141: Nurturing Wonder: Suzette Salmon on Nature-Based Learning and Overcoming Daycare Burnout

In this inspiring episode, we explore the world of nature-based education with Suzette Salmon, also known as Miss Sue, the passionate founder and lead educator at Lil Bebe Academy. With over 16 years in early childhood education, Suzette has beautifully blended philosophies from Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and place-based learning to create a nurturing environment where curiosity and wonder reign supreme. 🌿🌟

Join us as Suzette shares her unique insights into how outdoor exploration, gardening, and interaction with nature can transform a child's learning experience. Discover how her approaches allow young learners to thrive by raising butterflies, observing seasonal changes, and embracing the beauty of slow, intentional childhood.

But it doesn't stop there! Suzette is also a dedicated advocate for the well-being of home childcare providers. She discusses her book, "Overcoming Home Daycare Burnout: Steps to Living Your Best Life," offering practical advice on maintaining balance and joy in caregiving.

Key Points Discussed:

• The foundational philosophies behind Lil Bebe Academy's approach to childcare
• Benefits of outdoor education and the role of nature in child development
• Tips on creating sustainable and joyful home childcare practices
• The importance of preventing burnout as a childcare provider
• Suzette’s personal journey and inspirations beyond her professional life

Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply curious about innovative educational approaches, this episode offers enriching takeaways for everyone.

MEET SUZETTE:

Suzette Salmon, also known as Miss Sue, is the founder and lead educator at Lil Bebe Academy, a nature-based home childcare program where children learn through outdoor exploration, gardening, and hands-on experiences with nature. With over 16 years of experience in early childhood education, she blends Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and place-based learning to create a nurturing environment that fosters curiosity and wonder.

At Lil Bebe Academy, children raise butterflies, dig in the soil, observe seasonal changes, and experience the joy of slow, intentional childhood. Suzette is a firm believer that outdoor classrooms provide the ideal setting for young learners to thrive and that home childcare settings are uniquely positioned to make nature an everyday experience.

In addition to her work with young children, Suzette is also an advocate for home childcare providers’ well-being. As the author of Overcoming Home Daycare Burnout: Steps to Living Your Best Life, she helps educators navigate the challenges of burnout and create a sustainable, joyful approach to caregiving. Through her courses, blog, and speaking engagements, she empowers educators to embrace outdoor learning while maintaining balance and longevity in their work. When she’s not guiding little explorers, you can find her tending to her own garden, traveling, hiking, and soaking up the beauty of the natural world.

CONNECT WITH SUZETTE:

Website: https://lilbebeacademy.net/

eduLallie (coming June 2025!)

Tune in now and join us on this enlightening journey into the heart of nature-based learning!

CONNECT WITH VICTORIA:

• WEBSITE: www.outdoor-classrooms.com
• EMAIL: [email protected]
• Instagram: instagram.com/outdoor_classrooms/
• Facebook: Facebook.com/OutdoorClassrooms1

OUTDOOR CLASSROOM RESOURCES:

• The Outdoor Classrooms CIRCLE Membership
• Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program
• Seeds of Inspiration for Outdoor Learning Card Deck
• FREE PDF Library of Nature-Based Children's Books & Weekly Seedling News