News Articles

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 4, 2017

CONTACT:
Jamie Hockstra
Director of Marketing and Communication
989.631.0830 | 989.631.7070 f
[email protected]


Nature Preschool 2018-19 Registration Now Open

Nature Preschool at Chippewa Nature Center (CNC), located at 400 S Badour Rd in Midland, is now accepting registrations for the 2018-19 school year, its 12th year of operation. Nature Preschool can accommodate 126 students in two, three or four half-day sessions, and is open to children who will be 3 or 4 years old by September 1. Classes are held in two locations – the Gold LEED certified Margaret Ann (Ranny) Riecker Nature Preschool Center and the Alden B. Dow-designed Nature Study Building.

Nature Preschool offers students a high quality learning environment that meets their developmental needs while initiating them into a life-long, meaningful relationship with the natural world through experiences such as discovery-based learning through play, sensory exploration, large and fine motor activities, creative expression, making friends and developing social skills. Nature Preschool is unique in that it uses the natural world as a catalyst for children’s growth and development. Children have daily experiences outdoors in the play areas and on the Chippewa Nature Center property. The children regularly hike to wooded areas, ponds, fields and the Homestead Farm.

Based upon seasonal changes, the curriculum includes art, music, social and cognitive skill development, gross and fine motor skill development and natural science exploration. Children will build their knowledge through first-hand experiences with nature, classroom materials and their relationships with peers and adults.

Registration information packets are available at www.chippewanaturecenter.org/nature-preschool, by calling 989-631-0830 or at CNC, and applications are being accepted now. NEW THIS YEAR! Interested families should submit their class preferences online through the 2018-2019 Nature Preschool Placement Request Form. Registrations received prior to the placement date will be pooled and children will be placed in sessions by lottery. Registrations received after the placement date will be placed in the order they are received based on availability of sessions.

Placements for current and alumni families will begin January 8. Placements for new families will begin February 1, then on an ongoing basis until all slots are filled. There will be an open house on Thursday, January 25 from 6 to 8 pm. The whole family is invited to see the indoor and outdoor classrooms and play areas and meet the teachers!

Questions regarding Nature Preschool should be directed to Madison Powell, Nature Preschool Director, at 989-631-0830 or [email protected].

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Chippewa Nature Center is a non-profit organization whose mission is to connect all people with nature through educational, recreational and cultural experiences. Enjoy free admission to 19+ miles of trails from dawn-to-dark, 365 days a year. The Visitor Center, located at 400 S Badour Rd, is open 8 am-5 pm Monday-Saturday and 12-5 pm Sunday and select holidays. Learn more at www.chippewanaturecenter.org.