About Us

About Us

Welcome To Nature Start

Our Purpose

To provide a high quality early childhood environment that will meet young children’s developmental needs while initiating them into a life-long, meaningful relationship with the natural world.

Our Philosophy

We believe that children are intrinsically motivated to learn. Adults promote learning by: Providing an environment that encourages discovery, experimentation, and the opportunity to see the results of one’s actions. Developing activities to take children to the next level of understanding based on the children’s abilities and interests. Encouraging divergent thinking and reflection by asking open-ended questions and providing information in response to children’s ideas, insights, and concerns. Assisting children in their interactions with each other and offering opportunities for cooperative learning. Teaming with families to understand children through the wisdom of their first teachers— their parents, and appreciating the individuality of children and celebrating their uniqueness. We believe that Childhood should be joyful and wholesome. We believe that empathy, love, curiosity and respect are the truest foundation of learning.

About Us

What is a Nature-Based Preschool?

Nature-based curriculum encourages healthy minds and bodies. Being connected to nature is wired in the essence of every human being. Through nature-based curriculum, children learn with all of their senses and build a lasting connection with nature.

To be considered a Nature-Based Preschool, nature must be at the heart of the program. While Nature Preschools have the same child development goals as any other high quality preschool, the curriculum and teachers achieve these developmental goals through nature-based experiences. A nature-based preschool provides children with special opportunities to learn about the natural world, while also providing daily opportunities for personal growth and achievement. By connecting young children with the natural world, we hope to inspire a love of nature, and encourage a caring attitude that will follow each child throughout his or her life.

We strive to meet best practices in all areas of early childhood learning and development. Children have opportunities to:

Natural Start Preschool provides many of these experiences through direct interactions with nature. Our program is designed to help children develop physically, cognitively, socially, emotionally, and spiritually in a dynamic and stimulating natural environment.

At Natural Start Preschool, nature-based activities happen indoors and outdoors; in whole groups, small groups, and individually; as planned teacher-facilitated activities, child-initiated interests, and spontaneous pursuits; in the classroom, and outdoors. Children can look at their experiences through the lens of a naturalist as they are given encouragement to: