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
3 Star rating with Ohio's quality rating system, Step Up To Quality.
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 Nature Preschool is now full for the 2020-2021 school year. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please fill out the following registration form.
2020-2021 Sliding Scale Tuition Information
New this season! From time to time we have families with children who are too young to enroll for Nature Preschool who want to be involved in the Learning Tree Farm Community or want to be kept current on its comings and goings. We have created the “Future Nature Preschool Interest Form” to engage those families. By signing up for this email list you will receive reminders about programming, documentation on learning at community programs, and a heads up when our enrollment periods begin as well as reminders of open houses.
*Please note*, signing up for this email list is NOT enrollment in the preschool or its waitlist. It is for information distribution only. We are so excited to have you join this educational movement in the Miami Valley!
Learning Tree Farm Nature Preschool is partnering with Preschool Promise for the 2020-2021 school year! Click here to find out more!