Nature Kids Preschool

Nature Kids offers a friendly setting for preschoolers to develop social, communication, and motor skills.

Nature Kids offers a friendly setting for preschoolers to develop social, communication, and motor skills.

Nature Kids Program

This nature-based program for preschoolers offered through the Tualatin Hills Nature Center introduces developmentally appropriate activities throughout the year in a curriculum structure that focuses on experiential learning through exposure to nature and the changing seasons. Children will form friendships, learn respect, and have the opportunity to grow with the help of caring teachers and supportive parents in a safe, yet active, natural environment.

Nature Kids 2018-19 Registration

Registration for the 2018-19 school year for all Nature Kids Programs is now open. Please contact the Nature Center at 503-629-6350 to register. To secure enrollment, a non-refundable, one month deposit is required. This deposit secures enrollment and 100% of the payment is applied to the May 2019 tuition. No deposit is required to be placed on the waitlist.

Nature Kids Program Tours

If you would like to set up a time to visit or have any questions, please contact the preschool director, Mary Dolson, or call the Nature Center, 503-629-6350.

Nature Kids at Cooper Mountain (ages 4 through 5)

Nature Kids at Cooper Mountain Nature Park (located at 18872 SW Kemmer Rd., Beaverton) is a nature-based class for preschoolers very similar in structure and curriculm to Ladybugs and Owls. This program is three days a week and provides a strong foundation for children that will enter kindergarten the following year. Children develop skills through a balance of tactile activities, play, and academic experiences. They are given the opportunities and guidance to advance communication and problem solving skills. Numbers, letters and words are introduced through structured nature-based activities and observation of the seasons and rhythms of nature.

Days: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
Times: 9am-noon
Length: September through May
Cost: $259 monthly tuition

Nature Kids at Cooper Mountain (ages 3 through 4)

The Nature Kids program at Cooper Mountain for 3 and 4 year olds is very similar in structure and curriculum to the Chipmunks program and takes place twice a week, providing a positive and nurturing first school experience. Children will enhance their social-emotional developmental skills by learning to follow routines, listen to directions, share and make new friends. While this is mainly a year of socialization and learning through play experiences, children will be introduced to shapes, colors and science through songs, stories, activities and exploratory hikes. Children must be able to use the restroom independently.

Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Times: 9-11:30am
Length: September through May
Cost: $172 monthly tuition

Ladybugs (ages 4 through 5)

The Ladybugs program is three days a week and provides a strong foundation for children that will enter kindergarten the following year. Children develop skills through a balance of tactile activities, play, and academic experiences. They are given the opportunities and guidance to advance communication and problem solving skills. Numbers, letters and words are introduced through structured nature-based activities and observation of the seasons and rhythms of nature.

Owls (ages 4 through 5)

The Owls program is three days a week and provides a strong foundation for children that will enter kindergarten the following year. Children develop skills through a balance of tactile activities, play and academic experiences. They are given the opportunities and guidance to gain communication and problem-solving skills. Numbers, letters and words are introduced through structured nature-based activities and observation of the seasons and rhythms of nature.

Chipmunks (ages 3 through 4)

The Chipmunks program is twice a week and provides a positive and nurturing first school experience. Children will enhance their social-emotional developmental skills by learning to follow routines, listen to directions, share and make new friends. While this is mainly a year of socialization and learning through play experiences, children will be introduced to shapes, colors and science through songs, stories, activities and exploratory hikes. Children must be able to use the restroom independently.

Enjoy a nature adventure and foster your preschooler's natural curiosity. Come together with friends for hands-on activities, songs, stories, crafts and outdoor play. This series is a good opportunity for preschoolers to try and explore nature programs in a safe setting.

Days: Individual sessions available on Tuesdays and some Thursdays, September through May. Take all of the classes or whichever one fits your schedule.
Times: 9:30-11:30 am
Cost: $14 per session