Nature's Point Preschool

Owner and Teacher

My name is Katie Fluharty and I am the owner and preschool teacher at Nature’s Point Preschool. I have immersed myself in the field of early childhood education, child development and special education for the past eleven years and have taught in the classroom for nine of those years. I had always envisioned that I would continue my career in a school district teaching a large classroom of students- but motherhood changed my career and life goals. I found myself yearning for something more, not only for my child, but for so many other children that deserved a holistic and nature-based approach to early childhood education that cannot often be achieved inside the rigorous walls of a classroom. I want to continue with my field of expertise, but I also want to explore more than just the words inside of the stories I read at circle-time and the engaging activities I incorporate in my classroom. I want my students to learn through firsthand experiences. Therefore, I decided to step out of the classroom and build the program I had always dreamed of, and that led to Nature's Point Preschool being created in the fall of 2022. 

I graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Child Development and Family Relations and a minor in Special Education. I currently hold a teaching license through the Agency of Education that qualifies me to teach preschool and all children birth to kindergarten age. 

During my eleven years as a Preschool Teacher in Pennsylvania and Vermont , I learned and applied a broad range of teaching strategies. For example, I constructed my lesson plans by first consulting the Vermont Early Learning Standards, then applying a myriad of learning based curriculums and Common Core Standards for clear objectives and learning goals. Every student’s experience was enriched by differentiating lessons for learning styles, IEPs, 504s, gifted/talented abilities, as well as cultural and socio-economic needs. 

I incorporated parent volunteers into classroom activities whenever possible and integrated both nature and technology to engage learners. I implemented a variety of assessments primarily through Teaching Strategies Gold to ensure evidence of successful learning throughout each unit. Above all, I encouraged students to assume a very active responsibility for their own learning. My students enthusiastically made strategic choices, reflected on their learning processes, collaborated often, and submitted constant input. Every one of my students knew what we were learning, why we were learning it, and how it applied to the world beyond the classroom. 

My experiences beyond teaching in the classroom have enhanced my success as an educator. In 2015, I served as an AmeriCorps VISTA where I wrote grants and enhanced educational opportunities for the Springfield School District after-school program in Vermont. Additionally, I spent 3 wonderful months in Ghana, Africa teaching elementary education to the children at the Marcoff Orphanage and I also built a school for children in the Dominican Republic. I have a deeper understanding of what diversity means through my travels and have been able to build productive and valuable relationships with diverse students and peers. Furthermore, my work as a preschool teacher for the Springfield School District and a preschool teacher and childcare director with the Springfield Area Parent Child Center has resulted in immense experience and valuable insight with the Vermont Early Learning Standards, NAEYC, STARS, and Developmentally Appropriate Practices and is an indicator of my commitment to continued learning and growth in early childhood education. 

One of my biggest blessings in life was becoming a mom in November of 2019. My son is every ounce of perfection and the purest love I will ever know. My partner Gordy and I also have a dog, Oliver, who is 5 years old and is our ‘first born, 4-legged child’. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and exploring the great outdoors. I am passionate about education, a healthy lifestyle, helping others, and a really good latte.

I truly believe that we are all lifelong learners and would love the opportunity to share this belief with your child and family. I hope to soon discuss with you how my experience and abilities can best meet the holistic needs of your child and family.