Nature Preschool offers 3- and 4-year old children a high quality learning environment that meets their developmental needs while initiating them into a life-long, meaningful relationship with the natural world. This program provides discovery-based learning through play, sensory, gross and fine motor activities and creative expression, using the natural world as a catalyst for children’s growth and development.

Children build their knowledge through their first-hand experiences with nature, classroom materials and their relationships with peers and adults. The HighScope^® curriculum includes art, music, social and cognitive skill development and natural science exploration. The children regularly hike to wooded areas, ponds, fields and the Homestead Farm. Classrooms are in the LEED Gold Certified Margaret Ann (Ranny) Riecker Nature Preschool Center and in the Alden B. Dow-designed Visitor Center.

Please direct questions regarding Nature Preschool to Madison Powell, Nature Preschool Director.

Learn More:

About Nature Preschool - Purpose | Philosophy | Curriculum | Parent Handbook | FAQ | How/What We Teach | Play-based Learning

Nature Preschool Registration - Registration Packet | Important Dates | Class Schedules | Tuition & Assistance Information

Nature Preschool Resources -  Research Related to Nature-based Education | Resources | CNC's Nature Preschool Media Coverage

2023-24 Nature Preschool Registration Packet

2023-24 Nature Preschool Placement Request Form
(Note: Child must be 3 or 4 years old by Sept 1, 2023 to be eligible to attend)

Interested families should submit their class preferences online through the Nature Preschool Placement Request Form. Registrations received prior to the placement date will be pooled and children will be placed in sessions by lottery. Registrations received after the placement date will be placed in the order they are received based on availability of sessions.