Growing Together: A Future Rooted in Play
At Little Forest School, childhood is an adventure—where curiosity leads the way and nature is the classroom.
Our mission is simple yet essential: to provide safe, quality, and affordable childcare for local families. Here, kids have a dedicated environment to explore, create, and build a lasting connection to the Northwoods we all know and love.
To bring this vision to life, we’re taking purposeful steps to create a lasting impact for families in our community. Here’s how we’re making it happen:
- Open Doors – Launch a childcare center to provide immediate support for working families in our community.
- Build for the Future – Establish a dedicated childcare facility, expanding our reach and creating more opportunities for little learners to grow.
- Ensure Access for All – Grow a scholarship endowment to make quality childcare affordable and accessible for every family who needs it.
Support Little Learners
Together, we can create a safe, enriching space for children while giving working families the support they need.
PHASE 1
Opening doors to support families now
Imagine being a working parent in our community where no childcare options exist. You’ve got two kids, a full-time job, and a million responsibilities. Now you’re left with tough choices: do you drive an hour each way to the nearest childcare, quit the job you love, or pack up and leave the community that feels like home?
Your options feel impossible.
That’s the reality facing too many families in our community — and it’s one we’re determined to change.
Introducing Little Forest School, a new nonprofit childcare program built by the community, for the community. Think nature-filled days, play-based learning, and kids growing up in the woods we all know and love. We’re a dedicated team of volunteers, rolling up our sleeves to solve this critical need and give working families the support they need.
Goals for Phase 1
- Build a Strong Foundation – Establish a board of directors and involve committee members to help shape the future of Little Forest School.
- Make It Official – Create a 501(c)3 public nonprofit childcare organization dedicated to supporting local families.
- Find a Starting Place – Set up temporary classrooms at the Manitowish Waters Community Church so we can start serving kids right away.
- Meet State Requirements – Work through licensing with the Department of Children and Families to ensure a safe, high-quality program.
- Hire an Amazing Team – Bring on a director, teachers, and assistants who are passionate about play-based learning.
- Welcome Little Learners – Open our doors to children, giving families the reliable care they need.
We aim to raise $200,000 to accomplish the goals of Phase 1 that provide the immediate childcare services our community needs.
PHASE 2
Build a Home for Natural Learning and Play
The next step is creating a permanent home for Little Forest School—one designed specifically for nature-based learning.
Our future site at 5779 US Hwy 51 in Manitowish Waters is nothing short of perfect. Nestled at the base of the tall pines and right along the paved trail system, it’s within walking distance of the Youth Center, Koller Library, Community Center, Playground Park, and GROW Gardens—a dream location for exploration and community partnerships.
Together, we’re creating a space where kids can play, learn, and build connections that will last a lifetime.
PHASE 3
Grow an accessible future for families
The work doesn’t stop once the doors are open.
We’re building a scholarship endowment to keep childcare affordable and accessible for every family who needs it. As we grow, we’ll create even more opportunities for kids to build a future rooted in curiosity, community, and a love for the outdoors.
You’re investing in the strength and future of our Northwoods for generations to come.
Support Little Learners
Partner with us and shape our community for generations.
Many Ways to Give, One Big Impact
Have more questions? Get in touch, we can work together to find a path forward.