Our Staff and Families

"NCNC is exactly what I was looking for my first child who joined when she was three. The classrooms are bright and happy places. They are full of stimulating and enjoyable activities. I have found the teachers nurturing, enthusiastic, and very quick to respond. My child has especially enjoyed the animals introduced by the naturalists and their walks full of discovery. It is exactly what I wanted my child’s first school experience to be. Now my second child is enjoying it as well."
- From a New Canaan mom of a 7 year old girl and 4 year old boy

“I chose the Nature Center for our son after a recommendation from my sister-in-law who sent her three children there. I had no idea how to judge a preschool program since it was my first time doing this, but now that I'm immersed in the world of preschool, I feel so fortunate that I was steered in the direction I was. While the preschool program at the Nature Center covers all the basics that are needed to prepare our children for kindergarten, I appreciate the manner in which the basics are taught. Children are individually encouraged based on their age, skill set and personality. This approach has allowed the kids to thrive and develop their skills without any pressure. I think the sense of achievement is just that much richer because of it. Beyond the academics, the Nature Center has one thing that few other programs can offer- the second classroom- the outdoors. The year-round outdoor activities (excluding extreme weather days) are fantastic for the kids. They love being able to explore the elements of each season with their enthusiastic teachers as they take their daily nature walks. At three years old my son spoke of the development of a "chrysalis" (big word for three years old!), habitats, recycling and composting! I love that he is learning about the world in unique ways. Our daughter will be starting the 3's program this Fall, and the newest member of our family will follow in kind. We believe that our children get the best preschool experience our town has to offer here at the New Canaan Nature Center!”
- From a New Canaan mom of a 4 year old boy, 3 year old girl and 8 month old girl.

"I chose The New Canaan Nature Center Preschool because it offers children an amazing gift. That gift is an education in and about our natural world at a time when their minds are most open to receiving it. It is a truly unique and holistic experience for them and one which they will cherish for the rest of their lives. My 5 year old son, a graduate of the NCNC Preschool, was more simplistic. When asked his favorite thing about school, he replied "reading a book at the campfire,” and when asked what he learned about, he replied "footprints and bats.”
- From a Darien mom of a girl and four boys, ages 3 – 11 years old

"Enrolling our son in The Nature Center Preschool program was an easy decision for us after moving from New York City. With seemingly endless acres to explore, and the opportunity to learn about the outside world, and life itself, by experiencing it firsthand, the Nature Center Preschool seemed, and indeed turned out to be, incredibly special and unique. The program fosters a love of learning - - a priceless gift I hope my children take with them through the many years of school that lie ahead and into life beyond. As parents, we especially love the open-ended invitation to join the class while they take their Nature walks every day.”
- From a New Canaan mom of a 5 year old boy and 3 year old girl

“I wanted to take a few minutes to let you know how wonderful the New Canaan Nature Center Preschool has been for our children. As you know, our family moved this past summer. Our twin girls started Kindergarten this fall and we had our first parent-teacher conferences last week. Both Kindergarten teachers asked us where our girls went to preschool. Both teachers commented on how both girls are advanced in their “social, leadership and academic” abilities. One commented that she felt our daughter was very “worldly” for her age. I wanted to share these wonderful comments with you. I strongly feel my girls were blessed with the most amazing teachers throughout their time in the NCNC Preschool Program. All of you are very warm, nurturing, encouraging, caring and positive individuals. The program has a wonderfully, unique platform that allows children to encounter and be exposed to experiences that few other preschools have the ability to do. Our family was and still is very involved with our children’s education and experiences. We feel the teachers really worked with us to ensure we focused on the appropriate things at home to assist in our children’s development. One of the most difficult things about moving out of New Canaan was leaving the amazing people at NCNC Preschool. We currently have our 3 year old daughter enrolled in a preschool program here in our new hometown. While it is a good program and she enjoys it very much, I often feel sad that she will not be able to have the same amazing experiences as her twin sisters. I hope this email finds all of you doing well and that the Nature Center experienced another wonderfully successful Fall Fair.
With Warmest Regards"
- From a mother and father of 3 girls, ages 6, 6, and 3 sent to their former teachers in October 2010

Towns Represented by our Families
NCNC Preschool families come from New Canaan, Darien, Stamford, Norwalk, Ridgefield, Rowayton, and Wilton, to name a few. Our school calendar follows the New Canaan Public Schools calendar, which is very similar to the school calendars for these other towns as well.