Nature Kids Preschool

Nature Kids offers a safe and welcoming environment for preschoolers to develop social, communication, and motor skills.

Nature Kids offers a safe and welcoming environment for preschoolers to develop social, communication, and motor skills.

Nature Kids Program

At Nature Kids, we believe that children thrive through hands-on exploration, curiosity-driven discovery, and meaningful connections with the natural world. Our nature-based program immerses children in outdoor experiences that engage all their senses, fostering a deep appreciation for nature while building essential skills for lifelong learning.

Using a nature-based curriculum, we create a positive and supportive environment where children are encouraged to play, create, explore, express ideas, and problem solve. By adopting a strength-based approach, we observe the world through each child’s perspective and adapt our teaching strategies to meet their unique needs. We focus on what children can do and how we can support them to reach their full potential in a nurturing and inclusive environment.

To ensure a comprehensive understanding of each child’s development, we get to know them individually and use documentation to identify their strengths. Guided by the Oregon Early Learning Division (ELD) Guidelines, we establish goals for learning and development that bridge early education and kindergarten. These guidelines encompass areas of development that emphasize practices that are developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive, and linguistically inclusive, honoring the diverse needs of children and families. We continue to evaluate and enhance our program and curriculum following the North American Association for Environmental Education Guidelines for Excellence and the Nature-Based Program Assessment Tool and Guidebook from Minnesota Children and Nature Connection.

Classes for 3-4 year olds provide a positive first school experience, focusing on developing social-emotional and cooperative play skills as they practice routines, listening to directions, and sharing. Children continue to grow their skills in the 4-5 year old class and build a strong foundation for entering kindergarten the following year.

This program is offered through the Tualatin Hills Nature Center and takes place at the Tualatin Hills Nature Center and the Jenkins Estate Gatehouse.

For this program,

• Children MUST be able to use the restroom independently before entering preschool. Pull-ups are not acceptable.
• Children must be the correct age by September 1st.

This Program runs September through May but students may enroll mid-school year.

Tuition is paid on a monthly basis and is due by the 15th of the month prior (example: November tuition is due by October 15th). If payment is received after the 15th, a late fee of $30 will be charged. Tuition is eligible for Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) payments. For more information please visit: https://www.oregon.gov/delc/programs/pages/erdc.aspx.

For more information or to enroll, please contact Rachel Fort, Environmental Education Program Coordinator at r.fort@thprd.org or by calling the Tualatin Hills Nature Center (503) 629-6350.

2026-27 THPRD Preschool Virtual Open House

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 from 5:30 – 6:15 pm

THPRD will host a virtual open house for anyone interested in learning about our THPRD nine-month preschool programs for the 2026-2027 school year. During the event, we will provide an overview of the preschool programs and give attendees an opportunity to ask any questions they may have about the upcoming academic year

Virtual Preschool Open House Link: Join the open house here

2026-27 Registration Opens: Thursday, February 5th, 2026 at 9 am for new enrollment.

The 2026-27 school year will start in September 2026 and run through May 2027. To enroll, there is a $50 non-refundable, registration fee due. Tuition costs are listed above for each class, and the first tuition payment will be due August 15th, 2026.

Watch the THPRD Preschool Virtual Open House for the 2025-26 School Year

Other Nature Center Preschool Programs

Nature Kids Preschool Explorers

Embark on a weekly outdoor adventure filled with songs, stories, art, and imaginative play. Each session fosters curiosity, friendships, and a connection to the natural world. This is a drop off program for children of preschool age, without adult participation, ideal for those new to preschool or seeking a once-a-week enrichment experience. Offered at the Tualatin Hills Nature Center and Cooper Mountain Nature Park

Adult Participation Classes for Preschoolers

Get outside, meet other families, and explore the wildlife on these nature adventures. These adult participation preschool programs require an adult to attend and are offered at the Tualatin Hills Nature Center or Cooper Mountian Nature Park and include Knee High Naturalists, Creature Features, Pequeños Naturalistas, and Art in Nature.