Our Preschool and Seedling programs run annually from September through June. 

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We have small, mixed-age classes for 18 months to 5 years​

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Our classes include:

Lots of learning and play outdoors! In addition to preschool fundamentals like ABCs and 123s, we offer kid yoga, mindfulness activities, a focus on social and emotional intelligence, earth-centered practices, and lots of creative arts.

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Seedlings

For children 18 months to 3 years old accompanied by a caring adult. ​Friday and Saturday mornings from 10 - 11 a.m. (held seasonally) 

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Our Seedlings program is a stepping stone into the world of education, through purposeful outdoor play. To thrive in this dynamic world, children need outdoor play experiences that deliver the hands-on lessons, valuable social interactions, and restorative activity that can’t be gained from the tap of a screen. Our Seedlings program allows children to enjoy an hour of structured outdoor play, while feeling the security of their parent or guardian nearby. Both adults and children graduate the program feeling confident and equipped for the preschool years ahead.

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Preschool

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For children 3 to 5 years old.  

September thru June, 9  a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

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4 day program:  Mon through Thurs 

2 day program: Mon/Tues or Wed/Thurs 

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Preschoolers with a sibling in K-8th at Nature School of York are given priority in our full day option (9 a.m. -3 p.m.) so families have one pick-up time.

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Our preschool program is a mix of unstructured, self-directed outdoor play along with thoughtful lessons and purposeful activities. In order to foster a sense of belonging to and appreciation of the natural world, we use the lens of nature to learn our ABCs and 123s. We also spend a great deal of time building confidence in the greatest predictor of happiness and success: strong social and emotional skills. We have created a safe, nurturing space where children are free to be themselves and grow at their own pace. Our mixed age classes foster friendship and cooperation rather than competition.

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Nature School of York believes in creating safe, nurturing spaces that protect childhood. We subscribe to the Scandinavian Educational Approach. This approach has proven that by seven years of age children’s skills far surpass their peers in traditional schools if they are unhurried and given time to expand their sense of wonder and curiosity.