Tiny Green Trees Nature Based Childcare and Forest School

Tiny Green Trees Nature Based Childcare and Forest School is a licensed daycare in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, offering nature-based early childhood education for children from 6 weeks to 9 years old. The center provides full-day care from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, year-round, with programs including infant/toddler nurseries, nature preschool, forest kindergarten, and outdoor explorers. Rooted in a play-based, place-based curriculum, the program emphasizes outdoor learning in natural environments, fostering connections to nature, self, and community. Located in the Story Hill neighborhood, the center is adjacent to Doyne Park, a 35-acre green space along the Menomonee River, and serves families across Milwaukee. With a 4.60 rating based on customer reviews, it is recognized for its nurturing, inclusive, and environmentally focused approach.

The center was founded by Kelly Aubin Belot and Jeremy Belot, who created a home-like, sustainable environment to counter the growing disconnect between children and nature. Kelly, a former high school educator and art instructor with multiple advanced degrees, leads the organization with a philosophy centered on environmental justice, equity, and holistic development. The team includes dedicated early childhood educators like Ms. Kaisee, who holds a master’s in educational psychology and specializes in nature-based learning. Programs integrate sensory exploration, healthy eating, evidenced by a daily menu featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients, and hands-on experiences in the natural world, from climbing trees to identifying native plants.

Situated at 921 N 49th Street, the center lies just a short walk from Doyne Park, a 35-acre urban green space along the Menomonee River. It is about 0.1 miles from West Wisconsin Avenue and West State Street, and within a half-mile of West Bluemound Road and the public artwork Tree of Life. The location is part of the Milwaukee County Parks system, offering children direct access to nature within a revitalized neighborhood.

Tiny Green Trees is known for its strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and environmental stewardship, creating a safe, joyful space where children grow with empathy and curiosity. The center’s reputation is built on its authentic, nature-immersive programs and its deep roots in the local community. It stands as a model of sustainable early education in Milwaukee, blending outdoor exploration with emotional and intellectual development.