About Us

Beginnings

How a lifetime of early childhood education and a family farm grew into Dirt Learning.

Three laughing children sharing a round rope nest swing, holding the ropes as they sway over a wood-chip play yard

Christi Warr, founder of Dirt Learning, smiling in a “Let's Play Dirty” t-shirt beneath a blossoming tree — Christi Green Warr — Founder & Play-Based Facilitator

Hi, I'm Christi Green Warr, founder and lead facilitator of Dirt Learning.

My love for children and nature began during my childhood on our family farm, where I grew up as a fourth-generation dairy farmer. Inspired by my mother's work with children and my family's experience fostering babies, I always knew I wanted to become an early childhood educator.

I hold a degree in Early Childhood Education and have more than 28 years of experience working with children and youth while supporting families and educators. My background includes experience in special education, teaching parenting classes, and helping adults better understand and respond to children's individual strengths and needs.

Inspired by many child-centered, play-based, and nature-based philosophies—including my experience studying Anji Play in China—I created Dirt Learning as a place where children can learn in the ways they need. We trust children as capable individuals and give them the time, space, relationships, and freedom to follow their curiosity.

Our Approach

Children Are Capable—and Learning Is Everywhere

Christi Warr holding up a picture book while a small group of children gather close around her on the classroom rug — Story time with Christi in the indoor classroom

At Dirt Learning, we believe children learn best when they are trusted to explore, move, create, take meaningful risks, and follow their curiosity. Our approach is inspired by many child-centered philosophies, including Anji Play, and is grounded in the belief that every child is capable.

Instead of directing every activity or expecting children to perform for adults, our educators carefully observe, listen, and create an environment that responds to each child's interests and individual needs. We offer support when it is needed while giving children the time and space to try, problem-solve, and discover what they can do for themselves.

Through child-led play, movement, nature, and strong relationships, children build confidence, independence, resilience, communication, and social-emotional skills. Early academic learning develops naturally as children count, measure, build, tell stories, investigate, collaborate, and reflect on their experiences.

At Dirt Learning, children are not rushed toward a predetermined outcome. They are supported in learning and growing in the ways they need—through Discovery, Imagination, Resilience, and Trust.

Our preschool serves children 2½ to 6 years old.

NAEYC's Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP) statement highlights the importance of learning experiences that are meaningful to each child and that provide active engagement through play, exploration, and inquiry in ways that support the whole child – socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively.
— NAEYC, Developmentally Appropriate Practices

Our Team

The People Behind the Play

Christi Green Warr leads the program (meet her above), alongside caring play-based facilitators.

The four Dirt Learning play-based facilitators in green Dirt Learning t-shirts, smiling together at the top of the wooden play structure — The Dirt Learning play-based facilitators together on the play structure.

Shalece

Play-Based Facilitator

Jennifer

Play-Based Facilitator

Maecie

Play-Based Facilitator

Come See Learning Grow

The best way to understand Dirt Learning is to visit. Tours are led personally by Christi Warr.

Schedule a Tour