Children in Nearby Nature’s all outdoor preschool program enjoy nature discovery and adventure in our Learnscape Outdoor Classroom and in Alton Baker Park. Sensory exploration, cooperative activities, storytelling, garden discovery, earth art, nature science, and free time in our outdoor play spaces make every day both educational and fun. Through Wonder Keepers, young children develop a personal connection to the natural world, make new friends, and develop confidence through independent exploring.
WHERE:
All outdoors at Nearby Nature’s Learnscape and in Alton Baker Park. Children have a myriad of opportunities to connect with nature in our unique outdoor classroom spaces (Hazelnut Hollow, Squirrel Kitchen, Pollinators’ Playground, and Frog Haven). Our natural play areas (Nature’s Builders Playspace, the Dig Inn Dirt Box, River Run, the Nest, the Sound Garden, and our wonderful sandbox) make learning and play truly hands-on.
Students should always come dressed for the weather. Rain jackets, rain boots, rain pants, hats, mittens, and/or warm coats are essential in the cold and wet months. Covered outdoor areas are available in case of inclement weather.
WHO:
Max 10 preschool children ages 3-5 per day.
One paid instructor plus at least one other adult assistant/intern/volunteer staff each program day.
Minimum ratio of one adult for every five children.
Staff instructors are all experienced educators who have spent many hours outdoors teaching and exploring with children. See instructor bios here.
All staff instructors are First Aid/CPR certified, have passed background checks, and are vaccinated for COVID-19.
WHEN:
8:30am-12:30pm, Monday/Wednesday/Friday (option to enroll for one, two, or three days per week, as space is available).
Flexible drop off and pick up first and last 30 minutes.
2023-24 sessions will open for registration on July 25, 2023
Fall 2023 = September 18-December 15 (no program November 10 or the week of Thanksgiving)
Winter 2024 = January 8-March 22 (no program January 15, February 19, or Spring Break March 25-29)
Spring 2024 = April 1-June 14 (no program May 27)
APPLICATION PROCESS:
An application is required for first time participants. Your online registration will serve as your application. Enter the code APPLY in the coupon code box at online checkout and you will not be charged until we confirm your registration. Once you apply, we will contact you promptly to discuss whether or not our all-outdoor, all-weather program is a good match for your child.
Priority registration will happen from the registration opening day for the next two weeks in this order: 1) prior Wonder Keepers registrants, 2) staff member’s children, 3) siblings of current Wonder Keepers, 4) Wonder Keepers wait-listers from the prior year, 5) families of Nearby Nature program attendees from any program, 6) general applicants. Once the priority registration period is over, registration is open as space is available.
COSTS:
Costs below are for one day per week and vary depending how many of that day are program days per session. Two or three days a week are also available. Register for each day independently.
Fall Season (September 18-December 15): $390-$425 for one day per week for members, $460-$500 for non-members. (No program Friday, November 10 or the week of Thanksgiving.)
Winter Season (January 8-March 12): $320-$390 for one day per week for members, $375-$460 for non-members. (No programs Monday January 15 or Monday February 19 or the week of Spring Break March 25-29.)
Spring Season (April 1-June 14): $355-$390 for one day per week for members, $420-$460 for non-members. (No program Monday May 27.)
Membership costs $60/year and provides discounts for Wonder Keepers, Natural Neighbors, No School Days, and Daycamps and free admission to Nature Quests, Green Start Play Days, and the Haunted Hike. Make sure your membership is current as of the start date of your first program. Contact us to check your status as needed.
SCHOLARSHIP AID:
Financial aid is available through our Every Child Outside Fund. Nearby Nature believes all children should have affordable access to outdoor adventures in nature nearby. To apply for aid, fill out the Scholarship section in our online registration form and use the coupon code ECO at online checkout so you will not be charged until we arrange your financial aid.
REGISTRATION and PAYMENT:
When you register online, you will create an account and your registration information will be saved for future programs.
Once your enrollment is confirmed, a minimum non-refundable deposit of $35 per day of the week session is required to hold your program space. Your full tuition will be due two weeks before your session/s start (or immediately if you are enrolling mid-session).
Payments can be made by credit card online or in person/by mail with check or cash.
Note: Enrollment is on-going. We will prorate your fees due according to when you enroll.
Returning families — please review and update your online information yearly.
If registering online or paying a deposit in advance is not possible for you, or you would prefer to make a payment by check or in cash, please contact us to make arrangements.
(Note that this policy is different from our shorter term programs policy.)
Nearby Nature hopes your year goes as planned and you will not need to withdraw your child from this program. We do understand, however, that sometimes cancellations are unavoidable. If you need to cancel your preschool registration, please do so as far in advance as possible.
Cancellation by 6pm on Monday three weeks before your program starts = full refund minus the non-refundable $35 deposit per day of the week ($15 per day of the week for scholarship recipients).
Cancellation by 6pm on Monday two weeks before your program starts = 50% refund of full session tuition.
No refunds for cancellations after 6pm on Monday one week before your program starts or for cancellations mid-session.
Cancellation by us may happen if there is insufficient enrollment seven days prior to a program session. You will be notified promptly and your full payment refunded.
Questions?
Contact our Garden and Programs Manager, Grace Chollar-Webb, at 541-687-9699 or email programs@nearbynature.org if you have any questions or problems with registration. Please leave a phone number with your voicemail or email if you are having registration problems so that we can solve these as quickly as possible.
Children in Nearby Nature’s all outdoor preschool program enjoy nature discovery and adventure in our Learnscape Outdoor Classroom and in Alton Baker Park. Sensory exploration, cooperative activities, storytelling, garden discovery, earth art, nature science, and free time in our outdoor play spaces make every day both educational and fun. Through Wonder Keepers, young children develop a personal connection to the natural world, make new friends, and develop confidence through independent exploring.
