Salsbury Point Park

Reserve your spot now

2026–2027 Enrollment Now Open
You can reserve your child’s spot for the 2026–2027 school year now at a discounted rate. Offer ends April 1st

Tender Leaves Outdoor Preschool offers a level of quality, accountability, and educational intention that is rare in outdoor programs. We believe children thrive when they have real freedom to explore—paired with consistent routines, skilled teaching, and a learning environment that prioritizes safety, social-emotional growth, and kindergarten readiness.

One of our core beliefs is that adults must model the behavior and skills we want children to develop. Because we hold high expectations for children (we believe they can do hard things), we hold ourselves to an equally high standard—through training, reflective practice, and clear systems that support every child.

Why families choose Tender Leaves

  • Small group care: 1:6 ratio, with a maximum of 12 students

  • Licensed accountability: The only Outdoor & Nature-Based (ONB) licensed program in Kitsap County, meeting DCYF licensing standards for health, safety, and program quality Kitsap Daily News

  • Quality improvement commitment: Participation in Early Achievers, Washington’s quality framework supporting strong teacher-child interactions, intentional curriculum, and meaningful family partnerships Child Care Aware WA

  • Highly qualified leadership: WA state certificated lead teacher with a Master’s in Teaching (M.I.T.)

  • Early literacy training: Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE) Pre-K literacy certification

  • Standards-aligned, child-led learning: Emergent curriculum aligned to Washington Early Learning & Development Guidelines, blending childhood freedom with measurable skill-building

  • Social-Emotional Learning embedded daily: SEL routines and coaching integrated into lessons, play, and problem-solving

  • Community partnership: Collaboration with the Olympic College Early Childhood Education program

  • Tuition support options: WCCC and MCCYN subsidies accepted

Snapshot

  • Program: Outdoor, Child-led, semi-structured preschool

  • Ages: 2.5-7 years old (Must be mostly potty trained.)

  • Hours: 9:00 am - 3:15 pm

  • Days: 5 Days | 3 Days | 2 Days

  • Academic Calendar: August 31 - June 17

  • Class Size: 12

  • Teachers: Calvin Frey and Mary Zell

  • Enrollment Fee: $250 (Covers park funding, school materials, and a rain jacket/pants combo)

  • Tuition: WCCC Accepted. See if you qualify | MCCYN Accepted

    • 5 Days = $1350

    • 3 Days = $850

    • 2 Days = $600

  • Licensing Status: Fully Approved | WCCC & MCCYN Accepted

  • Safety and Communication: Brightwheel

 
Brightwheel logo with colorful pills icon and the word 'brightwheel' in blue text.
Kitsap County Washington badge featuring a stylized animal head, red and white, with the year 1857.
A young child with curly blonde hair wearing a yellow shirt, grey shorts, and black sneakers, leaning against a large tree trunk in a grassy park.
A man reading a children's book to three kids outdoors under a tree near a lake.
Four children and an adult standing on a rocky shore by a body of water, with trees and hills in the background under a clear blue sky.
Four children walking along a forest trail, surrounded by trees and fallen leaves, enjoying a hike.
A young boy with short hair wearing a green T-shirt, standing in a forest and looking up at tall trees with green leaves and a bright sky.