Meet Joy Nissley of Natural Learning Alternative in East Cobb Marietta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joy Nissley.

Joy, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am a mother of four (adult children now ranging from age 27-19) who always knew working with children was my passion, but didn’t realize it would become my life work. I had no intention of seeking out an alternative learning environment for my own children, but as a young parent, I saw the limitations of what traditional “preschools” offered for my own children and just never felt comfortable with it. The push for early academic learning and push for standardized testing had only just begun back then, and it left me feeling like there had to be a better way! My children and I were stressed and I felt the love for learning was quickly being taken from my children.

In 2002 I was introduced to a Play-Art-Nature based program and a small village of parents in South Florida call Sunflower Creative Arts and it all just resonated and intuitively felt right! This community treated children with respect and the environment was a safe place for them to learn at their own pace through play, exploration and hands-on experience. I ended up being a lead teacher in this community and went for training in California with Bev Bos (Founder of The Roseville Preschool and child and play advocate). After moving to Atlanta I missed working with children and I searched for a village like I had in South Florida. Not finding something close to home I decided to seek out a tribe of like-minded parents who wanted something more for their own children.

We started as a handful of interested parents and today we are a huge community going into our 7th year! Natural Learning Alternative is a Play-Art-Nature based child-led Parent Participant cooperative where a nurturing, loving, safe environment allows children to learn things at their own pace as well allows for the social-emotional development of each child. Our parent cooperative model allows for the children to feel they are in a safe environment and each conflict that may arise is seen as an opportunity for learning. Children need practice with socialization and we provide a safe space for these interactions.

We don’t see the value in corralling children, forcing circle times, teaching to walk in straight lines or the forcing of facts. We offer many different ever-changing activities throughout our space that include gardening, sensory exploration, hands-on seasonal nature exploration and celebration, music, art in many varieties, woodworking with real tools, storytelling and much more. Our space provides children the space they need to run, move, climb trees, create and just be children. The children’s passions and interests are the curriculum at NLA and interesting materials and the natural world are at their fingertips each and every day for exploration and discovery. Our greatest thrill is to see the children run into NLA excited to be there and ready to create! We are often called the “Adventure school,” “Nature School,” and even “Barefoot School.”

We offer programs for children ages 2-10 and parents with younger children are always encouraged to join us. Our community also offers parenting support with Parent Toolbox chats and community gatherings throughout the year.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The main struggle has been holding up the NLA program by myself for the first 5 years. I now have several other passionate Playworkers working with me!

Please tell us about Natural Learning Alternative.
NLA is a developmentally appropriate environment for young children. We believe learning is truly learning with hands-on experience and when its lead by the child’s passions. We trust children and they learning and we meet children right where they are.

We don’t rush children through learning and we know everyone learns at a different pace and in a different way. We are known for the accepting and loving of all children and for the nurturing, safe environment we offer children and families.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I spent my summers in North Carolina with my Grandmother. We were given whole days to explore and create in nature. My Grandmother created a “Mud Kitchen” for my sister and I and that is where we spent our days creating making nature soups and exploring the natural world. I learned that nature calmed me and it is still where I go for peace and grounding.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://naturallearningalternative.com
• Phone: ( 770) 820-4044
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: naturalearningalternative
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naturallearningalternative

Image Credit:
Audrey Albright

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