We spend our days September-May in Briones Regional Park, Alhambra Creek Staging Area in Martinez, CA. Our Summer programs (June and July) are spent in other local, regional parks.

Yes! We are outside everyday throughout the seasons-except in extreme conditions. We are fully prepared for all seasons.

We will cancel our programming for the day if it is not safe to be outside. Examples are if there is a major natural disaster, the temperature is above 100°F, in flash flood/landslide conditions, air quality is above 70 or in extremely high winds. We have an indoor location in Martinez that we can use during this time.

We make sure that everyone is dressed appropriately for the wet and/or cold weather. We have suggestions for Winter/Rain gear in our Family Handbook which gets emailed to families upon enrollment.

We find delight in the rain! Rain can be a great way to explore the winter months and change of the seasons. Creeks flow, and salamanders and worms can be found. We like to come prepared with materials to build a tarp shelter if needed. We also will have warm tea to offer the children.

Children need to come prepared for exploring the outdoors in weather appropriate clothes, and closed toed shoes. A backpack that contains the following is also required:

-Morning snack and lunch

-Water bottle

-Hand towel

-Small blanket/towel to sit on

-Extra change of clothes

Each session is unique, however with two teachers we can support 10-12 children.

Supporting a mixed-age group in a forest program can be incredibly rich and developmentally powerful.

We use a play based approach which encourages whole and small mixed age group time, peer modeling, independence through rhythm and routines, supporting risk competence and offering space for social-emotional support.

We look at the program as a whole and not a per day basis. We do not reimburse for missed days or prorate our tuition.

Should a family need to cancel at any time a notice of intent to withdraw a child must be submitted to Oak Heart Forest Program through email (oakheartforest@gmail.com). 

You have up to two weeks until the start of a session to request a full refund of tuition.  Should you cancel for any reason after two weeks, families are responsible for the full tuition. Thanks for understanding.

Please visit our Enrollment tab for details on how to start the application process. Should you need additional help, please reach out to oakheartforest@gmaill.com. We are happy to help.

Yes! Children will have daily opportunities to strengthen critical thinking, social/emotional skills, self-regulation, fine and gross motor skills, problem-solving, respectful communication, and so much more. Exploring the world through a forest school allows young children to develop in ways that will prepare them for their next school journey, whether public, private or homeschool.

Children leave Oak Heart as curious and confident learners with a deep love of the natural world.