Nature Preschool Enrolling for 2022-23 School Year

Nature Preschool at Chippewa Nature Center, located at 400 S Badour Rd in Midland, will begin registration for the 2022-23 school year, its 16th year of operation, on Monday, December 6. Classes are held entirely outdoors, except in the event that Michigan weather prevents from providing a safe learning environment. Nature Preschool is open to children who will be 3 or 4 years old by September 1 for two, three or four half-day sessions per week September through May.

Nature Preschool offers students a high quality learning environment that meets their developmental needs while initiating them into a life-long, meaningful relationship with the natural world through experiences such as discovery-based learning through play, sensory exploration, large and fine motor activities, creative expression, making friends and developing social skills. Nature Preschool is unique in that it uses the natural world as a catalyst for children’s growth and development. Children have daily experiences outdoors in the play areas and on CNC property. The children regularly hike to wooded areas, ponds, fields and the Homestead Farm. Classes are held in two locations – the Gold LEED certified Margaret Ann (Ranny) Riecker Nature Preschool Center and in a dedicated classroom in the Visitor Center.

Nature Preschool uses the play-based HighScope® curriculum which includes a focus on exploration, social and cognitive skills, fine and large motor development, and academic learning outcomes. Seasonal changes and child interest drive the daily Nature Preschool preschool experience. Children will build their knowledge through first-hand experiences with nature, classroom materials and their relationships with peers and adults.

If it is determined that class will be indoors for the day, families will receive an email as early as possible, who can then choose whether to send their child to school that day. If class must move indoors during the day, parents will be notified and may plan for early pick up if they wish. If class must stop meeting in person due to COVID-19, virtual lessons (recorded videos, live virtual meetings and written resources) will be delivered.

Interested families should submit their class preferences online through the 2022-23 Nature Preschool Placement Request Form free of charge at www.chippewanaturecenter.org/nature-preschool. Registration information packets are available online, by calling 989-631-0830 or at CNC, and applications are being accepted now.

Questions regarding Nature Preschool should be directed to Madison Powell, Nature Preschool Director, at 989-631-0830 or mpowell@chippewanaturecenter.org.