Stay and Play

Flow of the Class & Details

Nature Stay and Play (ages walking-6 yrs old)

Classes:

Jan 5th/6th- March 9th/10th, 2026
$400 for a series of 10 classes

Stay and Play: Nature-Based Education

~Theme: Persistance
~once a week
~Choose a location-
Mondays- Red Bug Slough Preserve (Sarasota)
9-11am
OR
noon-2pm
OR
Tuesdays- Tom Bennett Park (N Bradenton)
9-11am

Concerned about cost? … let’s talk about it!

Need-based scholarships awarded “in-house” and no strings attached provided through Friends of Curious and Kind, a local 501c3 (not available for camp)
Direct provider for the Step Up scholarship
End of Year Evaluations upon request
PEP recipients can also receive: Low-stress test proctoring & support writing learning plans

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Read our 5 Star Reviews

Curious and Kind Education

5.0

Based on 12 reviews

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Alicia Casals

17:00 06 Jun 24

Curious and Kind is not just an ALC, it is a community. It is a culture. A culture based on respect, communication, trust, and nature. Justine has created a safe, warm, and educational space where children have a safe space to grow and learn how to be contributing members of any community. Each child’s individual needs are met in a way that teaches how we can all be individuals but support one another in a community. The confidence our child has gained from being with Curious and Kind is immeasurable. Not only is Justine and Curious and Kind a phenomenal center but they are a beacon of hope for our community. Justines impact within our community for all ages is astonishing. I highly recommend Curious and Kind as well as anything Justine’s magic touches!

Graham King

16:56 10 Apr 24

Our kids love going to school and are actually upset when we pick them up! Justine and her crew are great with the kids, combining learning with fun activities. If you're looking for experiential learning environments, then consider Curious and Kind.

Susan Cole

07:14 18 Feb 24

I had the privilege of working with Justine when she was a principal at an international school and she always puts children and families first. Not only does she possess extensive educational knowledge, but she is passionate about teaching children through hands-on learning experiences in nature. She has created a joyful community where children are valued and can explore and learn through play. If you're looking for a place where your child can discover their potential, engage with the natural world around them, and develop essential skills and knowledge in a supportive and enriching environment, then Curious and Kind is the perfect choice.

Forevermore Bouquet Preservation

17:52 15 Feb 24

I had the pleasure of working with Justine several years ago at a small, mountain town school in Colorado. Over the years, I have had the pleasure of watching her develop and enhance her passion for education. I was over the moon when she decided to start Curious and Kind. It's as if every single step of her professional journey has been preparing her for this endeavor. Justine's nature-based play program is not just a job for her; it's her calling. Her outdoor classroom is a testament to her creativity, adorned with natural elements that seamlessly blend with the education. It's refreshing to witness how she effortlessly transforms the learning space into a haven for exploration and hands-on engagement. It's a joy to observe the genuine curiosity and excitement she ignites in her students.

Mateus Jesus

21:46 11 Feb 24

I met Justine almost 10 years ago. I was an intern at the school where she was working at the time. We worked together in the same classroom, and we have kept in touch even since we met. Justine taught me a lot about Education and teaching by example. I am happy that she started Curious and Kind Education. Justine loves exploring; I remember how she felt at home in nature and the many adventures we had together. I am sure she is impacting many children with her professional experience and love for education and nature.

Kristina Robinson

14:43 10 Feb 24

Justine is amazing, she’s non judgmental & likes to keep the peace & happiness flowing! My kids have been enrolled for just over a month, they have already done a camp out, gone on a field trip to Bayfront & Selby Gardens, they had an Owl specialist come & teach the kids about owl pellets. My son looks forward to whittling & playing in the creek. My daughter orchestrated a talent show. Both kids cannot wait for their C&K day and come home absolutely thrilled about their day! We’ve been in a couple great programs before but C&K is at the top of the list!! From the parent perspective, Justine has her ducks in a row! She has an easy to use app which she will walk you through. She has all necessary paperwork and has put a lot of time & thought into preparing everything for parents to be able to fully understand the program & schedule. I have not felt out of the dark, because she lays it out so well & detailed! I can’t say anything bad about this program or Justine. We love C&K and love love love Ms Justine!!!

Jessica Willoughby, LM

13:32 10 Feb 24

When I was looking for a forest school in Tampa I came up empty handed. When I expanded my search I found Curious and Kind in Sarasota. We enrolled and our kid couldn’t be happier!We drive from Tampa but it’s worth it. We love it! The kids spend the whole day playing and a lot (most) of the time is spent outside. The space is sweet. There’s even a creek the kids spend time in.We couldn’t be happier with our experience at Curious and Kind.