What is Nature Preschool?

Children cannot bounce off the walls if we take away the walls.

- Erin Kenn

A nature preschool’s program is based on high-quality practices of both early childhood education and environmental education. A nature preschool uses the natural world to support dual goals that address both child development as well as conservation values. Nature is both the classroom and a teacher, and learning happens almost exclusively outdoors.

Research suggests that nature enhances children’s development, including:

Promoting social and emotional development
Enhancing communication skills
Improving academic performance
Providing mental health benefits
Promoting physical activity

Our Philosophy and Pedagogy

Our Pedagogical approach is a multi-faceted one that has been inspired by a variety of philosophers, early childhood educational theorists, naturalists, environmentalists, and educators regarding how children develop and learn best.

While play in nature is at the heart of our curriculum, social and emotional learning, music, art, science, literacy, and math, are all addressed through experiences in nature.

We are committed to these principles:

Low teacher to child ratios
Play-based curriculum: nature is the best venue for imaginative play, active play, play with loose parts, and problem solving.
Child-led inquiry and curriculum development based upon the interests of children
Emphasis on empowering children through positive guidance
Frequent, immersive experiences in nature in a variety of weather
Environmental stewardship
Respect for all living things
Today’s children are tomorrow’s environmental stewards

Our Goals

To help each child grow and learn through developmentally appropriate practices
To prepare each child to succeed both socially and academically
To foster a love for, and connection to, the natural world

We are working diligently to provide a clean, safe environment for you, but with all things related to COVID-19 there is inherent risk. It is up to you to choose to use the HRCA amenities, knowing that you assume risk when gathering with other people and visiting other facilities.