Farm & Forest Preschool
(Ages 3-5)
Play is the work of the preschool age child. At Nature Connect we foster a child’s sense of wonder and play through games, songs and stories. Each day has a theme that explores the natural world through movement, play and curiosity. Crafts using materials found in the woods help to develop fine motor skills and an appreciation for our natural resources. Children are also introduced to plant, animal, and bird, identification through stories and direct observation.
Wednesdays and/or Fridays
Wednesdays & Fridays 9:00am-1:00pm
Seahorse Stables
32 Weeks: September 16, 2020 – May 28, 2021
See calendar for holidays and breaks
Please click here for Tuition and Fees
Enrollment requirements:
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Children must be proficient with toileting. They know when they need to go to the bathroom and can communicate that.
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Because we learn in an outdoor classroom without walls, children must be able to stay with the group and follow instructions most of the time.
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Children must show respect towards peers, teachers, nature, and park/farm property.
Want to try it out for a day or observe one of our Fall 2020 classes? Let us know!
Register for a drop-off trial day here or email us at contact@natureconnectnc.org to schedule an observation hour.
Learn more about our registration process here. See tuition and fees here.
Financial aid is available for all programs. Please register for program before applying for financial aid.
Applications for financial aid are due one month prior to program start date.
What makes us unique?
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100% Outdoors - We spend all of our class time outdoors, unless there is severe weather. This means we get dirty and even play in the rain! We love exploring in the woods and at the farm and learning about the beautiful place where we live. If we do need an indoor space, we have a classroom where we can continue our nature study.
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Small Class Size and Low Teacher to Student Ratio - We keep our class size small and our teacher to student ratio is one:five (or better), which means individual attention and care to each child's needs.
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Highly-Trained Staff who Love what they Do - We hire the highest quality teachers in the area because we know who is with your child is incredibly important. Our teachers are well-trained, trustworthy, and experienced caregivers who love the work they do. Nature Connect provides ongoing staff development and opportunities for continuing education.
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Room for Creative Play - We believe that children are meant to play and use their imaginations. This is what makes childhood special. Our staff see themselves as facilitators of the children's experience, holding the space for them to explore, learn, and play in the outdoors.
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Physical Activity - We run, jump, slide, balance, and climb all throughout the day. Nature is the best playground! Children develop their physical capabilities and learn to be resilient in our classes. If the children need rest, we certainly make space for that to happen as well. Whatever the child's energy level, we work with it.
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Flexible, Nature-Based, Child-led Curriculum - Our curriculum is focused on our local environment and the plants and animals that live here. If we find a turtle in the woods or stumble upon a mushroom, that becomes our lesson. We believe learning happens the most when children have that "spark" in their eye. While we intentionally plan our days, we are also willing to toss out our "plan" for what we discover in nature. Read more about our curriculum and philosophies here.
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Inquiry Learning - We love children's innate sense of curiosity and we want to foster that. Therefore, we encourage the children to ask lots of questions. We then discover the answers or have fun wondering together.