Little Garden Nature Preschool

Ages 3-6yrs

Little Garden Nature Preschool is a unique, whole-child approach to early childhood education that takes place almost entirely in nature. We believe that young children learn best through child-directed play. This play meets the young child's developmental needs and opens a world of curiosity, critical thinking, and socio-emotional skills.

Nature Preschool meets at our Clarkson location which offers a rich learning environment and purpose built spaces for this age group. The majority of our time is spent outside, rain or shine. This immersion builds resilience and a strong connection to nature, one that is ever so needed in a fast-paced, technology driven world.

Our outdoor setting provides each child the freedom they crave, while our gentle rhythm provides the structure they need. Together these work to create a peaceful, nurturing environment that inspires deep, creative play.

Preschoolers have an incredible capacity for curiosity and imagination. We aim to foster within each child a love for learning and appreciation for the world around them.

We’re here to be part of your village, working with you, the parents, every step of the way. In addition to daily communication, we keep a learning journal for each child that we share at parent teacher conferences and is yours to keep at the end of the year.

We do not teach formal academics in our programs but instead learn through play and hands-on experiential opportunities.

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Please reach us at littlegardenplay@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question

Locations & Schedules

Monday and Wednesday Class

Mondays and Wednesdays 8-12pm Central
Optional Community Picnic: 12-1pm on Wednesdays*

Tuesday and Thursday Class

Tuesdays and Thursdays 8-12pm Central
Specialized kindergarten cohort for ages 5-6 meets these days
Optional Community Picnic: 12-1pm on Thursdays*

See our school calendar below for full schedule and breaks

*Community Picnic: The community picnic is a time to connect with other families as a way to strengthen community for both parents and children. A parent or caregiver must be present. It is optional, open to whenever it works for your schedule, and there is no additional fee or commitment. Each parent/caregiver brings food and a picnic blanket for their family. Younger siblings are very welcome (as well as grandparents)!

Class Rhythm

Drop Off: 8-8:30am
Free Play
Morning Circle: songs and movement
Snack
Outdoor Play: nature walk, mud kitchen play, sandbox, forest play, visit farm animals, gardening, etc.
Art: process art, seasonal nature crafts, play-dough, painting, drawing, etc.
Story and Goodbye Circle: we share a special story, often accompanied by puppets, and sing our goodbye song
Pick-Up: 12pm
Optional 1 day/week community picnic

Tuition

Two half-days/per week August-May: $150 per month

(This averages out to around $22 per day)

10% sibling discount

$50 non-refundable deposit due upon registration that goes towards the first months tuition. Once registered we will send an email to set up a Brightwheel account where monthly payments can be automated.

Inclement Weather

It is our aim to be open in all weather whenever it is safe to do so but occasionally class will be cancelled when travel or students safety would be at risk. Our director and facilitators will make the call and notify families no later than 7am.

Age and Potty Training Requirements

Children must be fully potty trained and turning three within 3 months from our start date to join Nature Preschool. Anyone younger is on a case by case basis. Please reach out with questions!

2025-2026 School Year Enrollment

Nature Preschool is officially full for the 2025–2026 school year.

We anticipate continued enrollment from our waitlist as spots occasionally become available.

We are now accepting waitlist requests for the 2026–2027 school year.

If you are seriously interested in enrolling, please complete the form below. We will reach out via email if a spot becomes available.

Spots are offered based on your desired start year and the order in which requests are received. Priority is given to families who have participated in one or more of our 8-week Stay + Play sessions.

Wait List

2025-2026 School Year Calendar

This calendar is for our Nature Preschool program. Find a printable version via the link below.

Our school year is 34 weeks not including scheduled breaks. Special events are posted to save the date- more details will be sent to enrolled families.

Calendar

Little Garden Nature Preschool

PROGRAM INFORMATION

2025-2026 School Year Enrollment

2025-2026 School Year Calendar

Current Year Calendar

FOR FAMILIES

"Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is the work of childhood."

Little Garden Nature Preschool

PROGRAM INFORMATION

2025-2026 School Year Enrollment

2025-2026 School Year Calendar

Current Year Calendar

FOR FAMILIES

"Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is the work of childhood."

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