All components of a high-quality traditional program are present in a nature preschool, but the environment and medium for learning are outdoors.
Children discover local flora and fauna during their exploration of the environment with staff encouraging curiosity by providing literature, projects, and structure that expand their understanding. Mathematics, science, social, and physical skills are all seamlessly woven into this content.
There is an emphasis on process art (i.e. free painting with a variety of materials chosen by the child) vs. product art (i.e.group projects that look identical). Materials selected compliment the natural classroom spaces found indoors and outside.
About Our Preschool
Our Philosophy
We believe that concrete daily experiences, in nature with ample time to explore, build children’s ability to problem solve and self-regulate. Our emergent and child-centered curriculum allows us to investigate nature and the farm using a multidisciplinary approach. By harnessing children’s natural curiosity, and using multiple senses, we are able to meet children’s developmental needs while creating a deep connection with nature.
We believe that early repeated exposure to the natural world facilitates a growth of personal identity and an understanding of the interconnection between humans and their environments.
To find out more, you are welcome to come and visit our indoor space, meet the Nature Preschool teachers, and learn about the details of our nature-based program. Children are welcome and can play while you tour the space and ask questions. Please fill out the contact form at the bottom of this page to schedule your visit.
Program Highlights
Licensed preschool through the State of Ohio
Mixed age groups of three to five-year-olds
15:3 child to staff ratio
We use Teaching Strategies GOLD for assessment and parent communication
Project based learning with an emergent curriculum and the Reggio-Emilia approach
Lead teachers train in First Aid, CPR, Communicable Disease, and Child Abuse Identification
Incoming students are required to be toilet trained and using underwear*
* Contact our Director, Meredith Florkey with questions regarding this policy
Classes
Our philosophy of education requires that our classes be held outside for the majority of our time. We go out in light rain and snow. Safety precautions are adhered to and we are not out of doors when it is pouring rain, thundering, or lightning. In cases of severe cold temperatures, we limit our outdoor time. Staff work with parents to assure proper clothing and skin protection all times. Students will bring a packed lunch each day. A daily healthy morning snack will be provided.
For the second half of the school year, children who are enrolled in either the Blue Jay or Cardinal class and plan to start Kindergarten the following school year, have the option for more preschool time each Friday. The Friday Falcons class extends the content explored with younger peers earlier in the week but has more of an emphasis on researching (reading), documentation (writing), and performing additional science experiments. This class has an additional cost.
Cardinals
Monday & Wednesday 9:00-1:00
Blue Jays
Tuesday & Thursday 9:00-1:00
Friday Falcons
Teacher recommended
Fridays 9am-1pm (Feb 2018)
Admission
The 2018-2019 Learning Tree Farm Nature Preschool classes are full. In order to be added to the waitlist please send the following registration form to [email protected] or mail to Admissions: 3274 S Union Rd, Dayton, OH 45417. No fee is required unless a spot becomes available for your child.
Each year our admissions process will begin the first week of January for the following school year. For example, January 2019 for the 2019-2020 school year. Registration forms are released the first week of the year. These forms are due mid-february when a lottery drawing is held to fill spaces and to fill in a waiting list should there be more applicants than spots.
2018-2019 LTFNP Registration Form