Starting preschool is a big step for young children! This class at Aldo Leopold Nature Preschool aims to bridge the gap between family programs (where the child attends a program with a family member) and traditional preschool (where the child is away from family). Nature Beginnings is recommended for children ages 3 and 4 who have little or no previous preschool experience.
REGISTRATION FOR 2024-25 IS FULL
Please direct questions regarding Nature Beginnings to Aldo Leopold Nature Preschool Director, Courtney Woods.
HOW DO I REGISTER FOR NATURE BEGINNINGS?
We have a new format this year! Instead of registering every season, we will have rolling enrollment. Families can enroll at the beginning of the year and pay monthly for as long as they want to stay in the class. If you would like to un-enroll, you just need to notify the preschool office by the 15th of the month.
WHEN DOES NATURE BEGINNINGS MEET?
2024-25 Nature Beginnings is offered Mondays or Fridays from 9 to 11am from September 2024 through May 2025.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The class is $100 per month. Need-based tuition assistance available upon request.
WHEN DOES NATURE BEGINNINGS START?
For the 2024-25 school year, we will start the week of September 9th. We generally follow the Aldo Leopold Nature Preschool school calendar. More information will be shared with registration.
WHO SHOULD SIGN UP?
This program is recommended for children ages 3-4 who have never done a program without their parents or caregivers before, or have had limited time doing so, and/or have not done an all outdoor nature-based program before. We will have a simple schedule full of play, stories, and group time, with an emphasis on learning to be part of a group, and of course having fun playing and learning in nature. Children must be potty trained to attend.
WHAT WILL THE PROGRAM ENTAIL?
Stories, friends, and playtime outside! What more could a preschooler ask for? The class will be held OUTDOORS at the nature center, with one of our outdoor classrooms as home base. Bathrooms will be accessible for students. If the weather is too severe, we will cancel the program for that day. More details on this policy when you sign up.
SAMPLE SCHEDULE
- 9:00 – 9:15 am: Drop Off & Morning Circle
- 9:15 – 9:30 am: Story Time
- 9:30 – 10:00 am: Nature Hike
- 10:00 – 10:45 am: Free Play in the Nature Playspace
- 10:45 – 11:00 am: Goodbye Circle & Pick Up
HOW DO I SIGN UP?
Registration for 2025-26 will open at NOON on May 1st. Please be advised, classes have 10 students in each class with 2 teachers. When classes are full, families will automatically be placed on a waitlist and notified if spots become available.
If you would like to be added to our email list and receive information on program registration as it becomes available, please click here.
