Our space will change and adapt with the changing seasons, ages and interests of children, and the needs of the group. As children grow, the space will evolve and grow with them.  

Indoor- Main Level

Indoor- Upstairs

Backyard

Meet the Resident Animals

New chicks have arrived & are out in the coop!

Elmo- Amberlink

All-around good layers (even in the winter) with an excellent temperament, cold-hardy and heat tolerant, as well as great foragers. Feathers are mainly white with bits of red or amber. A docile and mellow chicken. 

Trash Gordon - Americana

Typically gold and brown patterned feathers, but can be shades of gray, white or black. An active bird with a small pea comb, these birds are a very popular choice for the color of their eggs which can range from turquoise to olive to light pink. Docile, friendly chicken. 

Oscar the Grouch - Cream Legbar (named this in honor of our previous Cream Legbar who was a cranky lady)

The most popular auto-sexing chicken in the world! Plumage is a mix of cream shades overlaid with faint black barring and they have a small crest behind the comb. Prolific layer of medium eggs that range from light blue to a light turquoise. Active and hardy chicken.​​​​​​​ 

Big Bird - Buff Brahma

A very large, fluffy chicken with a pea comb and fancy feathered feet and legs that keep them warm in winter. Their docile, gentle, and quiet temperament makes them one of the best breeds around children. This breed stands quite tall, up to 30". Hens sometimes go broody and are attentive mothers.

Bert/Ernie - Sapphire Olive Egger

Excellent olive green egg layers with unique blue-gray plumage, these hens are great foragers and are very alert when out in the yard. They have a friendly, calm temperament and are quiet. They are cold and heat hardy, and will keep laying eggs even into the winter months.​  

Bert/Ernie - Midnight Majesty Maran

Beautiful black and deep brown plumage, typically with feathered feet. A calm, friendly chicken known to perform well in any climate. 

Grover - Lavender Orpington 

Similar to the Buff Orpington, this dual-purpose breed is loved for their productivity and friendly nature. A great choice for first time chicken owners and families with young children. Their light pearl-gray fluffy feathers keep them toasty warm even in frigid winters. 

*descriptions from Egg Plant Urban Farm Supply

At Free Range Playschool, the goal is to provide a nurturing and enriching environment for children to learn and grow. Interaction with animals contributes to this mission.

How Animals Enhance Child Development:

• Promoting Empathy and Responsibility: Through caring for and interacting with animals, children learn valuable lessons in empathy and responsibility. They discover how to recognize the needs of living creatures and respond with care and compassion, skills that extend to their interactions with peers.

• Boosting Self-Esteem and Confidence: Positive experiences with animals can significantly enhance a child's self-esteem and confidence. The unconditional love and support animals offer create a sense of belonging and value for young learners.

• Encouraging Social Skills: Animals can be wonderful facilitators of social interaction. They can help children overcome shyness, providing a common interest and opportunities for conversation and shared experiences.

• Supporting Emotional Well-being: The calming presence of animals can help children manage stress and anxiety. They offer a non-judgmental outlet for expressing emotions and can provide comfort and reassurance when needed.

• Sparking Curiosity and Learning: Animals naturally pique children's curiosity and desire to learn. Different species, habitats, and responsibilities associated with animal care can be explored, fostering a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Our Commitment to Safety:

The safety and well-being of both the children and the animals are paramount. All animal interactions are carefully supervised by the provider, and strict hygiene practices are maintained.

By incorporating animal interactions into the playschool program, the goal is to provide children with enriching experiences that promote essential life skills, emotional intelligence, and a lifelong love of learning and caring for others.