Program Structure
Our pre-k program is structured in monthly sessions and occur once a week for 4 weeks. Each session is 2 hours long and consists of indoor and outdoor time. We maintain a small class size of 10 seats to maximize a child-centered experience. We use an inquiry-based child-centered approach that is designed and facilitated by a master teacher to teach a curriculum intended for children ages 3-6 with the eintire family included. We also have Master Naturalist volunteers that provide expert support.
Program Rhythm
We typically start each session with open-play. This allows everyone to adjust to a group dynamic. During this time we also offer a a healthy morning snack and coffee because know nourishment is essential to learning and caregiving. Then we gather together for a story which will introduce our topic of learning for that day. Next, we take a group nature walk outside to expand on our topic. Lastly, participants are given process art time to create a piece of art that relates our topic.
Program Environment
At the core, this program focuses on developing and cultivating naturalistic intelligence for all participants. Our outdoor space is a natural setting where we encourage exploration. We invite participants to engage in the natural environment as well as staged loose-parts activities. Our loose parts are sourced from natural or recycled materials. For process art time, we use high-quality nontoxic supplies and integrate recycled materials. When we engage in process art, participants are truly considered artists and their art is referred to as “art pieces” or “work” using a variety of mediums. We typically don’t provide a finished product or example to remove as many limitations to creative expression.