventures from the forest! Some frogs will be away from home without a parent for the first time, or for the first time looking to someone other than a parent for help. They’ll be starting to develop independence, empathy, self-confidence, and emotional regulation. They will develop strength, balance and coordination from all of the outdoor play. Their minds will grow as they become more aware of and curious about the world around them. As with all of our preschool programs, parents take turns volunteering as a duty parent with the class. Each family’s turn comes up every four to six weeks. Tuition: $2976 Dragonflies for 4 to 6 yrs Tuesdays OR Thursdays from 9h to 16h The Dragonflies program was so popular this year that we added a second group. One will meet on Tuesdays, and the other on Thursdays. It is for 4 and 5 yr olds with the stamina to last a full 7-hr day packed with adventure, without needing an afternoon nap. Children should be able to get dressed and undressed mostly on their own, with only a little help for the tricky bits. As with all of our preschool classes, parents take turns volunteering as a duty parent with the class, about once every 3 months. Tuition: $3,072 Foxes for 5 to 7 yrs Wednesdays 9h to 16h The Foxes program is for is ideal for more mature/experienced Dragonfly aged children or young Coyote aged children who still enjoy the imaginative games of the younger kids. The younger children should have the stamina to keep up with their older classmates. All children will develop their empathy, leadership and problem solving skills. Along the way, they will grow in self confidence and improve their ability to communicate, resolve conflicts and assess risk. As with all of our preschool classes, parents take turns volunteering as a duty parent with the class, about once every 3 months. Tuition: $3072 Coyotes for 6 to 10 yrs Mondays OR Fridays 9h to 16h Coyotes develop and enhance many of the same skills as in younger age groups, but also get to observe and use first hand the knowledge they are learning in their regular schools. Literacy skills (journals, communication, conflict management, story telling), math (measurement, volume, balance, problem solving), life cycles (plants, insects, water cycle) and physics (simple machines, force, pressure, friction) are just a few of the things that are experienced through play. Coyotes must be able to dress and undress from their outdoor clothing independently, look after their own belongings, and follow group rules and expectations. Coyotes are physically capable of bigger explorations and adventures during a 7 hour day outside. There isn't a regular duty day requirement for parents of Coyotes, but we do invite parents to spend at least one half-day with the group during the Fall semester. Tuition: $2,916 Wolves for 10 to 12 yrs Mondays 9h to 16h This pre-teen program is for mature children aged 10 to 12. Wolves need a minimum of supervision and are trustworthy enough to be given greater responsibilities. Child led programming is still quite evident as the Wolves are given ample opportunity to explore their own projects and discuss with their teacher and classmates what they want to learn over the year. The MEQ (Quebec Ministry of Education) program is supported in a more formal manner. Wolves still love to play but their play is more collaborative, involved and complex. Prerequisite: Children must have at least one full year of previous Forest School experience. Tuition: $2,916 Special Programs: CHIPMUNKS: Parent & Tot Registration for Chipmunks Fall 2025 sessions are now open. FALL 2025 schedule: * full * Saturdays from 9h30 to 11h30: Oct 18, Oct 25, Nov 1, Nov 8, Nov 15, Nov 22 * full * Mondays from 10h to 12h: Oct 20, Oct 27, Nov 3, Nov 10, Nov 17, Nov 24 Wednesdays from 10h to 12h: Oct 22, Oct 29, Nov 5, Nov 12, Nov 19, Nov 26 Registration is PER SESSION and for either Saturday OR Monday, however you may register for more than one day if you wish. Description: This program is for children aged 0 to 5+ and their accompanying parent(s). While toddlers will benefit most from this class, babies-in-arms and siblings are welcome too. Anyone curious about child-centred play in a natural environment will love this time together! An experienced forest school teacher will facilitate safe and fun outdoor play, answer any questions for parents, provide guidance on clothing, and sing the occasional song too! The day will start with free play, followed by a quick circle time. We'll then head off to the forest to play, and end our day with an appreciation song. Bring a snack and come dressed for all types of weather (wind, rain, snow, and sun). Parents will be expected to supervise their own children at all times while the Forest School educator is there to facilitate the group, and model guidance of child-led learning. This is a pay-as-you-can program, with a suggested contribution of $175. Cost: $175 per session (suggested), or pay-what-you-can. Additional child 12 months and under - no charge Additional child over age of 1 - $25 extra More than 2 additional siblings? - please contact admin Register now! SUMMER CAMP Week 1: Jul 7 to 11 for kids ages 8 to 12 Week 2: July 21 to 25 for kids ages 5 to 7 Camp starts daily at 9h, with pick-up between 15h45 and 16h. No after-camp care is available. A week-long day camp filled with outdoor fun and learning. Inspired by forest school, but from a wonderful working farm setting! Camp will take place at CampRock's End Farm, 88 Chemin Echo Dale, in Farrellton, Quebec. $340 per camper Invoices are sent shortly after registration submissions only if there is a spot available. Payment is then due in full within 48 hrs to secure the registration. Apply for Summer Camp Foundations in Forest School Workshops April 26 - An Introduction to Forest School and Child Led Play May 10- Risky Play Intro to Forest School and Child Led Play What does child-led play look like? What language should you use to support it? What is your role as the adult? How should you be prepared for emergencies big and small? This and so much more will be covered in our hands on workshop aimed at making you more comfortable playing outside with the children in your care Risky Play Workshop This workshop is for parents, early childhood professional, teachers, or anyone else interested in learning the skills to confidently navigate risky play with the children in their care. Learn how to do a risk assessment for your site, for the activities that the children participate in, and practice doing dynamic risk assessments. $150/workshop Register Anchor Chipmunks

< Back SUMMER CAMP Week 1: Jul 7 to 11 for kids ages 8 to 12 Week 2: July 21 to 25 for kids ages 5 to 7 Camp starts daily at 9h, with pick-up between 15h45 and 16h. No after-camp care is available. A week-long day camp filled with outdoor fun and learning. Inspired by forest school, but from a wonderful working farm setting! Camp will take place at CampRock's End Farm, 88 Chemin Echo Dale, in Farrellton, Quebec. Previous Next

< Back Foundations in Forest School Workshops April 26 - An Introduction to Forest School and Child Led Play May 10- Risky Play Intro to Forest School and Child Led Play What does child-led play look like? What language should you use to support it? What is your role as the adult? How should you be prepared for emergencies big and small? This and so much more will be covered in our hands on workshop aimed at making you more comfortable playing outside with the children in your care Risky Play Workshop This workshop is for parents, early childhood professional, teachers, or anyone else interested in learning the skills to confidently navigate risky play with the children in their care. Learn how to do a risk assessment for your site, for the activities that the children participate in, and practice doing dynamic risk assessments. Previous Next

< Back CHIPMUNKS: Parent & Tot Registration for Chipmunks Fall 2025 sessions are now open. FALL 2025 schedule: * full * Saturdays from 9h30 to 11h30: Oct 18, Oct 25, Nov 1, Nov 8, Nov 15, Nov 22 * full * Mondays from 10h to 12h: Oct 20, Oct 27, Nov 3, Nov 10, Nov 17, Nov 24 Wednesdays from 10h to 12h: Oct 22, Oct 29, Nov 5, Nov 12, Nov 19, Nov 26 Registration is PER SESSION and for either Saturday OR Monday, however you may register for more than one day if you wish. Description: This program is for children aged 0 to 5+ and their accompanying parent(s). While toddlers will benefit most from this class, babies-in-arms and siblings are welcome too. Anyone curious about child-centred play in a natural environment will love this time together! An experienced forest school teacher will facilitate safe and fun outdoor play, answer any questions for parents, provide guidance on clothing, and sing the occasional song too! The day will start with free play, followed by a quick circle time. We'll then head off to the forest to play, and end our day with an appreciation song. Bring a snack and come dressed for all types of weather (wind, rain, snow, and sun). Parents will be expected to supervise their own children at all times while the Forest School educator is there to facilitate the group, and model guidance of child-led learning. This is a pay-as-you-can program, with a suggested contribution of $175. Previous Next