Oregon has officially licensed its first outdoor, nature-based preschool, Blackberry Academy, which now operates in Blue Heron Park in Phoenix. The school is the first to open under a new state program designed to make nature-based child care more accessible and financially viable for families across the state.
Key Takeaways
- Blackberry Academy in Phoenix is the first preschool to be licensed under Oregon's new outdoor child care program.
- The new state license allows such programs to accept public funding, including the Employment Related Day Care subsidy, making them more accessible.
- Founded by Yessie Joy Verbena, the school uses Blue Heron Park as a classroom, focusing on nature-based learning and child development.
- The program serves up to 14 children, operating from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on select weekdays.
A New State Initiative for Early Education
Oregon has joined a small group of states pioneering a new approach to early childhood education by creating a specific licensing category for outdoor, nature-based programs. This development marks a significant shift from previous regulations, which placed stricter requirements on child care facilities and often excluded outdoor-only models.
The new licensing framework provides more operational freedom for educators who believe in the benefits of learning in natural environments. More importantly, it unlocks crucial funding streams. Programs licensed under this new initiative can now accept state subsidies, such as the Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) program.
This change directly addresses affordability, a major barrier for many families seeking alternative education models. By allowing parents to use subsidies, the state is effectively broadening access to programs that were once available only to those who could afford to pay entirely out of pocket.
Background on Outdoor Education Licensing
Before this new program, outdoor preschools in Oregon operated under a different, more restrictive legal status. The creation of a dedicated license acknowledges the unique structure of nature-based education and provides a clear regulatory path for providers, encouraging the growth of similar programs throughout the state.
Inside the Outdoor Classroom at Blue Heron Park
Blackberry Academy operates entirely within Blue Heron Park in Phoenix, Oregon. The park, with its playgrounds, pollinator garden, and proximity to Bear Creek, serves as a dynamic and ever-changing classroom for up to 14 preschoolers.
Founder Yessie Joy Verbena has an informal agreement with the city to use a designated area among the trees for the school's daily activities. Children spend their time from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. engaged in play, exploration, and hands-on learning about the local ecosystem.
Learning from Local Wildlife
The curriculum is deeply connected to the natural surroundings. Verbena notes that the park is an ideal location for teaching children about biodiversity and coexisting with nature.
"We’ve got a resident beaver. We have river otters, North American pine martens, bald eagles fly overhead," Verbena explained. "It’s right here in the middle of town and yet teeming with wildlife."
This direct interaction with the environment provides a unique educational experience, fostering curiosity and respect for the natural world from a young age.
The Philosophy Behind Blackberry Academy
Yessie Joy Verbena, the founder and program director of Blackberry Academy, is a strong advocate for the developmental benefits of outdoor education. She believes that spending time in nature is fundamental to a healthy childhood, allowing for greater freedom, creativity, and emotional well-being.
"I always joke with families, if there aren’t any walls, they can’t bounce off of them," she said. "If you’re outside, outside voice! It’s OK, go for it, yell, scream, jump, climb the tree, be yourself. Explore the full range of who you are as a tiny little person. And it’s wonderful."
Program Details
- Capacity: 14 students
- Hours: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Schedule: Families can enroll for two or four days per week.
- Other Offerings: The academy also runs day camps and a toddler program that requires caregiver participation.
Verbena's personal experiences have also shaped her mission. Having faced a difficult childhood herself, she is passionate about creating a supportive and healing environment for children, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds.
"Time spent outside is so good for us in every aspect: physically, emotionally, spiritually," she stated. "It’s just got these healing powers."
With the new state license, her goal of making this transformative experience accessible to more children is now a reality. As of late September, only two spots remained available in the program for the current session.