named programs · 7 · from sources
What they call their work
Broadcasts from the Forest
Two-week summer media program for tweens and teens ages 10–14, teaching digital storytelling, filmmaking, and broadcast skills in collaboration with a local filmmaker.
Community School
Core preschool program for toddlers and preschoolers ages 2–5, based on 9 acres of forested land in Acra, NY, emphasizing social-emotional development, nature connection, and child-led learning.
Enchanted Forest Camp
April break camp for children ages 4–12 (and 3-year-olds enrolled in Community School), blending imaginative play, nature exploration, and creative activities like fairy house building and potion-making.
Forest School
Outdoor-focused program launched during the pandemic, offering fully outdoor, masked classes emphasizing nature immersion, play, and environmental stewardship for young children.
Postpartum Support Group
Free, judgment-free support group for postpartum individuals and their supporters, hosted in partnership with Mother Henn LLC, focusing on emotional health, lactation, sleep, and community connection.
Summer Adventures Camp
Weeklong summer camp for children ages 4–12, featuring nature exploration, creative expression, and emergent curriculum with weekly themes like insect life, geology, and native flora.
Tiny Tea Time
Outdoor caregiver-child program for children ages 0–5 and their caregivers, featuring sensory play, nature art, music, and storytelling led by an experienced outdoor educator.
activities · 7 groups
What they do
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Play-Based Early Childhood Education 2 activities
- Facilitate caregiver/child programs and family eventsHosts recurring caregiver/child programs such as Tiny Tea Time, Open Play & Play Parties, and a ten-week outdoor caregiver/child program for ages 0–5 with sliding-scale pricing. Also offers occasional special events and drop-in workshops, including Pajama Playtime for parent’s night out.
- Operate early childhood education programsProvides play-based, holistic educational programs for children ages 18 months to 6 years, including toddler, preschool, and pre-K/kindergarten programs, with an emphasis on social-emotional development and care for the natural world. Programs are offered at a community school located on 9 acres of forested land in Acra, NY.
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Summer Day Camp Programs 1 activity
- Deliver summer and school break campsOperates summer and school break camps for children ages 4–12, with select programs for ages 10–14, featuring thematic explorations of forested acres, arts, and STEM. Specific offerings include a multi-week summer camp program (e.g., weeks of July 6 – August 21) and April Break Camp (e.g., week of April 6–10, 2026).
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Children's Play and Motor Development Spaces 1 activity
- Host private event rentalsOffers weekend rentals of curated play spaces in a 2500 sq ft indoor facility with art, science, and sensory play areas, plus access to a fenced outdoor yard and 9 forested acres. Rentals include 4-hour blocks with setup, event time, and cleanup, along with kitchen amenities and on-site staff support.
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Nonprofit Organizational Management 1 activity
- Maintain operational and administrative infrastructureManages day-to-day business operations including administrative, financial, staffing, and logistical functions necessary to support all educational and community programs.
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Homeschool Support Services 1 activity
- Provide homeschool programmingOffers the Forest STEAM Adventures Program on Tuesdays for homeschoolers, with full-day and half-day options available, utilizing the organization’s 9-acre forested site for experiential learning.
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Before and After School Childcare 1 activity
- Run after-school programs and clubsOffers structured after-school programming from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, aligned with the Cairo-Durham School Calendar, including after-school clubs focused on special interests in 11–14 week sessions for children ages 5–12. Also provides preschool aftercare for children ages 3–4 and offers a drop-in option at $28 per session.
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Perinatal Support Services 1 activity
- Support family engagement and postpartum wellnessHosts a free postpartum support group every third Monday from 5–6 PM starting Fall 2026, open to parents and children, and provides a family handbook for current and prospective parents to support engagement and program accessibility.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$372K
Contributions & grants$372K100%
Program service revenue$00%
Investment income$760%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$500K
Program expenses69%
Admin / overhead31%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$332K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$429K
Cash$35K
Investments$0
Liabilities$394K
Net assets$35K
Liquid reserves0.8 mo
4 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue +25.4%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 1
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| FRANK TUCCIO | SECRETARY/STAFF REPRESENTA | 1 | $36K |
board members · 4
- CHELSEA SNIDER — TRUSTEE/TEACHER
- GABRIELLE FISK — PRESIDENT
- LISA EDSTROM — TRUSTEE
- NINA GEOPFERT — TRUSTEE
relationships · 10
Who they work with
- Bank Street College of Education Network — Alumni and faculty affiliation through staff education and degrees
- Cairo-Durham School District Partner — Coordinates bussing drop-off for children attending Cairo-Durham Elementary School.
- Cairo-Durham School District Partner — Provides bussing for after-school program participants.
- Greene County Department of Social Services Government — Families can apply through this agency for the Childcare Assistance Program accepted by Wheelhouse.
- Mother Henn LLC Partner — Co-hosts the postpartum support group with Wheelhouse Creative Education Center.
- New York State Government — Participates in New York State’s Childcare Assistance Program to support family access to early childhood education.
- New York State Department of Education Government — Wheelhouse operates under its auspices as a childcare center and complies with its requirements for medical and vaccination records.
- New York State Office of Family Children’s Services Government — Wheelhouse operates under its auspices as a childcare center and complies with its requirements for medical and vaccination records.
- Ryan Balas Partner — Local filmmaker collaborating with Wheelhouse staff to facilitate the "Broadcasts from the Forest" digital media program.
- Teachers College, Columbia University Network — Staff member holds Ed.D. from institution, indicating academic affiliation
strategies · 4
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Anti-Oppressive, Relational Pedagogymethodology: anti_oppressive_pedagogyBy centering mutual respect, social justice, and self-directed inquiry within nurturing relationships, we cultivate critical thinking and inclusion because children thrive in equitable, emotionally safe environments that challenge systemic biases.
- Child-Centered, Emergent Curriculummethodology: child_led_emergent_curriculumBy following children's natural curiosity and interests to shape the curriculum, we foster deeper engagement and development because learning becomes intrinsically motivated and developmentally responsive.
- Nature-Based, Experiential Learning Modelmethodology: nature_based_educationBy integrating immersive outdoor experiences with creative and academic activities, we deepen children’s self-awareness and learning because direct sensory engagement with nature fosters holistic development.
- Sliding-Scale Accessibility Modelmethodology: sliding_scale_pricingBy using a sliding-scale, honor-system fee structure, we increase access to programs because families can participate equitably regardless of income, fostering economic inclusion.