Play is the work of childhood
There is no bad weather, only the
wrong clothes
An in-home, nature play-based
preschool on the South Hill, where...
About Honeybee Preschool
Honeybee Preschool is an in-home nature play-based preschool located in Spokane’s Manito
Cannon Hill neighborhood. We offer two- and three-day programs, running 9 AM - NOON
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Our core curriculum follows Tinkergarten’s nature-based learning model which encourages children
to learn, explore and play through inquiry-based lessons. Tinkergarten’s two-year model focuses on
learning and building eight core skills:
- creativity | empathy | focus | persistence
- problem-solving | wellness | sensory | communication
Also inspired by Waldorf and Reggio Emilia learning approaches, Honeybee Preschool offers a learning
space that emphasizes nature and play as well as art, stories, music, sensory play, and curiosity. Our goal is
to create a safe space where children feel emotionally supported to practice social skills and creativity
every day.
Meet Haley
Haley is the owner and teacher of Honeybee Preschool, having taught Tinkergarten classes in Spokane since 2022. She brings to the table years of experience working with children, her decades-long passion for early childhood development and education, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication. She is a nature-loving mama of four young children and a Spokane native. In her free time she loves to make art, go for family walks, drink tea, and camp near lakes and rivers in the summer.
FAQs
- Where in Spokane are you located?
- 28th off of Bernard
What ages do you accept?
Children ages three to six. Children must be three years old by August 31, 2025 to enroll in the 2025-26 school year.
Do you have 2- and 3-day programs?
Yes! Preschool class runs Wednesday - Friday with some slots reserved for 3-day students and some reserved for 2-day students. You will be able to select your schedule preference on the enrollment application form.
How much does each program cost?
Our 2-day preschool program costs $275/month, and our 3-day program costs $385/month.
Do children need to be potty trained?
Yes, children will need to be fully potty-trained.
What does snack/lunch look like?
A mid-morning snack is provided, with nourishing nut-free foods such as apple slices and cheese, bread and butter, oatmeal, muffins, etc.
What holidays and breaks are scheduled?
We follow Spokane Public Schools’ calendar and take the same holidays and student break days off.
- How is discipline handled?
Our focus is to foster a nurturing environment where rhythms, routines, and expectations are clear. Curiosity (why is a child acting a certain way, what are they trying to communicate, and what is the need?) and communication (helping the child name their feelings, communicate their needs, and problem solve to find solutions) are at the heart of dealing with behaviors. If a child is having big feelings and needs to take a break, they have access to cozy corners with calming activities and comfort items.
How We Learn
Curriculum
Our core curriculum follows
Tinkergarten’s nature-based
learning model which encourages
children to learn, explore, and play
through inquiry-based lessons.
Tinkergarten’s two-year model
focuses on learning and building
eight core skills through outdoor
play lessons.
Also inspired by Waldorf and
Reggio Emilia learning approaches,
we emphasize nature and play as
well as art, stories, music, wonder,
sensory play, and curiosity. Our
goal is to create a safe space
where children feel emotionally
supported to practice social skills
and creativity.
Our curriculum balances child-led
and teacher directed learning.
- Daily schedule
Wednesday - Friday
9 AM Dropoff
9-9:10 Morning Activity
9:10 - 9:30 Morning Circle
- This time includes songs, sharing
time, and introducing some of
our lesson elements
- This time includes songs, sharing
9:30 - 10:30 Purposeful Outdoor Play
- Child-led, inquiry based
- Invitation-to-play examples: How
can we balance the things
around us? or How can we
celebrate and give thanks for our
Earth? - Materials related to the lesson
and invitation are available and
children choose how they play
10:30 - 11:30 Nourishing Snack
- Provided, with an emphasis on
organic, nutritious options such
as apples and cheese, oatmeal,
homemade pumpkin bread, etc.
- Provided, with an emphasis on
And Indoor Play
- Play centers such as dramatic
play, blocks, art, science, math,
literacy, etc.
- Play centers such as dramatic
11:30 - 12 Tea & Story, Closing Activity
Noon Pickup
Our Classrooms
Nature:
Two hours each day are spent
outside in the Honeybee
Preschool backyard, rain or
shine. Nature is magic - both
calming and stimulating, and
it provides an abundance of
tools to learn and play.
Remember, there is no bad
weather, only the wrong
clothes! We happily support
families in knowing how best
to dress their children for our
outdoor classroom.
Schoolroom:
About one hour each day is
spent in our indoor
schoolroom, which offers fixed
and rotating play centers for
open-ended play and
learning.
Enrollment
Complete and submit enrollment forms
You’re all set!
Submit $100 enrollment fee
Tour the school
You will receive an email to schedule a tour.
What Parents Have to Say
I enrolled my 3-year-old in the
spring and summer sessions and it
was such a joy to attend each week.
Haley approaches each lesson with
playfulness and patience... I couldn't
be more grateful for the opportunity
to connect with others while letting
my little one explore outside. I highly
recommend it to any parent who
wants to help their kids cultivate a
deeper appreciation and a sense of
wonder in nature.
-Cher
One of the things I've really appreciated
about Haley is how flexible and in tune
she is with the kids. Toddlers are
unpredictable, and she not only rolls with
it but embraces it, adapting to their
interests in the moment while still
keeping things engaging and
meaningful. She encourages kids to
explore, think for themselves, and try
new things, all while making sure they
feel supported. Every class feels
intentional but never rigid, and Wells
always came away excited about what
he learned. We loved being part of her
classes!
-Tim
Haley is such a great teacher! Her
kindness and love are so clear in
everything she does, it has made
playing outside a joy!
-Ranae
Some thoughts from parents about Haley and her Tinkergarten class:
Connect with us
Text or Call
(509)217-1484
honeybeespokane@gmail.com
Follow us on social media
@honeybee.creativeco