With two great locations, there's so much to explore with Nature Preschool!
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
Open House:
Monday, January 27, 2020 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070
Tuesday, January 28, 2020 6 - 7:30 p.m.
North Chagrin Nature Center, 401 Buttermilk Falls Pkwy, Mayfield Village, OH 44094
Join us to learn how this unique, state-licensed program combines early childhood education with immersive outdoor experiences. This nine-month, nature-based curriculum meets the needs of the whole child, develops an appreciation of the natural world, and provides skills and concepts that build kindergarten-readiness. Visit the classroom, meet staff, talk with other parents, and learn more about how Nature Preschool is blazing the trail in fostering healthy and resilient child development.
Due to the popularity of our program, we have introduced a lottery process. An online registration form will be available on our website from January 27 - February 9, 2020 and can be submitted anytime during this period. The lottery drawing will take place on February 17, 2020.
Nature Preschool Lottery Registration Process:
Lottery registration will open online to the public on January 27, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. The registration will be available online from January 27, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. - February 9, 2020 at 5 p.m. Entry into the Nature Preschool Lottery Registration requires a non-refundable fee of $25 per family. Entering into the Nature Preschool Lottery Registration does not guarantee admittance into the Nature Preschool program. Each family may register their qualified child or children into the lottery registration one time. Families with multiple qualified children will be able to register both children on the same registration application. Any additional registrations for the same child or children will be disqualified by the automated system.To be qualified, a child or children must be 3 years old before August 1, 2020 and potty-trained before the start of the school year. Lottery registration must be completed by the child or children's legal parent or guardian. When entering the lottery registration, each family will be able to select preferences of location and class days/times. Available locations include Nature Preschool at North Chagrin Nature Center and Nature Preschool at Rocky River Nature Center. Offered classes at both locations include:
- 3 days, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday from 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. ($3,069/child)
- 3 days, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday from 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. ($3,069/child)
- 2 days, Thursday and Friday from 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. ($2,046/child)
After entry to the Nature Preschool Lottery Registration closes on February 9, interested families will still be able to sign up on a wait list for the program at no fee.
The drawing for the Nature Preschool Lottery Registration will take place on February 17. Selected applicants will be chosen at random by an automated system, and will be notified by phone and email. To secure entry into the Nature Preschool program, selected applicants must fill out necessary paperwork and pay the tuition deposit ($341 for a 3-day class, $227.33 for a 2-day class) by March 2, 2020.