Nature Pre-K Program
Nestled among 77 acres of Rock Hollow Woods, our Nature Pre-K Program immerses children in the outdoors. Through hands-on discovery and inquiry-based learning, children will explore, discover, and grow with all that nature has to offer. 

We believe that play is an essential method of learning and are inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach*. Children will be exposed to a wide variety of educational opportunities that encourage self-expression, communication, logical thinking, and problem-solving, all while preparing them for the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical challenges of kindergarten. 

​Our Nature Pre-K Program is appropriate for children ages 4 to 5 (Pre-K.) It will be held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:30 - 11:30, running from September 7th, 2021 through May 19th, 2022.

​Holiday Closings & Days Off
  • November 2nd, 23rd, & 25th, 2021 
  • December 23rd, 28th, & 30th, 2021
  • March 10th, 2022
  • April 12th & 14th, 2022

Upon completing registration, families will be contacted to set up a brief tour of Rock Hollow Woods to gain a better understanding of the program.
​

*The Reggio Emilia Approach follows four major principles:
  • Emergent Curriculum. A classroom’s curriculum stems from the particular interests of children. Curriculum topics are derived from talking with children and their families, as well as from things that are known to be interesting to children (puddles, dinosaurs, and so on). Teachers compare notes and observations in team planning sessions to decide which projects would be best suited to children in their classes, what materials will be needed, and how they can encourage parents and the community to become involved.
  • In-Depth Projects. These projects are thorough studies of concepts and ideas based on the information gathered about children’s interests. Projects are often introduced to children as adventures, and can last anywhere from a week or two to the entire year. Teachers act as advisors on these projects, helping children decide in which direction they would like to take their research, how they can represent what they learn, and what materials would be best suited for their representations.
  • Representational Development. This principal takes into account Howard Gardner’s concept of multiple intelligences. The Reggio Emilia approach calls for the presentation of new ideas and concepts in multiple forms, such as print, art, drama, music, puppetry, and so on. Varied presentations ensure that all children have the chance to understand and connect with the concepts being explored.
  • Collaboration. The idea of collaboration is seen as necessary to further a child’s cognitive development. Groups both large and small are encouraged to work together to problem-solve using dialogue, comparisons, negotiations, and other important interpersonal skills. Each child’s voice is heard in order to promote a balance between a sense of belonging to the group and a sense of self.

Our Nature Pre-K Program Director, Michelle Zeitz, is a certified elementary and special educator and is Red Cross certified in CPR and First Aid.
nature_pre-k_program_handbook_2021.pdf
File Size: 103 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File