Nature Preschool

Your child should come dressed in weather-appropriate clothing and footwear each day. In their backpack, they should have a water bottle, tennis shoes, and a change of clothes. 

All participants will get a healthy snack during their day. Morning snack is provided for half-day preschoolers. Full-day preschoolers will receive morning and afternoon snacks. Families provide lunch. 

If your child has any dietary restrictions, please be sure to speak with the teacher and indicate any restrictions/allergies in your registration paperwork. 

Our program is a nature-focused program requiring children to be outside the majority of their day. Please keep this in mind if your child suffers from severe seasonal allergies.

We embrace the idea that there is no such thing as bad weather! We appreciate that changing weather helps children develop resiliency. We find when children have dressed appropriately for the weather, they enjoy the rain, snow, and mud just as much as sunshine.

When the weather does not support a full session of outdoor learning, we may modify the class in the following ways:
 

• Significant Cold/Wind Chill – In significantly cold, we follow a sliding scale of wind and temperature developed by the National Weather Service to determine the appropriate amount of time to spend outdoors. Some winter days may result in shorter outdoor visits or more time spent in the heated high tunnel garden to help balance safety and fun.
• Storms – In the event of a thunderstorm, we will remain in the classroom for 30 minutes after the last lightning strike or boom of thunder. Time spent inside may include investigation stations, stories, journaling, nature-themed activities, or free play.

Little Seeds Nature Preschool has the same child development goals as other high-quality preschools, but the curriculum and teachers achieve these developmental goals through nature-based experiences.
 
We promote open-ended and child-initiated play. We prepare and develop your child’s foundational skills by instilling an early love of learning through inquiry-led and hands-on approaches. We emphasize curiosity and guide students in finding answers to their own questions. Nature Preschool staff are knowledgeable of the Wisconsin and Minnesota Early Learning Standards and incorporate opportunities for children to engage in these skills throughout the week. 

Our outdoor classroom includes nature-inspired exploration of music, art, science, math, literacy, and dramatic play, as well as opportunities to practice both fine and large motor skills. Time spent outdoors and in various habitats promotes development in observation, self-regulation, and risk assessment. Weekly nature journaling allows for practice in reflection, writing, and drawing. All of these skills combine to provide an outstanding foundation for holistic growth and grade school readiness. 

Little Seeds uses an integrated approach to curriculum. As teachers we will be facilitators of learning, taking our lead from the interests of our students. We thrive on seasonally-relevant themes, child-led interests, and emergent curricula. The emergent curriculum evolves directly from what is relevant, interesting, and meaningful to the students. Using an inquiry-based teaching model, children are able to wonder and ask questions about discoveries and observations. It is then the job of the teacher/guide to provide students with materials and hands-on explorative opportunities in order for them to form their own reasoning and theories. 

Through interest-led, experiential learning, a deeper understanding takes place that is meaningful to the child. Indoor and outdoor activities are designed to expand on the interests of the children and reflect what is going on in the world around them. Research shows us that if a child is interested in a topic then they will internalize so much more about a subject.

We believe that all children develop at their own pace and that they learn through play, our program is set up to meet those fundamental needs. With our small class sizes, teachers are able to really focus on each child’s needs. The social and emotional support we are able to test benefit. Laying the foundation for “root” skills that all of us need to thrive within our communities.

• Minnesota – Little Seeds Nature Preschool and YMCA Camp Daycroix are licensed under the State of Wisconsin childcare licensing standards.
• Wisconsin – Little Seeds Nature Preschool and YMCA Camp Ihduhapi are licensed under the State of Minnesota childcare licensing standards.

We have an accommodations process that enables us to work with families to determine if we can safely meet the needs of participants. We will discuss alternatives and determine if we can provide a safe environment that fosters learning and a positive experience for all. 

Please contact Customer Service to schedule a visit, see our facilities, and meet the staff.

We never want to turn anyone away because of their financial situation. Please visit our Scholarships page to learn more.