Our approach to learning

We are deeply committed to Land-based Learning and use collaborative, constructive, and inquiry-based pedagogical approaches.

We are inspired by elements of Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, and Montessori education, but do not follow any of these approaches strictly or exclusively.

Our days are guided by the Land and shaped by children’s curiosities. We aim to extend these living inquiries through provocations, group reflections, questions, providing materials and tools— and by fostering a safe, loving environment.

We believe in:

  • Relationship First: Our relations, both human and more-than-human, are the foundation of everything we do. We are guided by our community.

  • Land-Based Learning: The Land is a sacred and loving entity, who can only belong to themself. We are guided by the Land as our co-teacher.

  • Slow Learning: We refuse to rush childhood. Our daily rhythm is flexible; we take time to slow down and enjoy our time together.

  • Inquiry-Based: We believe that following the children’s interest is the most important curriculum decision we make. Watching them experiment through play and connect ideas, solidifies our belief that a child’s curiosity can lead to the most meaningful discoveries and collaborations.

  • Indigenous Ways of Knowing: Indigenous Pedagogy highlights the importance of relationality, intergenerational learning, experiential exploration, with a decolonial lens.

  • Eco-Feminism: As an intersectional community, we see the overlaps in patriarchy and our alienation from the natural world. We are steeped in a culture which seeks to separate us from the Land and each other, so we see the intertwined forces of feminism and ecological reconciliation as a powerful lens through which to teach the next generation. We are nothing without our Mother Earth.

We give children the space to be themselves, to explore the world, to strengthen their bond to each other and the Earth, and to engage in truly reciprocal relationships.

  • We have a three session contract minimum. This means we do not offer care unless it is reoccurring over at least three sessions of care (i.e. three Tuesday afternoon sessions, three full days of care, reoccurring Monday morning sessions, etc.). This is due to our focus on relationships and children’s need for consistency and connection.

    At this point, we do not offer drop-in spots.

  • After reading through our website and getting a sense of our philosophy and practices, please email Georgia at luckysquirrelsquamish@gmail.com with your contact info, which dates you need care for, and some general info about your child (name, age, any specific needs or preferences).

  • Georgia identifies as queer and neurodivergent. Lucky Squirrel welcomes and celebrates people of all walks of life and does not tolerate racism, transphobia, homophobia, sexism, ableism, or prejudice/aggression of any kind. We believe our community is strengthened by diversity and seek to uplift our neighbours and friends who are impacted most by the forces of imperialism and patriarchy.

    Lucky Squirrel is committed to envisioning and building a world free from colonialism, capitalism, xenophobia, classism, and bigotry.

    Children do not need to be constantly burdened by these “adult problems”, however it is important to us at LS that if the children have questions about our world, that they are met with clarity and truth. This includes age-appropriate books and conversations about war, bullying, gender-identity, disabilities, and xenophobia in general. We are always open to dialogue with our families if concerns or questions arise and we do not teach one world-view— rather we promote empathy and curiosity.

    Some of this may sound radical for a child care provider to declare; we can assure you that above all we value discussion and consultation. While we will never waiver in these beliefs, we are always open to differing viewpoints and value respectful conversations about these sensitive topics. Our community comprises people of all creeds, political leanings, and experiences. Our commitment to liberation does not mean we cannot engage with dissension.

  • We offer different pricing based on the service. For classic babysitting, we offer a sliding scale of $25-$30. For a nanny-share session, it is $17 per child, per hour. For a curated playdate, it is $21 per child, per hour.

    Both nanny-share and curated playdate sessions require two children (no more, no less).

    Contact us at luckysquirrelsquamish@gmail.com for more info.

  • Georgia is committed to transparent, responsive, and empathetic communication with both guardians and children. We are still in the beginning stages of independently providing childcare— which certainly comes with a learning-curve. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns; we are dedicated to maintaining reciprocal, respectful, and collaborative relationships in our community.

  • We blend elements of Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, and Montessori approaches, as well as Land-Based Learning and Indigenous Pedegogies. We do not strictly adhere to one, instead opting for a model that blends many strands of knowledge.

Frequently Asked Questions

“All Flourishing is mutual.”

— Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass

Contact us

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