For Childcare Providers
Natured Roots & Sprouting Wellness
Natured Roots and Sprouting Wellness aims to support community caregivers (grandparents, family members, and childcare providers) who look after young children ages birth to 5 years old.
A dedicated coach will help you incorporate health, wellness, and safety into your childcare, blending ancestral wisdom and nature-based play.
We hope to uplift your personal wellness, provide a sense of community, and ensure you feel confident in outdoor and green spaces. By participating, you'll gain access to valuable resources, culturally engaging activities, and a supportive network of fellow caregivers.
Natured Roots & Sprouting Wellness
This program is designed for:
Community grandparents, community aunties/uncles, family members, family center childcare providers, licensed and/or not currently licensed childcare centers, and Families Friends and Neighbors (FFNs) who support parents of little ones (birth to 5 years old) with their childcare needs.
What to expect:
For 6 months to a year, you have a coach who supports you with information about the health, wellness and safety education of the kids in your care. We bring elements of ancestral wellness, the playful elements of nature indoor and outdoor in a holistic way. As a community member taking care of kids in your home or in their family's home or at a childcare center, our program is designed to cater to your peace of mind as well as your own health and wellness needs.
When and Where we meet:
1x-2x/month we meet 1:1 and sometime in group for 1 hour. We provide you with information about nutrition, environmental health justice, infant mental health, setting up your childcare space, your wellness tips, supplies and tools for you and your children. You receive a gift card at the end of each visit. We meet in person or virtually, during the week or weekends, sessions will be based your scheduled based on your availability and that of your coaches. We may also be able to offer you support for your own childcare needs while in session. In the spring, we will meet in local green space and have more community events.
Cost:
This program is free to King County residents.
Desired Outcome:
As a community childcare provider who is supporting parents by caring for their children, we want to lift you up. As a result of our program, we hope that you gain community support, uplift your personal wellness journey, feel a sense of safety in the outdoors and green spaces throughout King County, have culturally engaging activities for you and the children in your care, gain a new family of providers and have access to several resources in the community.
The Benefits of Nature for our Health & Wellness
Stress Reduction & Improved Mental Health
Natural environments have a calming effect, helping to reduce stress and anxiety levels. Activities like walking in the woods, gardening, or simply sitting in a park can significantly lower cortisol levels, the body's primary stress hormone. This mental health benefit is critical for caregivers who often face high-stress situations.
Enhanced Social Wellbeing
Social activities often provide opportunities for social interaction, whether it’s walking with a friend, joining a community garden, or participating in group hikes. These social connections are vital for emotional support, especially for caregivers and parents who might otherwise feel isolated.
Cultural, Generational & Environmental Connection
Nature serves as a living repository of cultural stories, traditions, and practices. Early exposure to specific landscapes, plants, and animals hold significant historical and spiritual meanings. Engaging with nature can strengthen little ones’ connection to ancestral heritage and cultural identity.