Learn About Our School
A Childhood Rooted in Wonder, Nature & Belonging
Seedlings Kindertribe began with a simple but powerful question: What if childhood could be protected instead of rushed?
In a world where children are increasingly spending their earliest years indoors, overscheduled, and disconnected from the natural world, I dreamed of creating something different - a place where children could climb, dig, imagine, create, get messy, and experience the changing seasons with their whole bodies.
What began as a vision for a small nature-based preschool grew into Seedlings Kindertribe: a community rooted in childhood wonder, meaningful relationships, and a deep connection to the Earth.
Our program was inspired by my love for nature, Waldorf early childhood education, and outdoor schooling.
We wanted to create a place where children could experience the magic of childhood through simple, meaningful experiences:
> listening to birds
> tending gardens
> splashing in puddles
> building with sticks
> creating art
> singing songs
> telling stories
> spending long, unhurried hours in imaginative play
Miss Becca is our official chicken wrangler
Today, Seedlings Kindertribe continues to grow as an outdoor learning community for children and families who believe that childhood is not something to rush through - It is something to be honored.
Our outdoor learning environment was intentionally created with children in mind. From gardens and mud kitchens to natural playscapes, sensory experiences, woodworking, music, and spaces for quiet wonder, Seedlings has grown alongside the children who have called it home.
Meet Our Founder
Rebecca Van Der Like
Founder, Teacher, and Director
Miss Becca is a believer in all things magical, and is here to preserve the beauty & wonder of childhood. Her love of teaching began at 4 years old when deciding she wanted to be a kindergarten teacher.
Miss Becca created Seedlings from a deep belief that childhood deserves to be protected, honored, and experienced with wonder.
Her approach to early childhood education brings together her love of nature, Waldorf-inspired education, outdoor learning, imaginative play, and the belief that children learn best through meaningful, hands-on experiences.
At Seedlings, she has created an environment where nature is not simply a backdrop for learning - it is an active part of the curriculum. Children are invited to learn through movement, sensory experiences, free play, and exploration in nature.
Rather than rushing young children into academics, she believes in nurturing the foundations that support lifelong learning:
> confidence
> curiosity
> creativity
> resilience
> empathy
> independence
> a connection to the world around them
Her work is deeply influenced by the rhythms and values of Waldorf early childhood education, which honors predictable daily rhythms, imaginative play, storytelling, music, seasonal celebrations, beautiful natural materials, and learning through imitation and meaningful activity. These principles blend naturally with outdoor and forest-school-inspired education, where children develop confidence and independence through direct experiences in the natural world.
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Miss Becca is passionate about creating educational experiences that allow children to get their hands dirty, take risks, solve problems, care for living things, and discover what they are capable of. Her goal is not simply to prepare children for the next school environment. It is to help them build a strong foundation for life. She believes that when children are given the freedom to explore, the security of strong relationships, and the time and space to follow their curiosity, something remarkable happens: they begin to trust themselves. That sense of confidence, belonging, and wonder is at the heart of Seedlings.
Her professional teaching journey started in St. Augustine, Florida where she worked with Americorps: Communities In Schools, teaching third grade reading while attending Flagler College for Elementary Education. After earning a Bachelors of Art in Psychology at UMBC, Miss Becca made her way to the mountains of Colorado.
It's here that she discovered Waldorf education, and felt her heart & soul guide her to teaching in a Waldorf setting. In 2017, she received her Early Childhood Waldorf teacher certification through Sound Circle Center for Arts and Anthroposophy in Seattle. With over 12 years of teaching experience, her philosophy is deeply rooted in Waldorf education, inspired by forest schools, and fueled with a love of preserving that sacred childhood magic.
Meet Our Magical Teachers
At Seedlings Kindertribe, our teachers bring their own unique gifts, passions, and personalities to our learning community. Together, they help create a warm, joyful, and nurturing environment where children feel safe to explore, imagine, take risks, and grow.
Our teachers share a deep appreciation for childhood, nature, and the magic that happens when children are given the time and freedom to learn through play and meaningful experiences.
Miss Mia
Miss Mia brings warmth, creativity, and a playful spirit to Seedlings. She loves connecting with children through imaginative play, art, stories, and the everyday adventures that unfold in our outdoor classroom.
She believes that childhood is a time for curiosity, wonder, and discovery. Whether she is joining in a make-believe adventure, helping a child solve a problem, or exploring something new in nature, Miss Mia helps create an environment where children feel encouraged to be themselves.
Miss Mia is passionate about building meaningful relationships with children and supporting their confidence, creativity, and independence. She believes some of the best learning happens when children are free to explore, ask questions, get messy, and follow their imaginations.
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Miss Mia was born and raised right here in Fort Collins. She is French American, and loves singing and speaking to the children in French! Miss Mia was also a high school cheerleading coach, and brings that same sense of spirited enthusiasm to our outdoor learners.
Miss Colleen
Miss Colleen brings a caring presence and a deep appreciation for connection, nature, and the rhythms of childhood to Seedlings. She believes that children thrive when they feel seen, supported, and connected to the world around them.
Through everyday moments of exploration, songs, stories, and discovery, Miss Colleen helps children build confidence and develop a strong sense of belonging within our community.
Her approach is rooted in patience, kindness, and respect for each child's individual journey. Miss Colleen is passionate about helping create a nurturing environment where children can slow down, explore their interests, build meaningful relationships, and experience the magic, wonder, and beauty of childhood in the natural world.
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Miss Colleen has a special love for Waldorf education and enjoys exploring the teachings and philosophy of Rudolf Steiner. Her love of live music and gardening naturally finds its way into her time with the children, creating joyful moments of connection throughout the day. She loves getting her hands dirty and sharing the experience of growing a garden with the children.
Miss Colleen was born and raised in Fort Collins, and is a mother of two magical daughters. She first discovered Waldorf education 15 years ago, and has been teaching for almost 12 years. It is a perfect match for her personal and philosophical beliefs about the world. She deeply enjoys learning, exploring, and continually discovering the depth of Rudolf Steiner’s work and philosophy.
Mr. Saul
Mr. Saul has been an important part of the Seedlings community for the past five years, bringing a calm, steady presence, a love of learning, and a wonderful sense of adventure to our school. From inspiring the creation of Seedlings to teaching and working with children here, he has become an integral and beloved part of the community.
He is also an amazing father of 3 children and the husband of Miss Becca. Saul and his family live on the Seedlings property, where he is an active part of both the school and the day-to-day life of our school.
Saul has felt drawn to Waldorf education and the work of Rudolf Steiner for many years. He enjoys reading Steiner’s writings and continually learning more about the philosophy and reverence for childhood that are at the heart of Waldorf education.
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Before joining Seedlings, Saul spent most of his professional life as a merchant mariner, working as a Chief Mate aboard ships. His years at sea taught him leadership, responsibility, navigation, teamwork, and a deep respect for the natural world. He often sees a beautiful connection between sailing on the open water and teaching children in the mountains - Both require awareness, patience, adaptability, and learning to work with the elements of nature.
Outside of school, Saul loves exploring the outdoors with his family. He recently reached the summit of Longs Peak, one of Colorado’s famous fourteeners, and brings that same spirit of curiosity and adventure into his work with the children.
Whether he is sharing a story, helping to build something, tending a fire, exploring nature, or lending a hand around the school, Mr. Saul brings a wonderful spirit of steadiness, adventure, and connection to the Seedlings community.
Miss Eliana
Miss Eliana is a passionate early childhood educator who believes that all children deserve a magical childhood. She believes in supporting learning through experience, human relationships, and connection with the natural world. It is important to her that every child feels that they have a place in the world, and that they feel appreciated for their own unique gifts.
Growing up homeschooled gave Eliana a deep appreciation for alternative education, including outdoor and Waldorf education. Eliana came to Waldorf education after working as a summer camp counselor at River Song Waldorf School, and knew that teaching was the path that truly called to her.
Miss Eliana has worked in a variety of educational settings, including Montessori, Waldorf, and public schools. While living in Hawaii, she started a business that offered nature-based education to small groups of children. Miss Eliana recently graduated with her B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Montana State University, and hopes to pursue her Waldorf teacher certification in the future.
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Eliana is the oldest of four kids. She loves hiking, camping, and live music. Reading aloud and telling stories is one of her favorite parts of teaching!
Miss Ori
Miss Ori is excited to live out her passion for connecting kids with the natural world. Knowing that all children bring their own unique gifts and talents, she is grateful for the opportunity to guide them in exploring and expanding upon those gifts. When it came time to decide what to study at university, teaching was the only thing that truly called to her heart.
After completing a Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education at Northern Arizona University, Ori moved to Fort Collins, enthusiastic to connect with the local educational community through subbing within PSD and at Mountain Sage Community School.
Passionate about environmental sustainability and natural living, she believes that building a harmonious relationship with our planet starts with inspiring kids to feel a deep love for the Earth. She herself feels a strong connection to Mother Earth, and her favorite place to be is in the forest amongst the trees. She has spent the past three summers doing work exchanges on organic farms.
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In her free time, she loves creating delicious meals and treats in the kitchen and practicing yoga, especially after completing her 200-hr yoga teacher training.
Miss Fionna
Miss Fionna is from New Hampshire, where she grew up spending time in lakes, forests, and her mother's garden. She has always been drawn to working with children, and it was during her first summer working at sleep away camp where she discovered her love of teaching them about the world around us.
This led her to a degree in Environmental Science with a minor in Education from Ithaca College. After graduating, Fionna stayed in Ithaca, NY and began working at Primitive Pursuits, where she held several roles including her favorite of Lead Wilderness Instructor. After over eight years in Ithaca, Fionna has recently moved to Fort Collins and is excited to join the Seedlings community!
Fionna's work with children is guided by gratitude and reverence for childhood and the natural world. She loves seeing the spark and excitement in a child when they discover something new and create relationships with the world around them. She is deeply inspired by the many amazing mentors she has had in her 10+ years of working with children, and the writing of Robin Wall Kimmerer. In her spare time, Fionna loves to read, craft, and spend time outdoors, especially in water.
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She can start a fire with no matches, has a pet gecko, and her favorite tree is an eastern hemlock.
Meet Our Chickens
Our chickens are an important part of life at Seedlings Kindertribe! They bring a little extra magic, curiosity, and connection to our days as the children learn alongside these gentle, feathered friends.
The children help care for our chickens by offering food, gathering eggs, observing their habits, and learning to notice the changing rhythms of their lives. Through these simple daily tasks, children experience the joy and responsibility of caring for another living being.
Our chickens also invite children to slow down and observe. They teach us about patience, gentleness, cooperation, and the natural cycles of life. There is something special about watching a child quietly gather eggs, sprinkle feed, or simply sit nearby and watch the chickens scratch and explore.
These everyday encounters help nurture a deeper relationship with the natural world. Children begin to understand that food comes from somewhere, that animals have needs and personalities of their own, and that caring for the earth means caring for all of its creatures.
We are proud to be part of a growing movement toward nature-based early childhood education.
Our program is connected to a community of educators and organizations working to increase access to meaningful outdoor learning experiences for children. This is a space intentionally designed to preserve every bit of childhood wonder and magic.
We are proud to be part of the Colorado Collective for Nature-Based Early Education (CCNBEE), the Colorado Universal Pre-K Program (UPK), and the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP).
We strive to increase access to high-quality, nature-based schooling for all children and families in Colorado. Our work is rooted in a growing recognition that children benefit from meaningful opportunities to explore, move, play, observe, create, and build relationships with the natural world.
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meaningful
time outdoors
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unstructured
free play
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imagination, art,
and storytelling
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music and movement
Come Grow With Us!
Childhood is filled with only a few short years of wonder, imagination, muddy hands, made-up stories, and endless questions about the world. We believe those years deserve to be cherished.
At Seedlings, children are given space to explore, create, connect, and grow - surrounded by nature, caring educators, and a community that believes childhood itself is something worth protecting.
We also believe that children need nature. They need time beneath the open sky, their hands in the soil, their feet on the earth, and the freedom to climb, splash, dig, build, wander, and wonder. In a world where children are spending more and more time indoors and in front of screens, getting outside is not just an activity - it is an essential part of childhood.
Because before children can understand why the Earth is worth protecting, they must first have the opportunity to fall in love with it.
They must know the joy of discovering a tiny creature beneath a log. They must feel the excitement of the first snowfall, the magic of a puddle after the rain, the satisfaction of planting a garden, and the wonder of watching the seasons change.
Through these experiences, children begin to understand that they are not separate from nature - they are part of it. At Seedlings, we hope to nurture not only confident, creative, and capable children, but also future caretakers of the Earth. By giving children meaningful experiences in the natural world today, we hope to inspire a lifelong sense of wonder, responsibility, and love for the world around them.
Come join our outdoor school movement and discover a different way to experience early childhood - one filled with wonder, connection, wild imaginations, and a love for the Earth that can grow right alongside your child.
