New Canaan Nature Center Preschool
Since 1967, the New Canaan Nature Center’s Preschool (formerly the Beginner’s Nature Program, or BNP) has been teaching 3, 4, and 5 year old children about themselves, the natural world and the age-appropriate essential building blocks of school. We emphasize hands-on, indoor and outdoor sensory experiences, using the natural world and thoughtfully balanced themes, lessons and activities that grow your child’s skills in all developmental areas. We have created a unique, innovative and scientifically proven nature based curriculum that allows your child’s cognitive, creative, social and physical skills to be nurtured and challenged, guided and grown. In addition to simply being well prepared for kindergarten and beyond, your child’s innate curiosity about and connection with nature will be enriched with accurate, developmentally appropriate, engaging activities and instruction. We believe children learn best through play and opportunities for meaningful, concrete experiences. This active learning allows each child to develop at his/her own pace with the freedom to follow his/her own interests and make choices about daily activities, materials and friendships. Helping a child develop a positive self-image and become socially competent is the best foundation for his/her future. Nature as the venue is the best the world can offer these young children, and these experiences in these early years will last a lifetime. The New Canaan Nature Center’s 40-acre nature preserve just north of the downtown center of New Canaan is ours and your child’s classroom and playground. This campus features diverse habitats including wet and dry meadows and woodlands, two ponds, dense thickets, an old orchard and a cattail marsh, two wildlife observation towers, a bird blind, and two miles of trails that meander across the wooded preserve. In addition, we have a children’s exploration play garden, an active maple sugaring house, an active apple cider making house and apple orchard, a chicken coop with egg-laying chickens, a greenhouse, beehives, live birds of prey on exhibit, including owls, hawks and our bald eagle Glory, reptiles, tarantulas and other invertebrates, and mammals to enhance your child’s learning experiences – these are all regular elements of your child’s experience in our preschool. The New Canaan Nature Center is a privately funded, not-for-profit educational organization dedicated to helping people of all ages better understand, appreciate, and care for the world of nature. Founded in 1960 as a center for nature study and related activities, our 40 acres of meadow, woodlands, streams, ponds, and marshes provide sanctuary for plants as well as animals and comprise an outdoor classroom for all. Over the years the Nature Center has developed many educational facilities and programs for the benefit of area residents. Our Preschool is at the forefront of this vision. Click here to download a map of our 40 acre campus.
Links to Research Supporting NCNC Preschool Mission and Curriculum: Nature & Children’s Health Why Nature and Environmental Education?In our own words...We focus on nature and environmental education, creating an awareness and appreciation for the natural world. This unique preschool accomplishes nature and environmental education goals while addressing the whole child’s developmental needs. We integrate nature and environmental education into our curriculum, not as a separate subject, but rather we infuse it into art, music, math, language and literacy, dramatic play and other curriculum areas. The nature-based curriculum addresses social, emotional, cognitive, creative and physical skills that other curricula are unable to fully attend to. Most of all, we are learning to love - both ourselves and the environment. With persistence, nurturing and encouragement, this love will last a lifetime.
To learn more and visit our preschool, meet our teachers, and tour our classrooms and 40 acre campus, please call Preschool Director, Marianne Kay at (203) 966-9577 x16, or email mkay@newcanaannature.org. We strongly encourage you to attend one of our open houses – this fall’s schedule is below. Preschool Open HousesTuesday, October 4, 2011 Thursday, October 20, 2011 Wednesday, November 16, 2011 Friday, December 9, 2011 Tuesday, January 10, 2012 9:15 or 10:30 A.M.
Click on the links below to download: Licensing & AccreditationOur program is fully licensed by the State Department of Public Health under Connecticut’s Day Care Regulations and is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.Health & Safety at NCNCIn addition to nurturing your child’s growth and development, the health and safety of your child is our highest priority. Our standard safety practices include but are not limited to:
Our Staff & FamiliesClick here to learn about our wonderful staff, hear what our families are saying, and more!
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