Oregon’s First Licensed Outdoor Preschool Opens in Phoenix

Children in southern Oregon are heading into nature for their classroom experience as the state’s first Oregon outdoor preschool officially opens in Phoenix. Blackberry Academy, founded by Yessie Joy Verbena, operates out of Blue Heron Park and is part of Oregon’s new program to formally license nature-based early education centers.

The initiative marks a significant shift in child care options, offering families a structured and state-recognized alternative to traditional indoor settings. With its new license, Blackberry Academy can expand opportunities for local children while giving families access to subsidy programs that help make early education more affordable.

A Classroom Without Walls

At Blue Heron Park, the sounds of children’s voices now blend with rustling leaves and birdsong. The park, which features playgrounds, a pollinator garden, and access to Bear Creek, provides the backdrop for Blackberry Academy’s daily lessons.

Verbena believes the outdoor setting enhances development in ways that indoor classrooms cannot. “If you’re outside, outside voice! It’s OK, go for it, yell, scream, jump, climb the tree, be yourself,” she said. “Explore the full range of who you are as a tiny little person. And it’s wonderful.”

For many of the children, the natural setting at the Oregon outdoor preschool provides space to play freely, build creativity, and develop resilience. Activities are built around exploration—watching river otters, spotting bald eagles, or learning about the role of beavers in the ecosystem. Verbena emphasizes that these hands-on encounters with wildlife help children connect with their surroundings while learning responsibility and care for the environment.

Expanding Access Through Licensing

Before Oregon introduced licensing for Oregon outdoor preschool programs, preschools like Academy faced restrictive operating requirements and limited funding opportunities. With the new recognition, families can now use the state’s Employment Related Day Care program to cover costs, making outdoor education more widely accessible.

Verbena, who has experience running day camps and toddler programs, says the licensing change provides flexibility while supporting the long-term sustainability of nature-based education. “Time spent outside is so good for us in every aspect: physically, emotionally, spiritually. It’s just got these healing powers,” she explained.

Blackberry Academy currently serves up to 14 children, with classes running from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., two or four days a week. Families have quickly shown interest, and just two enrollment spots remain open. The city has also reached an informal agreement with Verbena to allow the program to operate in Blue Heron Park, strengthening ties between the preschool and the community.

A Model for Future Programs

The opening of the Academy signals the potential for similar programs across the state. As one of only a few states licensing outdoor child care, Oregon is seen as a leader in integrating nature into early education.

Verbena hopes the school’s success will inspire more programs to adopt an outdoor model. She views nature not only as a classroom but as an environment where children from all backgrounds can thrive. “As someone who had a difficult childhood, I want to help create safe, joyful experiences for other children,” she said.

For now, Blackberry Academy stands as a milestone in Oregon’s approach to child care—providing children with the freedom to learn in open spaces, develop through play, and connect with the natural world from their earliest years.

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