With two great locations, there's so much to explore with Nature Preschool!
2022-23 REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Registration for the 2022-23 school year opens on February 14, 2022 to residents of Cuyahoga County and Hinkley Township. Registration for other Ohio residents opens February 21. A $25 registration fee will be due at the time of registration. Please see the registration page for more details.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Cleveland Metroparks Nature Preschool serves children ages 3 - 5 and operates in the Rocky River and North Chagrin Reservations. Our school year goes from September through mid-May. We require a commitment for the entire school year. Children must be 3 years old before August 1 and be potty-trained before the start of the school year.
Children attend 3 hours per day. We have several options for their schedule.
- Monday - Wednesday 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. ($3168 / child)
- Monday - Wednesday 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. ($3168 / child)
- Thursday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. ($2115 / child)
- Families can also choose a 5-day option by selecting both the Monday - Wednesday and Thursday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. classes ($5283 / child)
For details, visit our
class information page.
If you would like to receive information about the Nature Preschool, please contact preschool@clevelandmetroparks.com.
WHAT IS A NATURE PRESCHOOL?
Nature preschools use the natural world to support dual goals that address both child development and conservation values. These include the development of the whole child and the development of an environmental ethic.
Nature preschools are based on high-quality practices of both early childhood education and environmental education. The children spend time outdoors every day (except in dangerous weather) connecting with the natural world and creating a sense of place and belonging.
OUR MISSION:
The mission of Cleveland Metroparks Nature Preschool is to provide an exceptional child-centered and nature-based preschool environment which meets the developmental needs of the whole child (physical, cognitive, emotional, social and perceptual) by utilizing the natural world around them.
OUR PHILOSOPHY:
By immersing a child into nature at an early age, we believe children develop a deep-seated appreciation and understanding of the natural world and their place within it. Nature is the foundation for our curriculum, which is based on Ohio Early Learning and Development Standards and developmentally appropriate practices.
The teaching staff will promote development and growth of each child by:·
- fostering a sense of wonder.
- nurturing a sense of self.
- developing a respect for our natural world.
- encouraging problem solving and reflection.
- inspiring independent thinkers.
- instilling confidence.
- promoting skills necessary to transition to kindergarten:
- Math
- Science
- Language development
- Music
- Art
- Dramatic play
- Large and fine motor skills