Farm School for Ages 3-6
“If facts are the seeds that later produce knowledge and wisdom, then the emotions and the impressions of the senses are the fertile soil in which the seeds must grow. The years of early childhood are the time to prepare the soil.”
-Rachel Carson (1965)
Learn more about our registration process here. See tuition and fees here.
Financial aid is available and awarded on a yearly basis, based on need. Please register for program before applying for financial aid.
Applications for 2021-22 scholarships are due by March 1, 2021.
2020-21 SCHOOL YEAR ENROLLMENT INFORMATION
Preschool Enrichment Program
(Ages 3-4)
CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR SPRING 2021
Play is the work of the preschool age child. At Nature Connect we foster a child’s sense of wonder and play through games, songs and stories. Each day has a theme that explores the natural world through movement, play and curiosity. Crafts using materials found in the woods help to develop fine motor skills and an appreciation for our natural resources. Children are also introduced to plant, animal, and bird, identification through stories and direct observation.
Days: Wednesdays and/or Fridays
Dates: September 16, 2020 - May 28, 2021
Times: 9:00am - 1:00pm
Location: Seahorse Stables
See calendar for holidays and breaks
Enrollment requirements:
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Children must be proficient with toileting, know when they need to go to the bathroom and be able to communicate this to teachers.
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Because we learn in an outdoor classroom without walls, children must be able to stay with the group and follow instructions most of the time.
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Children must show respect towards peers, teachers, nature, and farm property.
Pre-K/Kindergarten Enrichment Program
(Ages 4-6)
CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR SPRING 2021
Our kindergarten enrichment program is for families looking to create a balance between remote learning and socialization through nature-based play in a small group setting. This class is tailored for kindergartners and is meant to supplement their homeschool/virtual school studies. Hands-on lessons in our living classroom develop the whole child through gardening, animal care, mindfulness and free play with curiosity and community as our guide. Crafts using materials found in the woods and on the farm help to develop fine motor skills and an appreciation for our natural resources. We lay the foundation for a love of learning through outdoor experiences that encourage a child's physical, mental and social growth. Learn about our curriculum and teaching philosophies here.
Days: Tuesdays *WAITLIST*, Thursdays *WAITLIST* and/or Fridays *WAITLIST*
Dates: September 15, 2020 - May 28, 2021
Times: 9:00am - 1:00pm
Location: Seahorse Stables
See calendar for holidays and breaks
Enrollment requirements:
-
Children must be proficient with toileting, know when they need to go to the bathroom and be able to communicate this to teachers.
-
Because we learn in an outdoor classroom without walls, children must be able to stay with the group and follow instructions most of the time.
-
Children must show respect towards peers, teachers, nature, and farm property.
What makes us unique?
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Outdoor Education - We spend all of our class time outdoors, unless there is severe weather. This means we get dirty and even play in the rain! We love exploring in the woods and around the farm. If we do need an indoor space, we have a classroom where we can continue our studies.
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Small Class Size and Low Teacher to Student Ratio - We keep our class size small and our teacher to student ratio is one:six (or better), which means individual attention and care to each child's needs.
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Highly-Trained Staff who Love what they Do - We hire the highest quality teachers in the area because we know who is with your child is incredibly important. Our teachers are well-trained, trustworthy, and experienced caregivers who love the work they do. Nature Connect provides ongoing staff development and opportunities for continuing education.
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Room for Creative Play - We believe that children are meant to play and use their imaginations. This is what makes childhood special. Our staff see themselves as facilitators of the children's experience, holding the space for them to explore, learn, and play in the outdoors.
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Physical Activity - We run, jump, slide, balance, and climb all throughout the day. Nature is the best playground! Children develop their physical capabilities and learn to be resilient in our classes. If the children need rest, we certainly make space for that to happen as well. Whatever the child's energy level, we work with it.
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Nature-Based Curriculum - Our curriculum is focused on our local environment and the plants and animals that live here. If we find a turtle in the woods or stumble upon a mushroom, that becomes our lesson. We believe learning happens best when children have that "spark" in their eye. While we intentionally plan our days, we are also willing to toss out our "plan" for what we discover in nature. Read more about our curriculum and philosophies here.
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Inquiry Learning - We love children's innate sense of curiosity and we want to foster that. Therefore, we encourage the children to ask lots of questions. We then discover the answers or have fun wondering together.
What does a day at Farm School look like?
9:00am - Welcome and Drop-off
9:15am - Opening Circle
9:30am - Snack & Story Time
9:45am - Bathroom Break
10:00am - Morning Lesson/Activity
10:30am - Nature Exploration (Hike, Wander & Play)
11:15am - Bathroom Break
11:30am - Lunch
12:00pm - Animal Care
12:30pm - Afternoon Lesson/Activity
12:45pm - Closing Circle
1:00pm - Dismissal